How to sketch flowers before you paint.

In this sketching tutorials, I will show you how to draw flowers before you paint. I will show you different sketching drills to practice muscle memory, simple floral shapes, and multiple flower shapes to practice. I will show you how I draw before I paint with watercolor, but these techniques will help you with any medium you're painting with. This video shows my floral sketching essentials...
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How to sketch a basic flower: • How to sketch a basic ...
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Flowers: • The Complete Beginner'...
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MUSIC: paid for and licenses acquired from Artlist.
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Warm-up Drills
02:37 - Simple floral doodle practice
04:46 - Simple leaves
06:00 - Understanding petals to stem
06:47 - Now more complex flowers
10:19 - What REALLY helps with foundations…
11:08 - Another flower shape sketch.
13:12 - Sketching before painting
14:33 - This is transformative.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Let me know below what the biggest lightbulb moment was for you! 💡👇🏻Don't miss my course The Art Within! We cover sketching and watercolor fundamentals, discover creative style, and how to get into "flow state" for optimal creative mindset. Check it out: www.jennarainey.com/the-art-within // If you want more monthly watercolor tutorials, I offer ad-free Patreon-exclusive tutorials and live art classes on my Patreon. www.jennarainey.com/patreon

[@ravenwild5184]

Thank you for exercises and basics. I had a horrible experience with an art teacher which made me stop trying when my heart longed to do art. At 68 I am now choosing to allow myself to play after over 50 years. Blessings 🎆

[@piratessalyx7871]

You wouldn’t think an art teacher would be that abrasive would you? I have always loved arts and crafts since a child. In college I took a Advertising and Art class and was amazed at the criticism of my teacher on a Billboard project. My Billboard was for dog food and had a pooch rolling on the floor in the foreground playing with the empty dog food tin in his up stretched paws , while you can see his play-ball is abandoned behind him. My slogan. “Put the rascal back in your dog with Rascal dog food”. My teacher to my surprise said this to me.....which I thought was way off. He said pets and babies are cute but are not a good source for advertising.....are you kidding me. Tons of dog and cat food commercials, diaper commercials etc. And he was the art director for Head Shampoo if anyone remembers that product ( which I adored back then).

[@maggiereid1431]

This is my same story, I just started thinking to try again because of KZbin tutorials like this at 60 years old!

[@ravenwild5184]

@@piratessalyx7871 not sure why I never saw this. I don't know how old you are but all the rage was babies in ads when I was young. Johnson's baby shampoo, Ivory soap, Gerber's baby food...all used cute babies in print and tv. And I also recall lots of pets. There was an innocence and naivete that isn't prevalent in this day and age. However, I love your Ad idea. The problem with creativity is it's so subjective. I hope you are still being creative and following your heart.

[@ravenwild5184]

@@maggiereid1431 Good for you, good for both of us! 💖

[@rebeccapage4411]

From a professional educator: I am amazed at your teaching skill! You communicated clearly and concisely, a rare ability for a pro artist. I also realized the hand warm ups would be a fantastic way to keep fountain pens running well.

[@taishakuten5141]

What tips can you give if you cannot draw something from your memory? I can only draw something if I’m looking at my subject. This is why I stray away from arts 😢

[@mgrayfox59]

Keep watching, keep watching..... What to do with "me" who hates to draw!! Crazy I know. I have a mental block against drawing. Took a drawing class years ago and learned at 42, wow I can draw....but I don't enjoy it!! I want ti get in with the pretty colors. I'm definitely what Jenna calls a color nurd! Will sit for hours playing with color theory. Please help me push through this issue😊

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

After having watched this I will be taking my small sketchbook with me wherever I go! I am a total beginner and turning 84 in a week, but I love learning everything about this art. Yesterday I did your tutorial on sketching trees and that is when I got the light bulb moment about looking at things in shapes. This is so, so helpful and am so glad I have found your site.

