Let's Paint a Peony | Watercolor Tutorial with Sarah Cray

Jump to Tutorial ➝ 12:21
Beginner artists and advanced painters alike, the realistic style of this Peony watercolor project is one you'll love! This one is all about slowing down and building layers. Just as flowers take time to bloom, so do watercolor paintings! Follow along with watercolor artist Sarah Cray in this free tutorial to watch this flower come to life one layer at a time.
Get all the kit here ➝ bit.ly/peony-kit
Get the outline here ➝ bit.ly/peony-outline
Get the brushes and butcher palette here ➝ bit.ly/watercolor-combo
Or join Sarah each month with her watercolor art box here ➝ bit.ly/yt-Watercolor

[@cherylwinings4684]

When you said you interviewed for a teaching job and didn't get the job I said out loud to myself lol God had other plans. Here you are teaching so many more people than you'd ever reach before. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@judettelmoe8339]

I would like a watercolor coloring book.

[@mezina92]

First off, I LOVE THIS! Secondly, thank you so much for this tutorial. I struggle trying to understand how to shade flowers; they're always so complicated. But I appreciate your commentary and walking us through the shading step-by-step; HUGE HELP. I would love more flower tutorials like this one!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@captkristipaints]

Man - you guys are like saints of the internet! You are the nicest, most giving people I have ever met....and still, people write the rudest stuff on here. I wouldn't think there would be a single thing to complain about. And still, I am SO wrong. PS I hate gum too. All gum. Even the "normal gum" hahaha Please keep doing what you are doing. There are so many of us that love everything about you and the team at LMA!!! Thank you for everything. I am eternally grateful to you and your teaching.

[@marleneblumenkranz7436]

How do I get coloring book for watercolors

[@virginiakoerner4203]

I agree with you Krisi, there are some people who speak always with sour grapes in their mouths, these people are self-centered and never have a kind word for anyone, lucky these people always stand out with their constant whining.

[@jacquelinejohnson2286]

You do feel like you're watching a rom com they are so lovely and funny. It comes across they are down to earth nice people with a well chosen crew. I'm super happy I found them, no one makes you feel like a success like they do!

[@MaureenMascaro]

Hi guys! “Long time watcher first time monthly box subscriber” lol...so The closeup angle at 40 mins in was suuuuuper helpful. I find myself squinting at the screen trying to see closer in on what she’s doing on the paper. Thanks for the new COVID past time hobby. I’ve always wanted to learn to watercolor and always said I would ‘when I have more time’.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@rustedwings9]

I agree! I really needed the close ups. They were extremely helpful and I kept wishing for more! Thank you!

[@jackieradovich4090]

I agree that the closeup angle is so very helpful - would like to see more at that angle especialy with something this complex. I love these tutorials.

[@ramshiv7900]

5 steps categorized are very helpful and very soft detailed explanation ❤

[@Day027]

✨ These videos make me so happy ✨ I ❤️ the let's make art team!

[@joannesarlo518]

this peony is gorgeous Sarah!! your color values are perfect. thank you for being there!!!

[@mycreativelifetrishh5529]

Peonies are so delicate! Live them.

[@BD-bb4rd]

I love this painting and it looked completely do-able! I like to watch you guys (Sarah and Michael) not only for the art but also because the banter is great!

[@geegeebee3628]

I loved this one! Peonies are my favorite, and you make it seem possible. Super excited to try it! Things happen for a reason...you were meant to be here to teach! You guys are so fun and sweet together. ❤️

[@candiceurrutia1604]

I just discovered Let’s Make Art and all this goodness. As soon as I saw June’s projects I instantly subscribed thinking I was going to have to wait until June to get my first box but I got May’s box and I’m so happy I made that mistake! Can’t wait to paint this peony tomorrow! 🌸 p.s. I totally love y’all. You two are totally #marriagegoals

[@stephaniedreams5529]

I recently discovered your tutorials and I am so glad that I did! I truly enjoy watching you paint and I have learned quite a bit from you.

[@cindybtanner3974]

Thank you for the Mother’s Day peony. You and your husband and gurgling child are adorable. I am so glad I found your channel.

