Free how to paint a picture of a bird of paradise flower, an art lesson, and a printable watercolor worksheet.
This is a good practice project that will help a young artist, or a beginner become more confident in basic art. It is not hard and uses a simple color combination so you do not need to spend a fortune on supplies.
A WORD ABOUT PRINTING THE WORKSHEET
If you have problems printing CLICK HERE to visit my how-to-print page for some suggestions. or try the updated PDF link below that should print better.
I started creating these worksheets as a handout for when I was teaching homeschoolers. I am humbled to think that they are used by thousands of families all over the world.
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| How to Paint a Picture of a Bird of Paradise Flower, Lesson, and Worksheet. |
My printables are free, so print as many as you like. They take a lot of my time. I often have to create several images before I get the right one for an illustration. It is a lot of work, but I am glad to have the opportunity to inspire others.
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If the image above does not print for you then try the PDF.
ART SUPPLY LIST
You can use any watercolor paint. I prefer my small Windsor Newton paint set; it has a nice selection of colors. I also use Grumbacher Paints in the tubes. You can easily find these at any craft store like Lobby Hobby or Michaels. (Look for coupons online.) You can collect lots of paintbrushes, but it is better at the start to keep it simple with a few small, medium, and medium-large brushes and a combination of flats as well as rounded paintbrushes. For these art lessons, I use Strathmore series 300 Watercolor paper. It is economical and available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby and online.
BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper, this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through place it against a window with the light shining behind it and then you should be able to trace it easily.
UNDERPAINT THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS
The flower looks orange, but start by painting the yellow highlights first. Let the yellow dry.
PAINT THE ORANGE ON TOP OF THE YELLOW
Using long strokes from top to bottom paint the orange on top of the yellow but leave yellow highlights showing.
BLUES
Use light blue to paint and the tongue-like-part sticking out. After the light blue dries mix some red to make violet and paint the shadows, but be careful to leave the light blue highlights showing in places.
For the blue body use light blue for the highlights and while the paper is still damp add violet blue for the lower shadows. While that is still damp use VERY LITTLE black for the darkest shadows on the bottom edge.
GREENS
For the leaves, use light green for the highlights. After the light green dries use dark green for the leaves and the stem.
BACKGROUND
You may want to leave the background white.
Or you can mix A LITTLE BLACK with some green and carefully go around the flower and make the background a little darker so the flower stands out.
Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom that way there is room for the frame.
PRINTABLE ART LESSON NOTES.
BEGINNINGS
Trace the design onto 140-pound watercolor paper, this is the heavy paper that will not buckle. If the paper is too thick to trace through place it against a window with the light shining behind it and then you should be able to trace it easily.
UNDERPAINT THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS
The flower looks orange, but start by painting the yellow highlights first. Let the yellow dry.
PAINT THE ORANGE ON TOP OF THE YELLOW
Using long strokes from top to bottom paint the orange on top of the yellow but leave yellow highlights showing.
BLUES
Use light blue to paint and the tongue-like-part sticking out. After the light blue dries mix some red to make violet and paint the shadows, but be careful to leave the light blue highlights showing in places.
For the blue body use light blue for the highlights and while the paper is still damp add violet blue for the lower shadows. While that is still damp use VERY LITTLE black for the darkest shadows on the bottom edge.
GREENS
For the leaves, use light green for the highlights. After the light green dries use dark green for the leaves and the stem.
BACKGROUND
You may want to leave the background white.
Or you can mix A LITTLE BLACK with some green and carefully go around the flower and make the background a little darker so the flower stands out.
Sign your work about an inch up from the bottom that way there is room for the frame.
(c) Adron D. 3/2/20
