Floral Illustration With Watercolor & Gouache

Overview

Bring beautiful blooms into your home, one brushstroke at a time! Join artist and illustrator Mia Whittemore and create a watercolor and gouache floral painting. Learn how to build an inspiration board as well as basic techniques like washes, fine-line work, color mixing, layering, and more. Plus, get Mia’s tips for gathering inspiration for your own compositions.

Video Lessons

01: Gathering Ideas & Sketching

Begin by learning how to create an inspiration board for your botanical subject. Then start sketching, refining, and balancing your composition.
Duration: 15 min

02: Preparing Paper & Transferring the Sketch

Mia reveals her favorite painting surface for watercolor and gouache illustrations. Afterwards, she shows you how to prep the paper and transfer your final sketch.
Duration: 10 min

03: Brushes, Paints & Palettes

Explore paint color options for watercolor and gouache along with different types of brushes and palettes. Mia shows you how to fill and use them like a pro!
Duration: 15 min

04: Painting Base Colors

Start painting the large areas of your composition with base colors, working light to dark with watercolor. See how to mix colors as you go, and balance color and value throughout.
Duration: 20 min

05: Layering, Details & Finishing

Finish up your painting by adding dimension and detail with layers, line work, and shadows. Plus, get tips on how to evaluate your work and really make it pop!
Duration: 18 min

06: Next Steps for Illustrators

Want to give your painting a different mood or look? Follow along as Mia goes over using alternate color palettes and working with patterns. She also offers advice on how to continue your illustration and painting practice.
Duration: 6 min