How to Paint: Watercolor Lavender in a Gray Vase

Get ready to really loosen up by painting these watercolor lavender in a gray vase!

My favorite thing about painting loosely is that I don’t really have a plan. I mean, I have a plan in terms of what the overall look will be. But once I get started, I don’t worry too much about what’s happening. If you’re not quite comfortable going into a painting without an overall plan, I would suggest lightly sketching a few things like the vase, and some of the main stems. Otherwise, let loose, and let the paint do its thing!

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Materials Used:

Shinhan Watercolor Paint
Master’s Touch round brush size 12
Grumbacher Goldenedge round brush size 4
Canson XL Watercolor Paper
Cups or jars of water
Paper towel or cotton rag
Ruler

Step 1: Paint the vase

How to Paint: Watercolor Lavender - Audrey Ra Design

I started with my size 12 brush, then used a ruler to measure where the center of my paper was. I used a Payne’s gray color and watered it down for a very light color. While it was still wet, I dropped in more saturated paint.

Step 2: First layer in bouquet – greenery

Before painting in the lavender, I decided to paint some green leaves to establish some structure to the bouquet. I used a mixture of Sap Green and Hooker’s Green Dark. Use short strokes to give the impression of leaves.

Step 3: Second layer – yellow wildflowers

The color yellow contrasts nicely with the lavender color. So add just a touch of yellow alongside the greenery to represent wildflowers.

Step 4: Paint the lavender

Paint the lavender flowers in stages. Start with a light purple color. Then use analogous colors like red-purple, violet, and blue-purple to add dimension to your painting.

Keep in mind that the petals near the top of the vase should be darker as if the upper part of the bouquet is casting a shadow.

Step 5: Define lavender stems and add more leaves and wildflower

While your lavender layer is drying, add in some thin stems and more green leaves. Make sure to still leave some white space to let your painting breathe.