Pansies in Watercolor with the Deep Muse Compact

Hi there! Erum Tasneem here with a new VIDEO! 

Watercolor florals have a way of slowing us down and letting us truly enjoy the process. In today’s project, I’m sharing a slightly more advanced watercolor session featuring deep, muted tones and delicate petal details. We’ll be painting pansies using the Deep Muse Watercolor Compact, focusing on controlled water application, layered color, and expressive brush strokes.

If you enjoy practicing fine details and soft transitions, this is a wonderful project to paint along with.

Watch the video tutorial below or CLICK HERE to learn more about this cardmaking technique! Or read step-by-step instructions after the video.

1. Cut hot-pressed watercolor cardstock to 4 x 5 1/2". 
2. Activate the paints in the Deep Muse Watercolor Compact with water and set aside.
3. Using the Stampwheel, stamp the pansy image from the Build-A-Garden: Fanciful Pansies in Obsidian Pigment Ink. 

Tip: Use the acetate sheet (packaging) to help with placement and stamp, repeating if needed for a clear impression.
You may also choose a lighter ink for a no-line look if preferred.

1. Using a size 4 brush, lightly apply water to each petal, stopping short of the flower center.
2. Add Raspberry Rose to the petal tips and gradually pull the color inward.
3. Use a second clean brush with water to soften and blend the pigment.

1. Deepen the petal tips by adding more concentrated Raspberry Rose.
2. Once dry, use Lilac Burgundy with a 3/0 brush to add fine flicking strokes from the petal tips inward, following the natural curve of each petal. Keep some areas softer for variation.

1. Apply Golden Ochre to the flower centers using a dome-like shape. Leave this area unblended initially.
2. Once the petals are complete, lightly glaze diluted Golden Ochre outward from the center to create a warm transition.

1. Lightly wet each leaf and blot excess water.
2. Use a mix of Mossy Oak, Golden Ochre, and Origin Umber, adjusting the ratio for variety. Add yellow for vibrancy and deepen shadows where needed.
3. Optional: Add a very diluted Raspberry Rose to some leaves for cohesion.

1. For a soft color wash: Apply clean water to the background, then add a soft green watercolor wash from the palette. Use a second damp brush to soften edges as needed.
2. For additional stucco-like texture: With slightly thicker paint and less water, gently dab color onto the background using a size 4 or 6 brush.
3. Keep the texture heavier on one side and softer on the opposite side for balance.
   Optional: Add subtle splatters while the panel is still wet.

You can always continue building layers or adding details, but sometimes stopping early keeps the watercolor fresh and expressive. I hope this project encourages you to explore richer palettes and enjoy the beauty of controlled imperfection.

If you paint along using the Deep Muse Watercolor Compact, be sure to tag Altenew and me so we can admire your work.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy crafting!

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