There’s something unexpectedly beautiful about painting onions in watercolor. With their rounded forms, warm earthy hues, and those wild, tangled roots, they offer so much character—and best of all, you probably have one waiting in your kitchen!

When I started preparing this lesson, I found myself seeing onions through an entirely new lens. Each time I peeled one, I paused to admire the soft transitions in color, the delicate papery layers, and the charming imperfections in its shape. It’s a wonderful reminder that even the most ordinary things can become poetic when you take the time to really look.

In this class, we’ll use a simple, earthy palette made of just a few essential colors—ones you likely already have in your watercolor set. I’ll guide you through how to mix them into rich, subtle tones that perfectly capture the onion’s natural beauty.

We’ll begin with a quick and useful warm-up to practice rewetting your paper safely, even when it’s taped down—an essential skill for building up layered textures without disturbing what’s already been painted.

The class is divided into easy-to-follow segments, with lessons filmed from multiple angles so you can clearly follow along and see every brushstroke.

Step by step, we’ll create a detailed red-brown onion with its signature curly roots, explore techniques to paint fine textures, and even add a realistic wood surface beneath it. At the end, you’ll have your very own charming onion portrait.

So gather your paints and let’s get started. This class is your invitation to slow down, enjoy the process, and find inspiration in the everyday. Let’s paint something beautiful together!

Thank you so much for exploring this class!

I’ve been a professional watercolorist for many years now, and been fortunate enough to take part in art exhibitions around the world and to win awards from highly regarded art organizations. I am grateful that my watercolors are in private collections all around the world. My style is realistic with a magical touch. I encourage experimenting, using varied watercolor techniques and painting in your own style.

You’ll Learn:

Which materials can enhance your watercolor experience
Step-by-step guidance and watercolor techniques to complete the painting
How to paint layered, tussled roots with texture and depth
Color choices and mixes for a rich earth-tone palette
Tips on identifying the right color and replicating it in your painting
How to moisten the paper safely when it's taped to a board
Techniques for adding additional layers without disturbing the previous ones
How to paint a realistic round onion shape
How to create a believable wood texture
Final detailing techniques that bring strong visual impact

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Yvette Afrangui

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