Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Dee
If you’re a beginner looking for waterpaint ideas or searching for that perfect botanical watercolor tutorial, this easy magnolia flower painting is the perfect project! In this watercolor tutorial, I’ll guide you step by step as we sketch, ink, and paint a delicate magnolia bloom using just a few simple supplies.
Download the Free Spring Watercolor Templates at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
Watch the Step-by-Step Easy Magnolia Flower Watercolor Tutorial
This is a wonderful project to relax with, especially if you’re trying to improve your brush control or watercolor layering. You can also watch the full step by step painting tutorial on YouTube here:
🎨 Watch it now
What You’ll Learn in This Watercolor Tutorial:
- How to lightly sketch a floral composition
- How to add pen outlines before painting
- Watercolor techniques for soft blending and gradients
- Easy methods for painting flower petals and leaves
- Layering watercolor for depth and detail
This beginner-friendly botanical watercolor tutorial is part of my ongoing series where I share watercolour inspiration for beginners – whether you’re painting in a sketchbook, creating handmade cards, or just relaxing with your art.
What You’ll Need: Watercolor Painting Supplies
This is my go-to list of recommended watercolor painting supplies that we use for all our watercolor art, junk journaling, and art journaling!
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
- Board: If you’re using watercolor paper from a pad or sheets, you might want to tape your paper down to a board to prevent warping.
- Watercolors: Windsor & Newton is a reputable brand that offers high-quality watercolor paints. You can choose from their range of professional-grade watercolor tubes or pans, depending on your preference.
- Watercolor Paper: Look for cold-pressed, 140lb (300gsm) watercolor paper for the best results. This type of paper is durable and has a nice texture that’s ideal for watercolor painting.
- Brushes: A selection of round and flat brushes in various sizes will give you the versatility you need for different strokes and details. Sable or synthetic brushes designed for watercolor will give you the best performance.
- Palette: A mixing palette with wells for both mixing and holding your paints is essential. It can be a simple plastic one or a porcelain palette for a more luxurious feel.
- Water Container: Any clean jar or container will do, but having two for clean and dirty water can help keep your colors pure.
- Masking Fluid: This is used to cover areas of your painting that you want to keep white. Make sure to apply it with an old brush or a dedicated masking fluid brush, as it can ruin fine bristles.
- Pencils: A soft pencil, like a 2B, is great for sketching your design before painting.
- Eraser: A kneaded eraser is gentle on watercolor paper and can lift pencil lines without damaging the surface.
- Paper Towels or a Rag: These are useful for blotting your brush to control the amount of water and paint.
Step By Step Painting Tutorial: Magnolia Flower
1. Sketch Your Design Lightly
Start by drawing a branch and magnolia blossom with soft pencil lines. Don’t worry about perfection – the loose, natural shapes make it more organic.
2. Outline with Fineliner
Using a waterproof pen, go over your pencil lines. Add little details like petal folds and leaf veins to create interest. Let it dry before erasing pencil marks.
3. Apply a Light Watercolor Wash
Start with diluted color to paint your first layer. Use soft pinks, purples, or even a hint of yellow in the petals. Let it dry before adding more layers.
4. Add Shadows and Depth
Layer darker tones around the petal edges and inside folds. For the branch and leaves, use browns and muted greens. Don’t be afraid to let colors bleed slightly – it gives that dreamy watercolor effect!
5. Final Touches
Once dry, you can touch up the outline or add extra paint details. Keep it simple and let the softness of the watercolor shine.
Get 9 Premium Magnolia Watercolor Templates!
Want to make painting even easier? I’ve created 9 premium magnolia templates that you can use as a guide for your watercolor paintings. These templates help you focus on painting instead of sketching, making the process faster and more fun!
📌 Access the Magnolia Templates + Exclusive Watercolor Resources on my Patreon!
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Pin This For Future Creative Inspo!
Download the Free Spring Watercolor Templates HERE (below)!
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