[@alisonC4HG]

Even your sketches are so beautiful. I love how your childhood punishment helped grow you as an awesome artist

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

lol 💕

[@bethwhelan3658]

I now carry a small art book and clutch pencil everywhere. Instead of wasting my down time on games on the phone I’m doodling your exercises - unless I am watching your videos. Thank you so much for your clarity and gentle teaching methods. I’ll be in Bali for a month soon so will have time to take your online courses practice and paint. Again thank you lovely girl 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💕💕

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Literally everything about your comment is so lovely. Putting the phone down and giving time to creativity. In BALI for a month to paint. Yes plz! Have so much fun, Beth! 💕

[@paulamoore7525]

So often, art can feel out of reach, but this particular tutorial helps me develop the skill in sketching and I feel like practicing can help me discover my own artistic style.

[@ritaputatunda]

I am a self-taught artist.. and flowers are my favorite painting subject.. I found your video very helpful and insightful.. thank you for sharing your expertise.. and of course, I have subscribed..

[@kristinecrowley8321]

Thank you! This was actually so helpful. Usually tutorials consist of an artist just drawing the subject and you are meant to follow along or copy their work but that doesn’t help. Breaking it down into shapes and steps and phases of detail helps make it make so much more sense!

[@klea6133]

So cool when you see the flower come to life from the start of sketch…thanks for sharing! Very helpful for future reference!

[@tdown1052]

Thank you so much for all your content! Between this and your Patreon content, it helps me to instruct others to work with watercolor. Teaching homeschool students abroad is so much more fun with your advice on flow state and warmup exercises! I always share your content with those wanting to learn more about watercolor painting. I’m waiting on your beginner guide book off Amazon as we speak :D

[@Artystrique]

This was really helpful! I found you accidentally but your sketching instruction, and the explanation of muscle memory caused a lot of things to fall into place for me. I've had art classes where they cover basic shapes, and perspective, and then they sort of throw you in on your own. They don't really tell you *why* you need to practice, or *how* to practice. There's a 'middle ground' between basic drawing and full sketching which nobody seems to cover, and you hit it. I wish someone would do a lot more of this middle ground for overall drawing. Thanks so much!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad this was helpful for you! Thanks for sharing!

[@rmuller366]

Excellent video! Thank you Jenna! Blessings to you and everyone!

[@kennethwood7535]

Im glad i found your video....just back to drawing and painting after long time away from it...was thinking of flowers but have not done water colours i will try and do sketching first then some painting.thank you

[@consueloyoung4484]

I am in love with your tutorial skills!!!. You are so easy to follow and learn from. This tutorial was immensely helpful, something I have been keeping busy with is “zentangle”, very helpful in the art of sketching.

[@downrightdaffy3692]

I especially enjoyed your explanation and instruction of the cone shaped flowers💗 I personally love the sketchy lines left in the watercolor painting. Sensei Shibasaki-san does this style a lot.😍😻😍

[@andreakoronkiewicz6938]

This is exactly what I needed - thank you so much. I'll definitely be enrolling in the art within course - I'm super excited!

[@maryhazlett]

This was very helpful. Finding the shapes, and determining whether I want a sketch or painting. Thank you!

[@yasandiperera4470]

Great video. Nice breakdown and explanation of the process. Certainly interesting in checking out the course ❤

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

This is a fabulous video. So helpful and interesting! Thank you so much!

[@ButterFly-cw7sj]

I always love your videos! That was very helpful Jenna. Thank you so much!!! Hugs!!! ❤️🤗🙏

[@daniellesampatis1785]

Best tutorial I've seen on basics. Thank you so much ❤

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

Great video with brilliant insight. Foundations are ALWAYS the most important, having those solid fundamentals allows us to journey in all areas and arenas in art. Foundations like sketching are the master keys to opening all the doors. It allows your to see differently and in the moment. Sketching is that very thing that gets you in the flow. Thank you for this brilliant instruction and for allowing us the opportunity to grow with your insight and wisdom. ✨🧡✨

[@marlenedelvecchio8074]

Thank you so much! I really needed this video, so helpful!😊

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

Jenna, I love your way of explaining, thank you. My dad was an artist and I remember him drawing his cross whenever he sketched faces or any other subject. A wonderful video !

