5 Easy Techniques for Painting Plants with Acrylics

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Creating an easy plant painting with acrylics can truly be a delight. The colors, the textures, and the sheer beauty of plants make them fantastic subjects for your artwork. With a bit of guidance, painting plants doesn't have to be a daunting task. In this blog, we'll dive into five simple yet effective techniques to help you bring your plant paintings to life. Let's get started.

1. Choose Your Subject

Before you even pick up a brush, you need to decide on the plant you'll be painting. The type of plant, its perspective, and the lighting conditions will all play a significant role in your easy plant painting process. Here's how to go about it:

Identify Your Plant

First, you need to decide on a specific plant you'd like to paint. It could be a favorite houseplant, a beautiful tree in your local park, or a colorful flower from a botanical garden. There's no right or wrong choice here—pick a plant that inspires you. Remember, the more familiar you are with the plant, the easier it will be to capture its essence in your painting.

Select The Perspective

Next, think about the perspective from which you'll be painting your plant. Are you looking at it straight on, from above, or perhaps from a low angle? The perspective can dramatically change the feel of your painting. Play around with different angles until you find one that feels right and adds an interesting dimension to your subject.

Consider The Lighting

Finally, consider how light interacts with your plant. Note where the light source is coming from and how it casts shadows on the foliage. Observe how the plant's colors change in different lighting conditions. This understanding will help add depth and realism to your easy plant painting.

Remember, choosing your subject is a crucial part of the painting process. Take your time, explore different options, and choose a plant, perspective, and lighting setup that spark your creativity.

2. Prepare Your Materials

Now that you've selected your subject, it's time to gather your art supplies. Here's what you need to do:

Select Your Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are great for plant painting due to their versatility and vibrant colors. Start with the basic colors — red, blue, yellow, white, and black. You can mix these to create any shade you need. Additionally, consider getting green and brown, as they are commonly used in plant paintings.

Choose Your Brushes

Having a variety of brushes at hand can help you achieve different textures and details in your painting. For instance, a flat brush can be used for more substantial areas, a round brush for general painting, and a detail brush for intricate parts of the plant. Remember, it's not about having the most expensive brushes, but understanding how to use them effectively.

Ready Your Palette

Organize your palette by laying out your chosen acrylic paints. It's recommended to arrange the colors in the order of the rainbow. This setup can make it easier to mix colors and create a harmonious easy plant painting. Additionally, have a cup of water for rinsing brushes and a rag for blotting excess paint.

Preparing your materials in advance not only saves time but also keeps you focused and organized during the painting process. It’s like the old saying goes: “Preparation is half the battle.”

3. Sketch Your Plant

Now that your materials are ready, the next step is to sketch your plant. This stage is all about translating your vision onto the canvas. Here's how to go about it:

Draw The Basic Shape

Begin your easy plant painting by focusing on the overall shape of the plant. Don't worry about the details at this point — just capture the general form. Is it tall and thin, short and wide, or somewhere in between? Drawing the basic shape acts as a framework for your painting, so take your time to get it right.

Add Details

Once you're satisfied with the basic shape, start adding details. Look closely at your plant. Are the leaves jagged or smooth? Are there any visible veins? Be observant and add these features to your sketch. Remember, the devil is in the details!

Sketch The Background

Don't forget about the background! It can help set the mood of your painting. You might want to keep it simple to let the plant stand out, or perhaps include other elements for a more complex composition. It's entirely up to you!

Sketching your plant might seem like a small step, but it's a big part of creating a successful plant painting. It's the blueprint that guides your painting process, so make sure to give it the attention it deserves!

4. Start Painting

Now comes the most exciting part of your easy plant painting journey — bringing your sketch to life with colors! Let's break it down into manageable steps.

Lay The Base Colors

Start by applying the base colors to your painting. This will set the tone for your plant and background. Be mindful of the color choice; lighter colors can suggest sunlight, while darker ones can create a shadow effect. Your base colors don't have to be perfect, they are just the foundation upon which you'll build your masterpiece.

Build Up The Layers

Next, build up the layers. Layering is a vital part of acrylic painting. It adds depth and richness to your painting. Think of your plant — each leaf isn't a flat, single color, right? By layering different shades of green, you can create a more realistic and vibrant image. Patience is key here; let each layer dry before adding the next.

Add Details and Highlights

Finally, it's time to add the details and highlights. These are the finishing touches that will make your plant pop off the canvas. Use a fine brush to outline any veins on the leaves, or add tiny specks of lighter color to suggest sunlight. These small details can make a big difference, so don't rush this step.

Remember, painting is a process of exploration and discovery. Even if you're not completely satisfied with the outcome, every stroke is a lesson learned for your next easy plant painting.

5. Finish Up

You're almost there! Now that the majority of your easy plant painting is completed, it's time to fine-tune and protect your artwork. This final phase is just as important as the others, so let's dive right in.

Evaluate Your Painting

Take a step back and evaluate your painting. Look at it from different angles, or even in different lighting. How do the colors look? Does the plant stand out from the background? Does it resemble the image you had in mind? If your answer is a resounding 'yes', then that's fantastic. If not, don't worry! That leads us to our next step.

Make Adjustments

Based on your evaluation, make any necessary adjustments. Maybe the shadows need deepening, or perhaps a leaf needs a bit more highlighting. This is your creation, and you get to decide when it's just right. But remember, strive for progress, not perfection. Every painting is a stepping stone to the next, even better one.

Seal and Protect

Once you're happy with your painting, it's time to seal and protect it. A good sealer will not only protect your plant painting from dust and UV damage, but it'll also give it an appealing finish. Whether you choose a matte or gloss finish, just remember to let the sealer dry fully before displaying your painting.

And there you have it! You've just completed your easy plant painting. Remember, the key to improving your painting skills is practice. So, pick another plant and start again. Who knows? You could be the next Monet of plant painting!

If you enjoyed learning these 5 easy techniques for painting plants with acrylics and want to further enhance your skills, don't miss the workshop 'ART MOM PRESENTS: SHOW AND TELL - PART 1' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop will not only inspire you with creative ideas, but also help you develop the confidence to showcase your artwork and share your creative journey with others.