How to Paint a Pink Dahlia with Watercolor
How to Paint a Beautiful Pink Dahlia in Watercolor
If you’re looking to create a stunning floral watercolor painting, this pink dahlia is a wonderful subject. In this tutorial (which is a replay from a previous youtube Live!), we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, using just a few essential supplies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this painting is a great way to explore painting with vibrant colors and creating some intricate details.
This tutorial is an all time FAVORITE of mine. Mainly because the results I've seen from it are unmatched. The paintings many of you created from this absolutely blew me away! Can't wait to see what you create from it. :)

Materials You’ll Need:
Brushes:Â Round brushes in sizes 2 through 8 (these will help you achieve both fine details and large color washes).
Watercolor Paints: (any brand, as long as they are professional series!)
Opera Rose
Alizarin Crimson
Aureolin Yellow
Sap Green
Cerulean Blue
Paper:Â A 6x8 watercolor cold press paper sketchbook (ideal for its texture and ability to handle layers).
New to watercolor? I have a go-to list of supplies I recommend HERE.
First: The Sketch!
Begin with a light pencil sketch of the dahlia. Focus on the central cluster of petals and work outward, adding layers of overlapping petals. Don’t worry about perfection—the beauty of a dahlia lies in its natural variation. If you need a sketch to trace, here is a reference to download!

Tips for Success:
Keep a paper towel nearby to lift excess paint or water.
Work in layers—watercolor is all about building up depth gradually. Follow me as I show you how I paint this Dahlia!
Don’t rush! Take time to let each layer dry to prevent colors from bleeding together unintentionally.
If you follow along, I’d love to see your work— feel free to share it on Instagram and tag me (@shealeenlouise).
Happy painting!
With love,
Shealeen
P.S Want to learn more from me? I have a free PDF booklet with all my past tutorials in ONE place. I include reference images and sketches! Drop your name and email below and I'll send it your way!
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