Paint Charming Geraniums Step by Step: Perfect for Beginners

There’s something incredibly satisfying about painting flowers—especially when the process is simple, relaxing, and beginner-friendly.

This tutorial focuses on one of the most classic and cheerful plants: geraniums. Known for their round leaves and full blooms, they’re a great subject to paint even if you’re just starting out.

In this session, you’ll use gouache and colored pencils on kraft paper, creating a vibrant contrast that brings your flowers to life.

Let’s explore why this combination works and how to make your own floral piece feel lively, balanced, and joyful—without diving into the technical steps (that’s what the video is for).

Why Geraniums Are a Great Subject

Bold Shapes, Simple Structure

Geraniums are ideal for beginners because their form is easy to break down. The petals are loose and not overly detailed, while the leaves have a distinctive round shape with subtle notches.

This means you can focus more on playing with color and layering, rather than getting lost in complex outlines.

Personality in Every Bloom

These flowers have an old-fashioned charm that’s hard to resist. Whether they remind you of a windowsill garden or your grandmother’s porch, geraniums carry a soft nostalgia.

That emotional pull makes them more engaging to paint—even simple renderings feel meaningful.

Using Gouache on Kraft Paper

A Perfect Surface for Contrast

Kraft paper isn’t just trendy—it’s incredibly effective for gouache work. The warm, mid-tone background allows both whites and darks to stand out, giving your painting natural contrast right from the start.

Geranium blooms, especially in white, pop beautifully against this surface without needing heavy outlines.

Gouache Brings the Texture

Gouache is forgiving, vibrant, and easy to layer. It allows for both opaque details and soft blending, which is perfect when building leaves or adding depth to your petals. On kraft paper, gouache takes on a matte finish that adds a touch of elegance to the whole piece.

Colored Pencils: Your Secret Weapon

Adding Detail and Definition

Once your gouache layers are dry, colored pencils come in to sharpen edges and add texture. They help define the veins of the leaves, enhance shadows, and give extra personality to the pot or background.

A blue pencil can even highlight areas without overwhelming them—just like in the video example.

Mixing Media Keeps It Fun

Using more than one tool keeps the process fresh. Switching between brush and pencil creates a rhythm that’s both creative and calming. It also helps avoid overworking any one area—something every beginner can appreciate.

Building a Relaxed, Balanced Composition

Focus on Flow, Not Perfection

This painting isn’t about precision—it’s about capturing the charm of a potted plant with simple strokes. The arrangement should feel natural and a bit spontaneous. A few tilted stems or lopsided leaves won’t ruin the painting—they’ll make it feel alive.

Let the Pot Ground the Piece

The blue and white pot gives this illustration structure and color contrast. It anchors the soft greens and whites of the plant above.

Try not to overthink the patterns—just let them echo the overall vibe of the piece. Remember, it's okay if it's a little wonky—that's part of the charm.

Final Thoughts

Painting geraniums is a rewarding exercise, especially when you combine gouache, pencils, and kraft paper.

The mix of textures, colors, and tools makes the process fun and relaxed. Follow along with the tutorial, enjoy each layer, and let the painting come together naturally.

Don’t rush. This is about enjoying the moment, not just the result. By the end, you’ll have a delightful floral piece—and maybe a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of flowers and the joy of painting them.

We thank Shayda Campbell for the images.

Enjoy The Video Tutorial

Source: Shayda Campbell

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Last update on 2025-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API