For many aspiring artists, there are not many painting subjects as beautiful as a rose. This flower has challenged artists for centuries as they struggle to master painting the delicate lines, colors, light and shadows seen in the complex rose. Learning how to paint roses is a common challenge of student artists, which is one reason why so many books and methods exist to teach flower-painting techniques.
Acrylics
Painting roses in acrylics is a method used by many artists. Acrylics have similar characteristics as pricier oil paints. These include the ability to load a brush with many colors at one time, to be able to blend colors easily while the paint is wet and to add texture. The thick acrylics are easy to clean with soap and water. They tend to dry quickly, and if need be, can cover over mistakes easily.
Watercolors
Watercolors have the reputation of being difficult to use. Becoming familiar with traditional techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and learning to use both transparent and opaque colors often gives artists the ability to paint very delicate or bold roses. With either version, practicing single petals is often the way to begin. Once these take shape, then the petals may be grouped into place to create entire roses. Some methods focus on sketching the roses first.
Oil Paints
Oil paints can be expensive to use when painting roses. Oil paints need to be cleaned with linseed oil or turpentine, which is tedious, but the sturdy brushes can last for years. Oils take a long time to dry, so it is possible to go over sections repeatedly to improve or change them. Roses are generally painted on layer by layer, working from the back petals to the front.
China Painting
Hand-painted roses are a favorite theme on fine china. China painting is a hobby that is enjoyed around the world. China paints must undergo the process of being heated to very high temperatures in an oven called a kiln. This process, known as firing, chemically alters the surface of the china so that the painted roses meld into it permanently. Typically, clubs form with a teacher and several students who learn to paint together.
