A Cutting Garden of My Own: A Zinnia Watercolor Tutorial

This week’s zinnia watercolor tutorial was inspired by something I’m planning for my own backyard - a cutting garden filled with zinnias. This year, for the first time, I planted a vegetable garden, and my three planter boxes are steadily filling up with tomatoes, squash, and peppers. They’ve been doing so well that I’m already dreaming about three more boxes next year - this time filled entirely with flowers I can cut and bring inside.

And I think I know exactly where that idea came from.

Table of Contents:

Flowers on the Front Porch

When I was growing up in Michigan, my grandfather had a small farm in Troy - back when Troy still had farms.

On his way to work in the early morning, he would sometimes stop at our house and leave something on the front porch.

Maybe it was a bag of freshly picked corn.

Sometimes it was a handful of flowers he’d cut before sunrise.

There was no announcement or special occasion. We'd just open the door and there they were.

My grandmother grew flowers too, especially snapdragons. I still remember pinching the blossoms as a little girl and watching their little “mouths” open and close. She made magnificent bouquets for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings - the kind of bouquets that looked like they had come straight out of her garden because, of course, they had.

I don't think I realized then how special that was.

Why I Want a Zinnia Cutting Garden

For most of my life, I haven't thought of myself as much of a gardener.

But apparently, I may have underestimated myself.

My first vegetable garden has given me just enough confidence to think, Maybe I could grow flowers, too.

So next year, I want three more planter boxes filled with cutting flowers - zinnias, snapdragons, and whatever else I learn to grow along the way.

I love the idea of walking outside with a pair of scissors, cutting whatever is blooming that morning, and bringing a little bouquet into the house.

Maybe I'll even leave a few on someone's porch.

Funny how something you remember from childhood can find its way back to you many years later.

Painting Zinnias in Watercolor

Since my cutting garden exists mostly in my imagination right now, we'll paint one instead.

If you've ever wondered how to paint zinnias in watercolor, this is a fun place to start. We're keeping the shapes simple and whimsical, so this is an easy watercolor flower project even if you're a beginner.

This week's Creative Heart Journal painting is a simple pot filled with three bright, whimsical zinnias.

We're continuing with our Summer Seasonal Palette:

• Sunshine Yellow

• Sunset Coral

• Tidal Blue

• Shoreline Green

• Harbor Heart

We'll use Sunset Coral for one flower, mix it with Sunshine Yellow to create a warm orange for another, and use Harbor Heart for our deep purple zinnia.

Just five colors - and a whole little garden.

Supplies for This Zinnia Watercolor Tutorial

Nothing fancy.

You'll need watercolor paper, a few basic brushes, a jar of water, your watercolor paints, and a black fine-tip pen if you'd like to add outlines after your painting dries.

And if drawing flowers makes you nervous, don't let that stop you. I've included a tracing pattern so you can skip the drawing altogether and get right to the fun part - the watercolor.

Because this isn't about proving you can draw a perfect zinnia.

It's about sitting down long enough to paint one.

Want to paint this one with me? The complete step-by-step zinnia tutorial, tracing pattern, color palette, and Heart Practice of the Week are included in this week's free Creative Heart Journal.

Get the Free Creative Heart Journal

And, if you'd rather see the whole painting session live, you can view it on YouTube here:

Plant the First Thing

Maybe that's what I'm learning from both gardening and painting.

You don't have to know exactly what you're doing before you begin.

I certainly didn't know whether those first vegetables would grow. I planted them anyway.

And you don't have to believe you're an artist before you pick up a paintbrush.

Sometimes you just plant the first seed.

Paint the first flower.

Make the first little imperfect thing.

And see what grows from there.

My grandfather probably never imagined that all these years later I'd still remember those early-morning flowers he left on our porch.

But I do.

And next spring, when I plant those first zinnias, I think I'll be thinking about him.

Zinnia Watercolor Tutorial FAQs

Is this zinnia watercolor tutorial suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. This project was designed with beginners in mind. We're using simple shapes and a limited color palette, and there's a tracing pattern if you'd rather not draw the flowers yourself.

What supplies will I need?
Watercolor paper, watercolor paints, two or three brushes, a jar of water, and a black fine-tip pen if you'd like to add outlines.

How do I mix the orange zinnia?
Start with Sunshine Yellow and gradually add Sunset Coral until you get the warm orange you're looking for. Start light - you can always add more color.

How long will the painting take?
Plan on about 45 - 60 minutes, depending on how quickly you like to paint and how much time you spend adding details.

Where can I get the full watercolor tutorial and tracing pattern?
They're included in this week's free Creative Heart Journal, along with the color palette, step-by-step painting instructions, and Heart Practice of the Week. You can also view a complete tutorial and print the traceable pattern on YouTube at Mind Your Heart Studio.

Come Paint With Me

If you've been feeling that little pull to make something with your own hands, I'd love to have you join me.

The Creative Heart Journal arrives free every Friday with a simple watercolor project, color palette, and a little creative encouragement for your week.

Join the Creative Heart Journal

And if you'd rather paint together, you can also join me for my free monthly live watercolor class. No experience necessary - just bring your paints and come create with us.

Join the Next Free Painting Class