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🌻 How to Paint Watercolor Sunflowers – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide 🌻

  • Writer: Hannah Renae
    Hannah Renae
  • May 22
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 22


sunflower painting tutorial. Picture of a sketchbook full of watercolor sunflowers

🌻 How to Paint Watercolor Sunflowers – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide 🌻


Looking for an easy and fun way to paint watercolor sunflowers? You’re in the right place! This quick video tutorial will guide you through the process, using just a few simple steps to fill your page with bright, beautiful sunflowers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this tutorial is perfect for all ages! With this tutorial you'll learn how to paint watercolor sunflowers!


Grab your supplies, get comfortable, and let’s paint some sunshine!


🎨 Materials Needed:

  • Watercolor Paint (bright yellow, brown, green, and orange are key!)

  • Round Tip Brush (a medium size works great)

  • Watercolor Paper (preferably cold-pressed for texture)

  • (Please note: This post includes affiliate links to recommended products.)


🎥 Scroll down to watch the video!


Let’s Begin Painting Your Watercolor Sunflowers!


Step 1: Start with the Flower Center

A hand paints brown circles on paper using a brush. Text reads: "First start by making brown circles." Background is simple and neutral.

 Begin by painting brown circles in the center of your sunflower. This is the heart of your flower, so don’t worry about being too precise!



Step 2: Create the Petals

A hand paints yellow strokes from brown circles on paper. Text reads, "While the circles are still wet, take yellow paint and drag it out."

 With a clean brush, pick up some bright yellow paint. While the center of the flower is still wet, gently extend the yellow outward to form the petals. Apply more pressure toward the middle of each petal to give it a natural curve.

Hand painting yellow flowers in a sketchbook with watercolors, jar of water nearby. Text reads "REPEAT FOR EACH FLOWER."

Repeat this process for every flower.


Step 3: Add Green Leaves

Hand painting yellow flowers with watercolor on paper. Brushes and paints nearby. Text: Use green to make tear drop shaped leaves.

 Next, let’s give your sunflower some greenery! Using your green paint, create teardrop-shaped leaves extending from the center of the flower. Pro tip: Leave a small white gap in the middle of the leaf to give it a natural shine.


Step 4: Add Depth to the Leaves

Hands painting yellow flowers with a brush on paper; paint palette nearby. Text: "While the leaves are still wet add darker green."

 While the leaves are still wet, add a little darker green to the edges or corners for depth. This will help create a beautiful contrast and make your leaves stand out!



Step 5: Detail the Center of the Flower

Watercolor sunflowers being painted in a sketchbook with a brush. Text reads, "Use dark brown or black to add details to the center of the flower."

 Allow your flowers to dry, and then add some darker details to the center. Using brown and black paint, create small dots or lines to give the center a textured look.



Step 6: Add Final Touches for Depth & Color

Hand painting vibrant yellow flowers with orange details in a sketchbook. Text reads: "Use orange to add details around the center of the flower."

 To really make your sunflower pop, add a touch of orange or a deeper yellow to the center, blending it outward. Play around with the intensity to find the look you love! This is your artwork—so experiment and enjoy the process!




Congratulations, You’ve Painted Your Watercolor Sunflower!

Watercolor painting of bright yellow sunflowers with green leaves in a sketchbook clipped open. Text below reads: And you're done!

Now step back and admire your beautiful work! Whether you’ve painted one sunflower or a whole field, you’ve created something stunning and full of life.



🎥 Watch the Video Tutorial for a Quick Demo!

Want to see the process in action? Scroll down and watch the video to follow along step-by-step!





Share your work with the community of artists by tagging us @hannahrenaeart. We'd love to see your artwork! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media to never miss an art class or freebies!


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Hello, I'm Hannah! Here we're all about helping you have fun new creative ways to make art and crafts, find new drawing tutorials, make DIY printables, and more! We are constantly bringing you new fun projects for all ages so be sure to subscribe to never miss a new post! 

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