Painting abstract watercolor florals is simple. The key is not to lose your mind when waiting for the paint to dry.
Don’t worry, you can do this.
If you are new to painting with watercolors, check out my post How to Paint with Watercolor: 5 Tips and Tricks for Getting Started before diving into this post.
5 Tips for Painting Abstract Watercolor Florals
Ok, let’s get straight to it. Below are my five tips for creating beautiful, exotic floral shapes with watercolor paint.
- Choose two to three different brush shapes to paint with.
- Create large and small brush strokes.
- Wait for the paint to dry in between layers of shapes.
- Use light washes to create distant shadows of fauna.
- Use a paper towel to soak up unwanted areas.
Choose two to three different brush shapes to paint with.
Differently shaped brushes will create variety in strokes, and create the illusion of leaves. We know not all leaves look the same, so you will want to imitate varying species of fauna.
Create large and small brush strokes.
This may seem like a given, but I would bet money that you naturally favor a particular size of stroke. To control this, notice your feeling state. As a former Art Therapist, we studied how a person’s personality, levels of anxiety, inhibition, and comfort translate to the page.
Typically, when we feel anxious, our brush strokes appear small. We set limits on our physical movements subconsciously. Much like a metaphor for life, small movements are needed. But, don’t forget to loosen up, use the swing of your whole body to create larger marks to create differently-sized leaves.
Use light washes to create distant shadows of fauna.
Different sizes of leaves and light washes will create the “forest effect.” I made that term up, so I will explain.
The “forest effect” implies that the painted leaves, flowers, and branches appear layered and intertwined with one another, the same as in a forest of trees.
Wait for the paint to dry in between layers of shapes.
Next, wait for the pigment to dry before painting another layer. I recommend spreading a wash of soft, diluted pigments first. These brush strokes will dry quickly…so you won’t lose your mind.
Embrace the waiting game and listen to a podcast or dive into a book. If you are really in a hurry, you can point a hair dryer or mini fan toward the paper to quicken the drying process.
Use a paper towel to soak up unwanted areas.
Yes, using a paper towel as an art-making tool is allowed. It can actually be your greatest asset when painting abstract watercolor florals.
After applying the paint, lightly dab the paper towel directly into the mark you just made. Like magic, it will absorb the paint and take the image away. I use this to create an illusion of a faded leaf.
It’s also great for undoing unwanted paint strokes. However, try not to undo all your oops moments. After all, these are what make a painting interesting.
Happy creating!
~Alexandria