5 Easy Steps to Paint Stunning Flowers on Canvas

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner with a brush, painting flowers on canvas is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our step-by-step guide on easy painting flowers on canvas will help you create a piece of art that you can proudly hang on your wall or gift to a loved one. So, let's start this exciting journey.

1. Choose Your Flower

Before you start painting, it's important to decide on the star of your canvas—the flower you're going to paint. Picking the right one might feel a bit overwhelming with all the beautiful options out there, but don't worry. Here are a few tips to make your decision easier.

Pick Your Favorite

Art is a reflection of the artist's personality, and your painting should be no different. So, first and foremost, choose a flower that you love. It could be a delicate daisy, a regal rose, or an exotic orchid. The best part about easy painting flowers on canvas is that you get to choose what speaks to you.

Consider the Colors

After picking your favorite flower, it's time to think about its color. This is an important step because the color of the flower will significantly influence the overall tone and mood of your painting. For instance, bright yellows or reds can create an energetic, happy vibe, while soft lavenders or blues might evoke a sense of calm.

Remember the Season

Finally, consider the season. Some flowers, like tulips or daffodils, are synonymous with spring, while others, like poinsettias or holly, are winter favorites. Painting a seasonal flower can add an extra touch of authenticity to your canvas. Plus, it can be a fun way of celebrating the changing seasons in your art.

Now that you've chosen your flower, we can move onto the next step: gathering your materials. But that's a story for another section. Stay tuned!

2. Assemble Your Materials

With your flower of choice in mind, it's time to assemble your art arsenal. The beauty of painting is that you don't need a ton of materials to create something beautiful. But, selecting the right ones can definitely make your experience of painting flowers on canvas easier and more enjoyable. Let's look at what you'll need.

Canvas Selection

First things first, you need a canvas. Canvases come in various sizes, so choose one that suits your vision for the painting. Remember, a larger canvas might seem intimidating, but it also gives you more room to showcase the intricate details of your flower. On the flip side, a smaller canvas can be less daunting for beginners and is perfect for creating a cute, compact piece of art.

Paint Types

Next, let's talk paint. Oil, acrylic, and watercolor are the three main types of paint you might consider for your flower painting. Oil paints provide rich, deep colors and are great for creating texture, but they take a while to dry. Acrylics are versatile and dry quickly, making them perfect for quick and easy painting flowers on canvas. Watercolors, with their translucent quality, can give your painting a dreamy, ethereal feel. The choice is yours—pick what you're most comfortable with.

Brush Varieties

The final piece of the puzzle is brushes. A good rule of thumb is to have a variety of sizes and shapes at your disposal. Larger, flat brushes are great for covering large areas like the background, while smaller, round brushes are perfect for detailing your flower. A fan brush can be handy for blending colors smoothly.

With your materials assembled, you're now ready to move onto the next step—preparing your canvas. But let's save that for the next section. Keep reading!

3. Prepare the Canvas

With your materials in place, the next step in this easy painting flowers on canvas guide is to prepare your canvas. The canvas is the groundwork for your painting, and getting it ready is as crucial as the actual painting process. Here's how to do it.

Clean the Canvas

Start by cleaning your canvas. It might not seem necessary, but dust or dirt can mix with your paint and cause unwanted effects. A simple wipe-down with a clean, dry cloth should do the trick. If your canvas has any wrinkles, a quick iron on the backside should smooth them out.

Apply Primer

Next, consider applying a primer, also known as gesso. This step isn't obligatory, but it can make your painting experience smoother. Primer makes the canvas less absorbent, which means your paint will spread more easily and won't sink into the canvas. It also gives a slightly textured surface, which can help give your painting more depth. To apply, use a wide, flat brush and cover the entire canvas, then let it dry before moving on.

With your canvas primed, you're just about ready to start painting. But before your brush hits the canvas, there's one more step—creating the perfect background for your flower masterpiece. Curious about how to do it? Let's find out in the next section.

4. Paint the Background

Now that your canvas is prepped, let's dive into the fun part of this easy painting flowers on canvas guide—creating the background. The background sets the mood for your flower painting, so take your time to get it right. Here's how to do it.

Choose Background Color

The first step is to choose a background color. This choice largely depends on the flower you're painting and the overall mood you want to set. For example, if you're painting a bright sunflower, a dark blue or green background can make your flower pop. On the other hand, if you're painting a delicate rose, a light pastel background might be a better fit. Experiment with different colors and see what works best for you.

Apply Background Paint

Next, it's time to apply the paint. Start from the edges and work your way towards the center. Don't worry about being perfect; the goal is to cover the canvas evenly. You can always add more layers later if you want a deeper color. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process—after all, painting is as much about the journey as it is about the end result.

Let It Dry

Finally, let your background dry fully before moving on. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the type of paint you're using and the thickness of your layers. While you're waiting, you can start planning the next step: painting the flower itself. Are you excited? I bet you are. So, let's move on to the final and most rewarding step of this process!

5. Paint the Flower

Here we are, at the final step of this easy painting flowers on canvas journey. You've chosen your flower, assembled your materials, prepped your canvas, and painted the background. Now, it's time to bring the flower to life. Ready? Let's get started.

Sketch the Flower

Before we introduce paint, let's make a sketch. Using a pencil, lightly outline the shape of your flower on the canvas. Don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't look perfect—this is just a guide to help you when you start painting. Remember, every flower is unique, just like every artist. So, who's to say what's perfect, right?

Apply Base Color

Next, choose a base color for your flower and start painting. The base color should be the main color of the flower. For instance, if you're painting a sunflower, your base color would be yellow. Apply the paint from the center of the flower outwards, following the shape of your sketch. The beauty of painting flowers is that they're not rigid or uniform, so feel free to add some personal flair.

Add Details

Once your base color is dry, it's time to add some details. Use a finer brush to paint in the petal lines, the flower center, and any other details that make your flower unique. This is where your flower will start to come alive. Isn't it amazing how a few simple strokes can create such beauty?

Finish with Highlights

Finally, finish off your flower painting with some highlights. Choose a lighter shade of your base color and lightly brush it on the areas where the light would naturally hit the flower. This will give your painting a sense of depth and make your flower look more realistic. And there you have it—an easy painting flowers on canvas masterpiece, created by none other than you!

If you enjoyed learning the 5 easy steps to paint stunning flowers on canvas and want to further improve your acrylic painting skills, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop will provide you with valuable techniques and insights to enhance your artwork and take your painting abilities to new heights.