[@SurfaceofBeauty]

gorgeous work! I love your technique. I'm also a floral artist and muralist (based in NYC) so I love to see what you are doing. Peonies are so endlessly inspiring, with all their petals and subtle folds.

[@stcy712]

I love how you say that you don't want to put labels on artist…that is so true!!! Love your work.

[@lindamarvin3120]

Sarah, thank you for your wonderful tutorials. I have always wanted to paint and at 69 I am slowly learning to use watercolors because of you. I enjoy every minute of each tutorial and that includes the discussions and questions.

[@mafish7962]

Thank you for another beautiful watercolour tutorial! It was super helpful! Stay safe and sound, Laura x

[@SylviaFriesland]

I love your tutorials Sarah!! In this one I had a tough time because I find it hard to recognize what you exactly do. The paper is very light and for me its not close enough. The camera close up could be better...Love the flower !😘

[@beverlyportlamoureux8459]

The close up is super helpful, love your tutorials. Trying to get up the nerve to start my first box. I am another that has to fight my wanting to rush. And beat my self up , the mantra at the beginning is great.

[@joansmith9386]

I love your explanations so much! I also love the banter!

[@dotydiva]

My mom and dad were from St. Joseph MO. I still have relatives there. I love St. Jo. I haven't visited for a long time. I am in WA. state. I love this flower. I got my box today and was so excited to see the painting and of course all the projects. I love LMA and all you guys do to make each month fun and a surprise. Thanks for all you do. Nice visiting with you and Michael.

[@calliemoss]

It is all about understanding the flower and which petals are doing what. Great lesson - thank you

[@christinanielsen225]

Love your videos...and yes I lighten my drawings too with an eraser.. especially with the soft light colors. And just as a note.. I struggled at first with watercolors but now that it "Clicked" in my brain I feel it helped with my acrylic paintings too. Thank you for being such an AMAZING teacher❤

[@LetsMakeArt]

Wonderful!

[@mandypittman1154]

I DID IT! I have been putting off painting this for something like 6 months. But today I did it (twice!). I painted it the colors Sarah used and then a color closer to one the type of Peony that I remember my great Grandma growing. If she was still with us she would have turned 120 today! She had a really tough life so I thought I would put on my big girl pants and paint this flower! Thanks Sarah and Michael! You make me feel more confident once the video starts and I get going.

[@LetsMakeArt]

WOOHOO!!! Yay, Mandy!! We are so proud of you!! 💛

[@linesbylisa3557]

I just love your classes. And the humor and lightness that you bring to them. Thank you so much for teaching and sharing your art with us. 💝

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you so much!

[@ssadvweld1]

YES! PLEASE MAKE A WATERCOLORING BOOK!

[@normamcclean5493]

This tutorial was a "Walk Away" for awhile for a brain break and return to do a little more, then walk away again. I had to Chromecast the tutorial onto my 65" TV screen to get a good close up, and did quite a bit of replay and pause on the closeup steps, maneuvering to when Sarah moved her hand away and when the camera did a take away to her verses the painting. It took awhile, but through manipulation I was able to learn the steps to complete the flower painting. Now that I have done one, I know what to do on the petals that Sarah forgot to do and came back to, which got me confused and a bit frustrated in the process. It helps to watch the complete video prior to painting. I also dug out the bottle of Fuschia paint and compared it to Magenta on a test paper because I panicked and got confused on what color we were using. The paint was so similar that I just stayed with Fuschia. You Tube is a great media to have these tutorials available, you can fast forward, remember the time that you stopped working and return at the same time days later. It's also easy to store in your personal library to use again later. The upside is that this is a pretty good way to start out learning to watercolor at home during the Corona Quarantine, and without the pressure of paying for a classroom session where you are under a deadline. It allows you to walk away and clear your head until you are ready to dig in again.

[@jennymarko2196]

I would totally buy a watercolor color book! Do it Sarah! Do it!

[@kimbityk8952]

Thank you for teaching us. You are a terrific teacher and artist.

[@apcchan]

It’s so enjoyable to watch you painting. Your explanation is easy to follow. I look forward to seeing more tutorials from you.

