Last fall, our family visited a pumpkin patch filled with hundreds and hundreds of enormous sunflowers. Some of the flower heads were as big as dinner plates, and I'd never seen anything quite like it. That memory came back to me as I planned this week's easy watercolor sunflower tutorial.

Around that same time last year, I painted a sunflower for one of my first Creative Heart Journal projects. I was still very new to watercolor. It was big, bright and simple, and I remember being pretty happy with it.

Almost a year later, I decided to paint a sunflower again.

I didn't set out to make a “better” version of that first painting. I still like my original sunflower. But as I started painting this one, I noticed something interesting.

This sunflower feels more like me.

Painting the Same Subject Again

There's something fun about returning to a subject you've painted before.

You already know the basic shapes. You aren't starting completely from scratch. But you've had more time to paint, experiment and discover what you enjoy.

This time, my sunflower ended up growing from a slightly wonky pot with a big Dusty Bloom heart on the front. Then I added dots around the rim, tiny flowers growing around the bottom, a few fallen petals, a little butterfly and, naturally, a curly vine that doesn't really need to be there.

None of those things were part of some carefully planned artistic style.

They're simply things I like.

And apparently, if I keep painting long enough, they keep showing up.

Making Your Art Your Own

When you're a beginner, it's easy to think you need to “find your artistic style.”

But I'm beginning to think it works almost the other way around.

You don't necessarily choose your style first and then start making art that fits it.

You make art first.

You paint things you love. You try different techniques. You discover colors you keep reaching for. You add something to one painting and realize you want to do it again in the next one.

You also discover things you don't enjoy, and you gradually stop doing those.

Little by little, all those choices begin to add up.

For me, I'm noticing hearts, dots, tiny flowers, simple shapes, curly vines and little whimsical details appearing again and again. I'm also drawn to paintings with plenty of white space and scenes that feel cheerful and a little storybook-like.

I didn't sit down one day and decide, This is my artistic style.

I just kept painting.

And somewhere along the way, my paintings started looking a little more like mine.

Painting With Our Fall Watercolor Palette

This week's palette is called Sunflower Season, and we're continuing with the same five colors throughout our Fall Collection:

• Sunlit Gold - Hansa Yellow Light

• Rust Orchard - Transparent Red Oxide

• Fallen Bark - Raw Umber

• Evergreen Hush - Sap Green

• Dusty Bloom - Quinacridone Rose

I'm using Daniel Smith professional watercolor paints, but you absolutely do not need these exact paints to follow along. Choose similar colors from whatever watercolor set you already have.

Mixing Tip: For a warmer, more golden sunflower, add a tiny touch of Rust Orchard to Sunlit Gold. Start with mostly yellow and add the Rust Orchard a little at a time. Use the warmer mixture near the base of the petals while leaving the tips more yellow. It's an easy way to create some depth and variation without making the petals complicated.

An Easy Sunflower Watercolor Project for Beginners

This project is designed to be simple enough for a beginning watercolor painter.

We'll start by lightly sketching or tracing the basic design. Then we'll build the sunflower with layers of yellow and warm yellow-orange, paint the pot and leaves, and add the rose-colored heart, flowers and butterfly.

At the end, we'll use a permanent fine-tip black pen to add some of the little details that give the painting its whimsical personality.

And remember: you don't have to add everything I add.

Maybe you don't want dots on your pot. Maybe your heart is yellow instead of pink. Maybe you want three butterflies - or none at all. You might add your own favorite flower at the bottom or change the colors completely.

That's part of this week's lesson, too.

Don't just paint my sunflower.

Make it yours.

WATCH THE SUNFLOWER WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL HERE ON YOUTUBE:

A Little Creative Heart Practice

This week's Heart Practice is:

Today I notice what feels like me.

The next time you're painting, pay attention to the choices that make you happy.

Is there a color you always seem to reach for? A shape you like drawing? Do you love black outlines, or would you rather let the watercolor edges stay soft? Do flowers, birds, hearts, dots or funny little curls keep sneaking into your paintings?

You don't have to turn those observations into rules.

Just notice them.

Your artistic style may already be starting to show itself.

Back to the Sunflower Field

I'm already looking forward to returning to that pumpkin patch this fall.

I'm curious what I'll notice this time - the colors, the shapes, the way those enormous flowers turn toward the sun, and all the little details I probably missed the first time.

And who knows?

Maybe something I see there will eventually find its way onto another piece of watercolor paper at my kitchen table.

That's one of my favorite things about making art. The things we see, remember and love have a funny way of finding their way into what we create.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting a Watercolor Sunflower

Is this watercolor sunflower tutorial suitable for beginners?

Yes. This is a beginner-friendly watercolor project using simple shapes and a limited color palette. You can also use the traceable outline if you're not comfortable drawing the sunflower yourself. You can find a link to the traceable sunflower in the description of my YouTube tutorial above.

What colors do I need to paint a watercolor sunflower?

You'll need a bright yellow, warm orange or rusty color, brown, green and a pink or rose color if you'd like to follow my palette. You do not need the exact brands or paint colors I use.

How do I make yellow sunflower petals look less flat?

Try mixing a tiny amount of a warm orange or rusty color into your yellow. Paint some of this warmer mixture near the base of the petals while allowing more of the bright yellow to show toward the tips.

Do I need to draw the sunflower before painting?

No. You can sketch it yourself, use my traceable outline, or even simplify the design and paint your own version. A light pencil drawing can make the painting process easier for beginners.

Do I need to outline my watercolor painting with a black pen?

No. That's a style choice. I like using a permanent fine-tip pen to add selected details and give some of my paintings a whimsical, hand-drawn appearance. You can use fewer lines, leave them out entirely, or experiment to see what you prefer.

How do I develop my own watercolor painting style?

Start by making lots of art rather than worrying about defining your style first. Pay attention to the colors, subjects, shapes and details you repeatedly enjoy. Over time, those choices can become recognizable characteristics of your work.

Is it okay to paint the same subject more than once?

Absolutely. Repainting a familiar subject can be a wonderful way to see how your choices have changed. You may use different colors, simplify certain details, add new elements or approach the subject differently without making the earlier painting “wrong.”

How can I make this sunflower painting my own?

Change something! Use a different color for the pot, add your favorite flowers, leave off the butterfly, change the heart, add a word or pattern, or simplify the whole design. Use the tutorial as a starting point rather than something you have to copy exactly.

Come Paint With Me

If you enjoyed this easy watercolor sunflower tutorial, I'd love to have you join me at my kitchen table again.

The Creative Heart Journal arrives free every Friday with a simple watercolor project, color palette, and a little creative encouragement for your week.

Join the Creative Heart Journal

And if you'd rather paint together, you can also join me for my free monthly live watercolor class. No experience necessary - just bring your paints and come create with us.

Join the Next Free Painting Class

I'll be back next week with another painting for our Fall Collection.

Until then, I hope you'll make a little time to paint something that feels like you.

With heart and color,
Donna
Mind Your Heart Studio