If you’ve ever sat down to paint a flower and thought, Well, that didn’t turn out how I imagined, you’re not alone. I’ve painted the same flower dozens—maybe hundreds—of times. (Okay, probably more than that). But over time, I started noticing something: painting the same flower again and again taught me way more than I expected.

Today I want to share my favorite flower painting tips—ones I’ve learned not by trying something new every time, but by doing the opposite. By sticking with the same flower and exploring it deeply, I’ve uncovered techniques, patterns, and mindset shifts that changed the way I paint.

Let’s dive in.

1. Repetition Trains Your Eye

There’s something powerful about painting the same subject multiple times. At first, I was just trying to get it right. But after the third, fourth, or fifth try, I started to see things I missed before. Tiny color shifts. The way one petal curves ever so slightly. How the light hits the edge and creates a soft, blurry transition (or sometimes a sharp one).

When you repeat something, your brain starts to notice those subtle differences in shape, color, and texture. Your eyes get trained to look deeper, to really see the subject instead of just assuming what it looks like.

That’s why one of my biggest flower painting tips is this: paint the same bloom again. And again. And again. It’s not boring—it’s actually where the magic begins.

New to watercolor flowers? Start here! This beginner-friendly guide walks you through tools, techniques, and simple steps to build confidence and create beautiful blooms from the very beginning. Read the full guide.

2. Progress Isn’t Linear

Let me just say it—progress in watercolor isn’t a straight line. You might paint a rose that turns out so good you want to frame it, only to follow it with one that feels like a hot mess. (Been there.)

When I was working on my Everyday Watercolor Seashores book (yep, every single page had to be painted at least three times—sometimes more), I’d finish a piece I loved… then totally bomb the next version. That’s normal. Watercolor has a mind of its own sometimes, and that’s part of the charm.

Here’s one of my most honest flower painting tips: don’t expect perfection every time. Improvement happens, but not in a neat, tidy way. Some days will flow, others will frustrate you. Keep going anyway.

If you’re curious about that watercolor book process, I shared more here on YouTube:

3. Repetition Helps You Let Go of Perfectionism

One of the best parts of repeating the same flower is that it takes the pressure off. Instead of trying to make the perfect version, you realize you have another chance. And another. Suddenly, one bad petal doesn’t ruin everything. You start loosening up. You take more risks. You try things just to see what happens.

Perfectionism gets quieter when we stop treating each painting like it has to be “the one.”

So if you’re feeling stiff or stuck, here’s a refreshing flower painting tip: paint it again, not because you failed, but because there’s freedom in trying again. (And trust me, your best work often comes when you stop trying so hard.)

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4. Constraints Can Boost Your Creativity

Here’s something I didn’t expect. I used to think I had to try new things all the time to stay creative—new flowers, new colors, new ideas. And don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely space for that (I still love exploring and switching things up when I feel stuck).

But I’ve also learned that painting the same flower over and over can actually spark creativity in a different way.

When I slowed down and stayed with one subject, I started noticing details I’d normally miss. I played around with lighting—like how it looked in early morning light versus late afternoon shadows. I tried new angles, switched up brushes, limited my palette, and created little challenges for myself.

By staying with the same flower, I found new ways to interpret it—and that helped stretch my creative muscle in ways I didn’t expect.

So one of my favorite flower painting tips is this: try painting the same flower five different ways. Change the angle, tweak the color palette, limit your tools. You’ll be amazed at how much creativity can show up in something familiar.

5. It’s Meditative (And You Don’t Need “New” to Grow)

This one might be my favorite. Painting the same flower again and again taught me to slow down. To enjoy the process, not just the result. It became a kind of meditation. My brush moved more intentionally. My mind softened. I wasn’t chasing novelty—I was deepening my attention.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, try more, move faster… repetition can be a gift.

I actually wrote a full blog post on this idea—how painting can be meditative and why we don’t always need something new to grow. If you want to read more, you can check that out here.

So here’s a gentle flower painting tip you may not expect: don’t chase the next flower just yet. Stay with the one you’re already painting. Give it your full attention. See what comes from staying, instead of always moving on.

Final Thoughts: What Repetition Really Teaches Us

At first, painting the same flower again and again felt like a challenge. Wouldn’t I get bored? Wouldn’t it stop being fun?

But what I found was the opposite. The more I painted it, the more I discovered. The more relaxed I felt. The more I trusted my instincts. I wasn’t just getting technically better—I was connecting more deeply with my work (and enjoying it so much more).

So if you’re looking for the best flower painting tips, I’ll leave you with this:

• Let repetition train your eye
• Embrace the ups and downs of progress
• Use repetition to release perfectionism
• Stretch your creativity within limits
• And let the process calm your mind

The same flower can be your greatest teacher. You just have to stay with it long enough to hear what it’s saying.

And if you're craving more than just brush techniques—if you're ready to build your skills and learn how to create from your own ideas with confidence—then I’d love to invite you into The Art Within. It’s a deep, step-by-step course designed to help you master creative fundamentals and shape your unique artistic voice. Whether you work in watercolor or beyond, this course helps you move from copying to creating work that feels truly you.

Oh—and if you’re in the mood for a little everyday inspiration…

My brand new Everyday Watercolor Postcards is here! 25 original designs you can pop in the mail, gift to a friend, or pin by your desk to keep the creative energy flowing.

Order the Seashores and Ocean Life postcard set today and bring a little watercolor magic into your daily life. Check them out here!