[@tamaramcbride2018]

If someone is looking for a super easy fun one I recommend the jellies!! So cute! I have made them it tons of different colors and they always turn out awesome.

[@45dior]

Thank you so much I love painting flowers. I didn’t understand the values now I seen what u did and the blending too. Love ur work❤

[@amazingwalksoflife8781]

Hi... Thanks for the tutorials. They are fun and entertaining to watch. You and your husband make a good team. I have just started watercolor art and I hope to see progress as I go along 😂.

[@ChristineDavidPhotography]

Seriously felt like you guys were here with me. My hubby is just getting home from work and was hungry, so I’m cooking him a snack. Just at the moment I put the quesadilla in the pan, Micheal instructed me to try a little butter and salt. ;)

[@LetsMakeArt]

Love that! Sometimes timing works out perfectly.

[@MultiNictom]

Thank u so much! Taking a picture really helps.❤️❤️

[@crazymomcraftsalot6351]

You guys! I keep forgetting we can mute you and put you on half speed!!! Thanks for the reminder! It's hard to steal some precious painting time throughout the day so this definitely helps. Remembering too it is OK to paint over a few days ... we don't have to finish all at once! ha ha ha ... in theory ;) Love you guys! You're rocking it!

[@tammysunderman4734]

You're a wonderful Art Teacher!

[@scmarinemom24]

I finally, after 10 months got the courage to do this one! It took me about 5 hours to do it but I love it! It went through a couple of ugly phases but it finished up nice. I will admit that I used tube paints because I didn't feel like mixing. Lol. Thank you!! 😊

[@LetsMakeArt]

That is so exciting Maria!!! Congratulations on the finish, that is HUGE.

[@pamlong5914]

This is beautiful! Thanks!

[@tromick]

42:02 Actually yes, i loved it. This is the first video that i am watching from your channel and found this video by pressing wrong letter. I loved thumbail then came in. I am so happy to find you guys. Amazing conversation between wife and husband. You both so lucky to have each other. Hope one day i will have same thing! Take care and thank you so much for bringing me joy!

[@lindagroskopf3749]

So beautiful, can't wait to try this one

[@LetsMakeArt]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@tammysunderman4734]

So Beautiful!

[@juliebergacker5680]

This is awesome! Thank young lady 💕👏👍

[@nildavalencia5524]

I learned the different steps values. I am new to water color. I do oil, I know the difference. I enjoyed your tutorial as very informative and professional. I subscribed! Thank you for your wonderful painting. Value of stopping!! Important!

[@shereeclinton8741]

Love this conversation right now. You're speaking my language. I adore abstract. Let's get to the heart of the matter.

[@kirstenbarbero1099]

Mom of 3 littles. I just turned 30 and I've always felt a desire for art but I believed that lie that ppl were just born with the talent. I always knew I had an artist side cause I was into music and singing. I was decent at drawing and when I would practice I could get better and better but painting.. especially watercolors always just seemed impossible (without ever trying it) but your tutorials have made it so easy I never thought I would be able to even come close. Thank you so much for such encouraging and great content. I'm really enjoying myself and want to truly learn the ins and outs of watercolor

[@LetsMakeArt]

Happy belated birthday to you! We hope your 30's have been good to you thus far. We are so, so happy that we get to be on your creative journey. You are an artist and we appreciate you being part of our LMA family.❤️

[@meri8746]

Lovely! Thank you! 👏🏻

[@sofiakarthi1434]

I’m glad I found your video, I was so struggling to paint peony flowers, thanks your video very helpful.

[@mariannealblas4522]

I love your work, you explain it so cleary, thank you!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you so much!

[@LeansFieldNotes]

This was such a fun tutorial! Thank you so much

[@karenhoward303]

So enjoyed watching you paint this!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mjvinad6184]

Thank you so much for sharing these tutorials for free. You are an excellent teacher. I learned a lot from this.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ginabadeaux9319]

so nice to see you again sarah im a flower painter this looks beautiful

[@22GmaRocky]

This is beautiful! I love peonies ( I pronounce it like Michael did ) but they are intimidating to paint. Thank you for sharing. You guys are so cute together ❤️

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@heidihitchman4271]

Sarah, you were recommended on a Facebook group I follow... this is the first of your videos I've watched and just wanted you to know how fabulous you are!! I have such a hard time understanding how light and shadow work together to bring a painting to life, but your explanations made so much sense to me. From one teacher to another - well done and thank you!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Oh thank you!

