Learn how to create delicate, see-through flowers in watercolour with the help of immensely popular artist, pattern designer and YouTuber, Olga Koelsch.

In her debut book, Olga gently guides beginners and experienced artists alike through the process of painting flowers, combining the accuracy of botanical illustration with the expression and freedom of modern watercolour. 

Beginning with a concise introduction to the key things you'll need to get started, as well as Olga's most-used watercolour methods, straight away you can start to paint 6 different stunning plant projects – magnolia, eucalyptus, bellflower, rose, peony and iris. Every project has clear photography and step-by-step instructions, as well as an outline at the back of the book that can be traced, if you need a little help when beginning your painting. 

If you need inspiration for what to do with your finished artwork, Olga has shared a stunning collection of her own examples that showcase the flowers beautifully – from cards and wall art to fabrics that would make a beautiful robe for a loved one.

Whether you're looking to start painting flowers with a nod to botanical illustration, or to learn how to create beautiful flowers to adorn personal items, you'll be struck by the timeless and unique artwork that fills How to Paint Transparent Watercolour Flowers.

From botany to mindful brushstrokes: introducing Olga Koelsch's unique watercolour flowers guide.

Artist and pattern designer Olga Koelsch unlocks the serene world of watercolour painting with her new book, How to Paint Transparent Watercolour Flowers. This guide offers a unique approach to watercolour painting, focusing on the delicate beauty of see-through flowers.

Olga combines the precision of botanical illustration with the fluidity and expressiveness of modern watercolour techniques. Readers will learn how to reveal the inner anatomy of flowers through gradually applying transparent layers of watercolour. Olga's methods are meditative, encouraging artists to slow down and adopt a mindful approach to creativity. The book is designed for beginners and seasoned artists, providing a gentle step-by-step guide through the process of painting six stunning plant projects: magnolia, eucalyptus, bellflower, rose, peony, and iris.

Beyond the brushwork, How to Paint Transparent Watercolour Flowers offers guidance on practical applications for these techniques. Olga showcases a stunning collection of her own artworks, demonstrating how painted flowers can be transformed into beautiful cards, wall art, and even fabric designs.

Olga Koelsch, it turns out, is a YouTube and Instagram tutor and, if that makes you run for the hills, please wait while I join you. Before we depart, though, let's at least have a look around. 

What we have here is a somewhat specialist, but really rather useful guide to introducing transparency into watercolour. Although the subject is flowers you could, at a push, adapt the technique to almost anything. I have added that note of caution because this is project-based and the instructions are very specific, with results that produce an ethereal effect that goes beyond just glazing. You have to want to paint in this style more than just occasionally, I think.

As I intimated, this is a useful book that should not be summarily dismissed and has an undoubted appeal. It is well presented and executed, but any purchase decision would be a highly personal one. 

Olga Koelsch is a watercolor artist, book author, and educator based in Bergen, representing Norway in the Nordic Watercolor Society (NAS).

She originally pursued an art career with botanical illustration, after working in marketing for several years, but then craved for more expression and freedom in painting. She began to blend her knowledge in botany with modern watercolour techniques, creating stunning transparent flower bouquets that have now become her signature work.

As an educator, she has taught students from around the world, sharing her passion for watercolor through her book, YouTube channel and on-line courses.

Courses: www.olgakoelschcourses.com

Instagram: @olga.koelsch

YouTube: @olgakoelsch

Website: olgakoelsch.com

Creative market: creativemarket.com/olga.koelsch

Etsy: etsy.com/shop/OlgaKoelschArt