In this class I'm going to show you how to do some detail painting with some simple and easy step by step techniques. When you paint sunflowers you can go as simple or as deep as you want to, so any level painter is welcome!

Here are all the Tools and Materials you'll need to complete your project:

Watercolor paints (I’m using Viviva Colors watercolor colorsheets because they are very saturated and eco-friendly).
Watercolor brushes (I’m using medium and small round brushes).
Watercolor paper at least 140lb/300g (absorbent enough not to buckle).
Pencil (You an use any pencil you have on hand. I’m using an HB pencil and keeping it light).
Eraser that doesn’t leave marks on paper (I’m using a polymer eraser but gum erasers work well too).
Jar(s) of water to rinse brushes. (You can also use recycled cups, mugs, and anything else that will hold water. I’m using two of them to keep my brushes extra clean).
Rags and paper towels (I use a combination of both. Having a white rag or towel to clean brushes with ensures you know all the paint has been removed. The cleaner you keep your brushes, the longer their lifespan!)
Test pad (I use a small white paper sketchpad to often test my colors before putting them on my final watercolor paper. This is not required, however.)

Here are the steps to completing your project:

First, get the simple tools and materials together to create your project. There is a Tools & Materials list above and in the class Workbook.
Start with a light sketch to place your flowers on your watercolor paper where you would like them, or sketch along with me.
Add your first layer of paint, with the lightest shade of yellow.
Next paint the darker parts of the flower, with a slightly darker shade of yellow, leaving parts of the light yellow showing for highlights.
Paint another layer of thinner lines with a brownish yellow, or yellow ocher.
Now use either a dark brown or black to make some very thin lines that separate the petals, and add the deepest shadows on the flowers. Keep this layer pretty thin, so you don't overpower the yellows and browns.
Paint the center with a layer of medium brown, adding a darker brown to the very middle and outside. Using the tip of your brush dab some even darker brown dots to create some texture.
And finally, paint the stems with your favorite green or with olive green as I have done.

NOTE: Make sure at every stage, you let each of these layers dry before going to the next step!

Download the full color class Workbook to:

- Visually see all the steps of this project.

- Get a copy of the Tools and Materials list.

- Get instructions for uploading your project in the Project and Resources page, in the Downloads section below this text.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions you might have about the class in the Discussions tab, and I’ll be happy to help.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Chris V. :-)

Sharon Lemay

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