Looking to elevate your watercolor florals with stunning leaf details? This step-by-step guide, inspired by a popular YouTube tutorial, walks you through 10 simple leaf styles that add depth, interest, and variation to any botanical painting. Whether you’re crafting wildflower scenes or elegant bouquets, these easy guide on how to paint leaves using watercolors will help you break free from painting the same leaf over and over again.
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin painting watercolor leaves, make sure you have the following tools and supplies ready:
- Watercolor Paper: Use cold press watercolor paper for the best absorption and texture.
- Watercolor Paints: A basic palette will do, but key colors used in the tutorial include:
- Round Brushes: A size 6 round brush is ideal for most leaf shapes, while a size 2 round brush is great for adding fine details and veins.
- Mixing Palette: To blend your greens, blues, and browns into various natural leaf tones.
- Clean Water Jars: One for rinsing brushes and another for clean water to dilute paints.
- Paper Towel or Rag: For blotting excess water or correcting mistakes.
- Optional: Pencil (for light sketching) – though not used in the video, some beginners may prefer to outline leaf shapes first.
10 Easy Styles on How to Paint Leaves Using Watercolors
1. Basic Garden Leaf
This is the go-to beginner leaf shape—simple, elegant, and versatile.
- Use a round brush (size 6 recommended).
- Start with a light, thin stroke for the stem using little to no pressure.
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, press down to widen the stroke, and release as you pull to a point.
- Repeat this motion to form the other side of the leaf.
2. Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
Perfect for adding softness and roundness to your piece.
- Mix sap green, manganese blue, and a touch of mars black for a smoky tone.
- Paint light teardrop shapes facing inward toward an imaginary stem.
- Once dry, add a fine stem using burnt umber and mars black with the tip of your brush.
3. Baby Accent Leaves
Think of these as background fillers—tiny, varied, and lively.
- Mix different greens—yellow-green, dark green, and light green—for depth.
- Apply tiny dot-like strokes randomly, creating small clusters.
- Use them to frame flowers or fill empty space.
4. Two-Layer Leaves
These add subtle detail to your paintings through layering.
- First, paint a base layer using a light green-blue hue with a single leaf stroke (pressure and release).
- Let it dry completely.
- Add fine veins with a darker tone using just the brush tip.
5. Textured Rose Leaf
Rugged edges and deeper greens make this leaf realistic and rich.
- Begin with a classic stroke for the leaf base.
- Use the side of your brush or short flicks around the edge to mimic the serrated look of rose leaves.
6. Twisting Tulip Leaf
A longer, folded leaf with movement—ideal for dynamic pieces.
- Use a curved stroke: start thin, apply pressure, curve, release, then come back down.
- Repeat to form a twisting, flowing look.
7. Herb Sprigs: Thyme and Rosemary
These are wonderful for vertical balance and texture.
- Use quick V-shaped strokes along an imaginary vertical stem.
- Vary your green tones—dull some with brown or black for realism.
- Keep it light and repetitive for a natural herb feel.
8. Cilantro Leaf
Jagged, fun, and bold—great for filling space or texture.
- Use quick, jagged strokes shaped like loose diamonds or fluffy blobs.
- Keep each stroke pointed toward a central stem.
- Embrace a free and messy vibe for authenticity.
9. Peony Leaf Trio
Full and classic, these oval leaves are peony perfection.
- Create a three-leaf cluster with oval, pressure-released strokes.
- Unlike teardrops, these curve inward and do not end in sharp points.
- Add vein details after drying with a fine brush and darker green.
10. Red Jagged Leaf
Bring warmth and color contrast with this unique reddish leaf.
- Mix scarlet red, burnt umber, and mars black for a rich hue.
- Paint a broad leaf base, then use the side of the brush to flick out wave-like jagged edges.
- Once dry, add dark inner lines or edge accents for texture.
Also check out more watercolor painting tutorials:
How to Paint a Horse in Watercolor Plus Stunning Horse Painting Ideas
10 Easy Steps to Painting Clouds in Watercolor
How to Paint a Sunset for Beginners in 12 Genuine Steps
How to Paint Realistic Trees in 5 Essential Steps for Stunning Results
Final Tips for Painting Watercolor Leaves
- Always vary hue and value in your leaves to avoid a flat look.
- Think in basic shapes: ovals, teardrops, waves, and circles help simplify the process.
- Practice with different brush angles and pressures to find your style.
- Use layering for added dimension and let each layer dry fully before detailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to paint leaves with watercolors?
To paint leaves with watercolors, start by choosing a suitable round brush and preparing a mix of greens. Use a light touch to create the stem with the tip of the brush, then apply pressure to form the body of the leaf, releasing gradually to create a natural taper. Focus on simple shapes like ovals, teardrops, or waves, and always point strokes back toward an imaginary or visible stem. Layering and varying color intensity will add depth and realism to your leaves.
How do you paint a simple leaf?
A simple leaf can be painted using one continuous brushstroke. Begin by lightly pressing the tip of a round brush onto the paper for the stem. Then, press the brush down to widen the stroke, drag it slightly, and lift gradually to return to a fine point—this creates the basic leaf shape. Repeat on the other side to complete the leaf. Simple leaves look best when painted with a loose, relaxed hand.
What is the easiest thing to paint in watercolor?
The easiest subjects to paint in watercolor are loose florals, leaves, and abstract patterns. These don’t require precision and allow for playful brushwork and color blending. Leaves, in particular, are ideal for beginners because they involve basic shapes, are forgiving with mistakes, and can be repeated for practice without looking repetitive in composition.
How to draw tree leaves with watercolor?
To draw tree leaves with watercolor, start by identifying the type of tree leaf you want to replicate. Use a light green or diluted color to sketch the general shape—oval, serrated, or lobed. Fill in the shape with a base layer, allow it to dry, and then use a smaller brush and a darker shade to add veins and edges. Vary the greens and add browns or yellows for a more natural, organic appearance.