7 Tips for More Realistic Watercolor Flowers Amaryllis Intro
Painting realistic watercolor flowers isn’t about adding more detail — it starts with understanding value.
In this video, I share my key tips for approaching realistic floral watercolor with values first, especially when working with light-toned flowers like amaryllis. You’ll learn how early value decisions create believable form, preserve softness, and set you up for success before any detail goes in.
This video serves as an introduction to my full amaryllis watercolor series, where I walk through the painting step by step — from the first washes to refined detail.
🎥 Watch the full Amaryllis watercolor tutorial here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp_HY_z6-WlUn_sxmZNPC2MPyCqYXNTUb
ETSY OUTLINE:
https://sunlitbrushstrokes.etsy.com/ca/listing/4429468407/amaryllis-painting-outline-to-trace
NEWSLETTER:
https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1409545/sites/149870199202383245/5WpDla
(Be sure to check your spam if you don’t receive your first email within a few minutes of sign up)
REFERENCE PHOTO:
https://pixabay.com/photos/amaryllis-flower-pink-bloom-bulb-1754806/
How to TRACE OUTLINES to watercolor paper: Time stamp 7:02
https://youtu.be/2V-0tqy3mbA?si=QNFDoctOE675lI8s&t=422
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:48 Start with light value washes
02:50 Use value changes to separate shapes
04:02 Learn to see value in your reference
06:03 Give yourself grace: you can adjust later
06:27 Begin wet-on-wet for soft edges
07:40 Simplify: Your reference photo and outline are guides, not rules
08:26 Find the detail approach that works for you
09:15 Detail demo
MATERIALS:
Watercolor supplies (in Canada)
My personal (current) watercolor palette:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33106/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Hansa-Yellow-Deep
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33140/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Phthalocyanine-Blue
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33156/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Quinacridone-Rose
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11GRA33190/Graham-Watercolor-15-ml.-Ultramarine-Blue
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/11QOR70002651/QoR-Watercolour-11-ml.-Quinacridone-Magenta
Arches watercolor paper:
Large sheets (I buy these most often):
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52ARC52313/Arches-Watercolour-Paper-140-lb-Cold-Press-22-X-30
9x12 pad:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/52ARC400014950/Arches-Watercolour-Pad-140-lb-Cold-Press-9-X-12-1795092
Simply Simmons Brushes:
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085006/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-6
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255085008/Simply-Simmons-SH-Round-8
The “scrubber” brush (not the exact brand I have, but similar)
https://www.deltaart.ca/product/00/24ROB255062008/Simply-Simmons-SH-Chisel-Blender-8
Amazon Palettes:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0983M12DZ/
WATERCOLOR SUPPLIES (in the USA)
My personal (current) watercolor palette:
M Graham: Hansa Yellow Deep: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPF5IM
Phthalocyanine Blue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPH5TO
Quinacridone Rose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPLY4Q
Ultramarine Blue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044TW074
QoR: Quinacridone Magenta: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNT5WL0
Watercolor Paper:
Arches Cold Press Paper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086WSQV9H
Simply Simmons brushes: https://www.michaels.com/product/simply-simmons-short-handle-round-brush-10472911
Artegria Brushes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBDKG5K
Shader Brush for Scrubbing” mistakes: https://bit.ly/4hN6HjT
#WatercolorTips #RealisticWatercolor #FloralWatercolor