How to Paint an Amaryllis in Watercolor

Last Updated: August 30, 2018

During the darkest months of the year, when another growing season seems far away, amaryllis bulbs appear at stores. The big brown bulb in its own little pot looks bland, even boring. Sprinkle in the bag of soil, add water, perch it in the sun and, within days, a sturdy green stem appears, heading for the sky. Before long, a fat bud opens and a brilliant red blossom or two appears. This flower, a showy blossom atop a graceful stem has always been a favorite for watercolor artists to paint.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing and Planning

1

Open a pad of 9” X 12” watercolor paper. Turn the page so the pad’s backing will support your paper as you work.
2
Set out watercolors and brushes.
- If you want a dramatic black background, use a tube of black watercolor that is always included in a set, but rarely called for. Or, purchase a small bottle of matte black acrylic. Plan to keep separate brushes for acrylic paints.
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What vantage point will you select? How close will the blossom be, how much of the paper will it fill? Will it touch the edges of the picture plane? Or, will you step back and show the entire plant from the pot at the bottom to the lavish flower at the top?
They come in red, pink, yellow, orange, white and a combination of red and white called variegated.
5
Use a pencil to sketch your design. The flower is trumpet-shaped, with six petals, but it will only appear that way in profile. From the front, all six petals will show, three in front and three behind.
- The stem is at least as thick as a pencil and the leaves are long and spiky.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Painting

1

Paint the flower, stem and leaves. Allow the page to dry. Use a hairdryer if you are in a hurry.
Mix it thoroughly with a small amount of water to make a puddle of black the consistency of heavy cream. On a test paper be sure it spreads easily and covers well. Make a larger puddle than you think you will need.
Start with a small, pointed brush and go around the flower making sharp, clean lines. Change to a one inch flat brush for the rest of the space and use strong up and down strokes. Let the piece dry thoroughly. If the black appears streaky, let it dry. Go over the streaky areas. It might take a few layers to fully cover and become a flat black. Have patience.
Hang this attention-getting work of art in a place for all to enjoy. Be prepared for compliments to have created such a dramatic and dynamic work of art. Sometimes, simplicity is the order of the day.

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Tips

Wait until the first layer of paint is completely dry before painting over it. This is especially true if trying to get a perfectly black background.

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Many other plants could become beautiful paintings. Select and paint a single stem, then, add a stark, black background; the hydrangea, a tulip, poppy or a lily.

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Things You'll Need

Watercolors
Watercolor brushes
A pencil
Watercolor paper in a pad
A rag
An eraser

How to Paint an Amaryllis in Watercolor

Steps

Preparing and Planning

Painting

Expert Q&A

Tips

Things You'll Need

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