[@lupitaperez345]

You were right this one had lots of steps. I had to remind myself not to compare my painting to yours. Overall I think it came out okay. Definitely one I will be working on again.

[@jenniferbowen5652]

You guys are too cute together ♡ Thank you Sarah for teaching this zero natural talent artist wanna-be how to paint

[@suemciver636]

Absolutely stunning!!! Sarah have been on your channel for very long but I love your tutorials. Thank you so much. You are a awesome. You make it look so easy.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Welcome Sue, we are so honored to have you watching our tutorials. Thank you!

[@jennymarko2196]

Also, the best part of this video is the sound of your son cooing and grunting in the background #quarantinedlife.

[@cherylleitschuh6640]

First project! Definitely didn't turn out like yours BUT I took the oath and I am pleased with what came out. Definitely learning about using water color and blending. UGH! More to learn....

[@LetsMakeArt]

Every project you learn more. Celebrate the wins and you will be amazed at our outcomes.

[@christineroberts4451]

I also took my first art class as a Senior!

[@kathryncoleman7945]

So beautifully done, you make it look so easy.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Sarah has such a talent when it comes to making watercolor look so effortlessly beautiful. We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed this tutorial. Thanks for tuning in!

[@kirstie5495]

ahhhhhaha I totally got that south park reference and it made me laugh so thank you!

[@MrDragonflydream]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brittanyjara9984]

Yes!! Make a water coloring book

[@babswinter3133]

Beautiful

[@sandyf4776]

Love this! Coloring book for watercolor!? Do it, please!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Great idea!!

[@michelleanndunphy]

I can't believe I painted this. I just started painting a few weeks ago thanks to your videos!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you for the feed back Michelle.

[@michelleanndunphy]

@@LetsMakeArt :) Your videos are fantastic and I'm so happy to be a subscriber. This one though was so overwhelming and easy to get lost that it could have used more close ups, especially since your lines were light with no dashes. :D Thank you for sharing your talent as an artist and a teacher!

[@rookerytrove]

Thank You for the South Park Ref...... I laughed (at first) thinking it wasnt meant as South Park - and the confirmation was *chefs kiss*

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Thank You Sara! I'd love to see if you can bring the camera in closer as you paint... that would really help!

[@dawnsiegel3136]

I feel like the shirt Sarah is wearing is a favorite! I think I've seen it in multiple tutorials. :)

[@tinydancer6066]

Hello guys! This is my third box. The hardest project so far. Your videos so far have been great. Sorry I haven’t left feedback, but isn’t that how it runs? Usually, you’re very focused on the project, telling us how the form is being created as we go, like with the bubbles in my first box (that was a GREAT video). But this one? After the mid values on the first petal, you started chatting with your husband and I felt like I had to fend for myself the rest of the project. I was lost from then on. You made several points of interest along the way, but the feel of your normal instructional video wasn’t on par. I still love you and will keep coming back!

[@01fatina]

💕💕💕 спасибо!

[@kimzimmerman3958]

Love this! I have been painting along with this tutorial however, you mentioned that if you were using tube paint there would be different recommendations. What would those be as that is what I am using. I am using Arches 140lbs cold press paper so that is working fine, any recommendations with the tube paint?

[@jerricabritt3630]

I live so close to Hendersonville! Ha! Small world 🧡

[@LetsMakeArt]

Crazy right?

[@heeberman]

Got the South Park reference! Nicely placed lol!

[@patytrico]

Lovely! Thank you :) Hugs, be safe!

[@yonca422]

Please do more closeups 🌸

[@vikkibyington3066]

❤❤❤

[@lizzy9975]

Why isn't your baby there snoring his head off with you???? That was sooooo cute last time. I had a real wow moment! ❤

[@LetsMakeArt]

You are so kind

[@karencox1613]

I am new to your channel and I am still waiting for my first box to arrive. It is out there somewhere. You do an excellent job of explaining each step I wish I had found you sooner . I have wanted to make a trip to Hamilton as I am also a quilter and wanted to visit MSQC. I wish they would have promoted this channel on there site. There are a lot of quilters that also paint. I am new to watercolor and am excited to get started. Thank you for all the tutorials I have been binge watching.