[@mary12rose]

Thank you, you're a very good teacher. I learned a lot!

[@reneecailloux2573]

thanks for the practice exercise. Working on it today. I love the 1st type of flower. It seems that it's all in the flow of your hand (if that makes sense)

[@jcd8381]

This was extremely informative. The way you demonstrate how to transform a circle into petals is geared to increasing the level of success of your followers.

[@mariannekeller7504]

Thank you so much!! I'm trying to learn to sketch ad need lots of guidance! Would love more!

[@oodlez_uv_doodlez]

This was very helpful! Thank you! 😊

[@bonniecourtney1911]

Ha! Phone cords!!! I bet there are some people out there that have never seen a phone cord. ;)

[@danpost4755]

Great explanation and variation. Thanks for putting this content out for us all. 😊

[@oodlez_uv_doodlez]

Ok. I watched this video yesterday. (Keep in mind ..I'm a completely new beginner.) I am doing these exercises on my digital tablet for now and love it! In this short amount of time...I have improved enough to see and feel a difference! 💖😊 thank you so much as I also do art for therapy. I am going through chemo right now. This has helped me so much. I will be looking into your class soon!

[@nanakellyacker]

This helps so much! Thank you!

[@rebeccanewberry3176]

So helpful! Thank you

[@joanneferguson9297]

John thank you for letting every one that darkly is a word, I knew it.

[@cannabis1490]

EXACTLY what I been searching for! Thanks. Appreciated.

[@lovelucy]

thank you jenna for these informative videos! they are so helpful thank you

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You’re so welcome! 💕

[@annieb8955]

This is really great! Thank you so much!

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Jenna, thank you🥰

[@KLeonardM]

Brilliant. I haven't tried Watercolor but I could see myself doing this with acrylic. New sub. Thanks so very much. Going to check out your course and hopefully it's affordable for me.

[@sardiniangirl1866]

Thank you great tutorial nice and simple to follow ❤

[@TalythaBrody-qk3ox]

I just started call me newbee. Lol I truly get more from your videos way more than I had hoped so thank you so much for inspiring me.😊 .

[@AshmaGurung-fu2fw]

thankyou !! this really helpsss

[@SandraRiverol]

This is inspiring and so encouraging! Thank you!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You're welcome, Sandra! 💕

[@renee1292]

So very helpful! I can't wait for The Art Within to launch.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

🤗🤗🤗

[@yensdays]

thanks. that was SOOOOO helpful!!!!

[@manondesrochers5729]

I love your teaching style. It’s been very helpful to me, new watercolor artist. Thanks

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad you connect with my teaching!

[@ladonnacook5159]

This was awesome Jenna! Thank you

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad you liked it! 💕

[@blyth3349]

This is so helpful! Thanks Jenna 🤗

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad it was helpful, Blyth! 💕

[@deborahhardison9974]

Jenna, I love watching your videos I'm definitely going to start water color painting I was into acrylic painting water color seems alot easier

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

repetitive action definitely helps with muscle memory... lol I also drew squiggly doodles in my book too fun punishment for sure

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Nice! They’re oddly satisfying!

[@cmonaco577]

Thank you, Carol 🙂

[@fareehanazeer2368]

I just opened to see if there is new video n i am the first one here 😅 I think I should calm down 🤔

[@mywifetheartist]

Great video. Thanks.

[@greentea6]

👍love your teaching of sketching. Very helpful. Thanks a lot ❣️

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You’re welcome!

[@annawoods5184]

Love, love, love…another awesome vid😍😍😍

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

💕💕

[@toniariana3017]

Thank you!! I usde to be so creative before nursing school. But my studies and work have taken away all my free time and thus my creativity! It makes me a bit sad. Excited to water color again today 😊

[@Skunkforge]

Ooh, I need to practise some of those cone-shaped flowers. My flowers always look so flat!

