How to Color A Peony With Alcohol Markers

This is a tutorial on how to color a peony with alcohol markers. Hi there! If you’re looking to add some stunning florals to your artwork, you’re in the right place. In today’s tutorial, we’ll be coloring a beautiful peony using alcohol markers.

Peonies are known for their lush, layered petals and vibrant colors, making them a perfect subject to practice blending and shading techniques. This tutorial is super easy for beginners. We will do some easy shading and coloring using muted colors.

I’ll guide you step by step through creating depth and dimension, so your peony really pops off the page. Grab your markers, and let’s get started!

How To Color A Peony With Alcohol Markers

Step 1: Download the Printable Peony Page

Before we begin, make sure to download the printable peony coloring page. This will give you a perfect outline to follow along with during the tutorial. You can print it on your preferred paper. I’m using regular printer paper with a few sheets underneath to catch any bleed through.

Step 2: ChooseColors

Next, choose some alcohol marker colors that will bring your peony to life. You’ll need three shades for the petals (light, medium, and dark), and two shades of colors for the leaves. Be sure to pick colors that complement each other and help create depth.

For this I’m using Copic, Stylefile & Touch Markers. The shades are Copic Ciao EOOO. Stylefile 112 & 312. Touch Y35. Another great set is the ones from Ohuhu.

Step 3: Fill in the Swatch Template

On your printable peony page, you’ll find a swatch template. This is a great tool to test out your color choices. Fill in the template with your five selected colors so you can see how they look together before applying them to the peony.

Step 4: Start with the Lightest Color

Now that you’ve chosen your colors, start with the lightest shade for the petals. Carefully color the tops of each petal, focusing on the areas that would naturally catch the light. This step lays the foundation for blending in deeper tones later.

Step 5: Add the Medium Shade

Take the next darker shade and begin coloring most of each petal, leaving the very tops untouched where you applied the lightest color. This step creates soft, gradual transitions from light to dark.

Step 6: Use the Darkest Color for Shadows

For this step, use the darkest color to add shadows to the base and undersides of the petals. Carefully layer in the darker sections where the petals overlap or fold. This is what makes the petals appear realistic and three-dimensional.

Step 7: Color in the Center

Now that the petals are finished, it’s time to focus on the center of the peony. Use the last two colors to fill in this area.

Step 8: Color the Leaves

Finally, using the the same two shades as above, apply them to the leaves. Start with the lighter color for the base of the leaves, then use the darker color to add shading and depth to the leaves.

And here is the finished peony coloring page! It looks so beautiful and muted. This can now be put into a frame or hang it on your wall to be enjoyed.

Coloring a peony video

Tips for coloring a peony with alcohol markers

1. Layer Your Colors

Start with the lightest shade and gradually build up layers with darker colors. This will give your petals depth and dimension, making the flower look more realistic.

2. Blend with Small Motions

If you are going for a more blending look then use small motions to soften the transition between them. This helps avoid harsh lines and creates a smooth, seamless look on the petals.

3. Use a white gel pen

Create some white areas near the tops of the petals to give the illusion of light hitting the flower, adding brightness to your peony.

4. Add Extra Depth with a Blender Marker

If you want even more dimension, use a blender marker to soften the edges of your shading. This can help smooth out any rough transitions and create a more natural look.

5. Use Reference Photos for Accuracy

If you’re aiming for a realistic peony, it helps to look at reference photos. Observe where the shadows and highlights naturally fall on real peonies.

Congratulations on finishing your peony! I hope you had fun bringing this beautiful flower to life with your alcohol markers.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more coloring tips, tutorials, and inspiration. We’d love to see your finished artwork—tag us so we can check out your amazing peony! Keep creating, and I’ll see you in the next tutorial.

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