Have you always dreamed of painting flowers but didn’t know where to start?
Good news — painting simple flowers in oil is not as complicated as you might think! Even if you’ve never held a brush before, you can create beautiful floral art with just a few easy steps.
Start with the Right Supplies
Before anything else, get your basic tools ready.
You’ll need:
- A small canvas
- A few oil paints (white, red, yellow, blue, green)
- Soft and stiff brushes
- A palette knife (optional)
- Linseed oil or a simple medium
You don’t need fancy stuff. Keep it simple!
Choose a Flower Shape That’s Easy
For your first painting, go for flowers that are easy to recognize but not too detailed, like daisies, tulips, or sunflowers.
Focus more on the feel of the flower rather than every tiny petal.
Sketch a light outline with a pencil if you want — but honestly, sometimes it’s even better to jump straight in with paint!
Block in the Big Shapes First
Don’t stress about the details early on.
Start by blocking in big shapes with basic colors. Think about where the petals go, where the center is. Keep your brushstrokes loose and a little messy — that’s what gives flowers their natural charm.
Remember, you can always layer more colors later.
Play with Colors, Not Just Realism
Oil painting is forgiving. You can blend, add texture, or even scrape off if you don’t like something!
Mix colors on your palette or even directly on the canvas. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run a bit — who says flowers must always be pink or yellow?
A hint of abstract makes your simple flower paintings look more artistic!
Add Texture and Finishing Touches
Once the main flower is done, you can add some extra life with:
- Dabs of pure white for highlights
- Deeper greens around the stem
- Little pops of unexpected colors
If you’re feeling bold, try a textured oil painting effect using a palette knife for thicker petals.
Final Thoughts
Painting simple flowers in oil is about enjoying the process, not chasing perfection. Every brushstroke teaches you something new.
And hey, if you ever want professional-quality floral paintings without picking up a brush, check out our stunning collection of abstract wall art, wabi-sabi wall art, and colorful flower paintings at okarty.com!