[@susandevine714]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! 💕

[@samanthadurfee5451]

I found this really interesting. I always use charcoal to sketch and find it challenging to stick to pencil but I think maybe doing practices in pencil might help.

[@kareng8726]

I’m needing a good mechanical pencil. I definitely need this lesson. Please lmk which one you use. Thank you Jenna!

[@susiemejia7917]

Thank you for this video.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You’re welcome!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! 💕

[@GraceBlossoms4U]

Great tips. Darkly is a word 😊

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Sounded weird, definitely a word! Haha

[@Lollybelle1]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you! Also that pallette is brilliant - do you have a link to where it's from?

[@sillybugMaryam]

You're the best

[@larryglatt2548]

You have a great interesting style of teaching. One question: do you have an easy way to draw leaves with saw tooth borders/edges? Thank you

[@lougremm6762]

Thank I haven't painted/sketched since 1 was 16. I'm now 55. I enjoyed your lesson so much. 😊 How much are your courses. This is something I would like to get good at so I can include it with my cards I make. Thank you so much.

[@josinawashington6744]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for making it so clear.❤

[@yukiyoung5829]

You make me remember when i still high school I love Doodle too XD

[@karolmcswain6728]

I love the porcelain palette you are using in this video. Where can we find one, please? Thanks!

[@millymills7153]

Thank you. Glad I found you. Do you have a video on drawing houses

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Hey Milly! I'm glad you found my channel too! I do not have a video on drawing houses, but that's a great idea for a future video!

[@cutedays]

❤❤❤❤

[@jacintacesp]

The s takes a lot of practice!

[@karamyoussef3362]

I like your pallette very much and wonder where to get one like this ? 😘

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Sylvan Clayworks!

[@jennycamilleri7438]

❤

[@GGByrd]

I was born left handed but in school I was forcefully switched to my hand. Everyone in my family has incredible artistic talent; however, I am really struggling with all attempts with artist endeavors. Would you have any idea if my hand shift would be my block? Thank you so much and I appreciate your videos - beautiful work.

[@junelune2344]

Thanks you havevh r k P Ed me alot❤

[@AnnaEmert]

Great video. I can draw well but I can't leave out detail. Just a habit. So I have taken to drawing the whole scene and saving that drawing. Then I trace with graphic the drawing I make. For little things I would not do that and it takes me way longer to get to the painting stage. I need to follow your loose tutorials to break that habit I think.

[@barbarabrown6002]

What is the little thing on your desk that you rest your brushes on while painting?

[@KLeonardM]

Jenna can you please tell me about pricing ?

[@jamesmcmurtry203]

What pencil are you using?

[@attyaikiplans]

May I know what lead to use when sketching first before the watercolor? 2H or 3H? Thank you in advance

[@marlenedelvecchio8074]

Jenna, I’m struggling with this & I think it maybe because I’m a lefty, as strange as that sounds. Any thoughts that could help? I am a Patron to your channel & I have downloaded your Complete Guide to Beginner Water Color. I’ve been using watercolor for a few years, mostly landscapes & also I started with acrylic’s . But my joy is watercolor. Thank you!

[@pennywheeler2598]

Jenna, is the course, The Art Within recorded or live. I work and cannot be there for any live classes. Thanks, Jenna🎨

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

It’ll be recorded, go at your own pace, watch/replay at any time.

[@sardiniangirl1866]

What is the pen your using

[@sedaakkaya9360]

Türkçe altyazı gelsin Please

[@yoadrienne]

interesting that your parents used doodling as a punishment. did that not have a negative impact on your wanting to draw? associating the negativity with drawing?

[@Obie88]

Hahaha my mom and my teachers from elementary school would made me do those exercises. Long story short. Supposedly I had a bad hand writing and I ended up being a self taught calligrapher! Thank you for the tutorial. I learned something new.