[@LetsMakeArt]

You should totally come and visit us when you make it out here! MSQC has talked about us in their blog once or twice. We love them and actually participated in their birthday party last year.

[@jcd8381]

Great tutorial. I enjoy your teaching style. You explain it Art language and then translate to everyday language which is a huge help since this is relatively new to me. There are many tutorials out there however you have a great way of bringing the process to me so I can watch, learn paint and even improve! I am on your website buying kits and downloading outlines too.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@kimscales5150]

love all your videos, so i am sure you get a lot of requests, but for me i love everything but i would love more different flowers, and animals, horses etc, love you keep up the great work

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you!! Hearing that you love our videos seriously makes us so, so happy. We will totally pass your awesome project suggestions along to our team. Thank you for letting us be part of your creative journey!❤️

[@keiko0859]

Hi Sarah, I’m just beginning my watercolor journey at age 61!! You’re videos are wonderful, I love your calming voice. I just watched the peony class, I can’t wait to try it. One question, do you leave your pencil marks or erase them after the painting is dry? Thanks!!!

[@LetsMakeArt]

Once you have painted over them the pencil marks will not erase. For this reason Sarah usually tries to keep the marks as light as possible. If you are worried about them you can use a Watercolor pencil that will disappear as you paint over it.

[@k8marlowe]

I didn’t pursue art in school because I didn’t think being an artist was an actual option, either!

[@kokilalozano659]

I got your profit south park reference!

[@parsleybrain]

This is so beautiful, Sarah. Thanks for this tutorial. Is there a way to see or even get the reference image/photo (not your finished image) as well?

[@lizzy9975]

Go to www.letsmakeart.com - all the outlines are there!

[@parsleybrain]

@@lizzy9975 Thanks for taking the time to answer, but I was asking about the reference photo, not the outline.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Hi @parsleybrain! Our reference photos are available or purchase in our watercolor kits. You can find this one here: www.letsmakeart.com/products/peony-watercolor-kit

[@essiehengeveld9238]

@@LetsMakeArt I think this person wants to see what Sarah was looking at when she made the painting. The reference photo that Sarah used to design the original painting.

[@archanav.s4552]

😍😍

[@heatherv7899]

My husband said, “He just made a South Park reference! Awesome!”

[@justaperson560]

I would love to see more videos with a freestyle feel to them, like without penciled lines you know?❤️

[@LetsMakeArt]

Thank you for the feedback. About half of Sarah's tutorials use the outline. Hopefully the other half can help fill that need for you.

[@justaperson560]

It totally does and thanks again for all you do! Love you guys! ❤️❤️❤️

[@reneaclark7689]

Please do a watercoloring book.

[@artcraftmathcareenjoylearn1434]

Hi Sarah, thanks for the nice watercolors. I am just curious and excited to know, if you don't mind, if you studied Art at Mason? Thanks,

[@Svetlanka3019]

Great tutorial, thank you😊 Would be great and helpful for us as beginners to focus on closeups🥰 Therefore could you do more closeups please ❤️🧑‍🎨

[@LetsMakeArt]

Noted!

[@NightOwl0318]

I'm only hear to tell Michael that I got his southpark reference and it made me laugh for a good 5 mins. I had to pause the video. Haha.

[@cathyhaynes2700]

You should make a watercolor coloring book.

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

Peonies in the UK

[@amandapowers8708]

When you guys create your brushes can you engrave the names " Keenan" and " Brock" On them!?!? 😂🤣😊

[@LetsMakeArt]

That would be fun. We opted not to allow you all to name your own.

[@janellqueen3376]

Where do I find a butcher's block?

[@jacquelinejohnson2286]

What make watercolour paper do you use please? Is it pulp or cotton? Thank you.

[@LetsMakeArt]

Our projects use Canson 140lb watercolor paper.