Loose Watercolor Poppy Tutorial

I’ve never been much of one for poppy flowers—but when I started to get the itch to paint a few loose watercolor flowers, poppies went straight to the top of the list! While I originally wanted to paint the soft but shocking hues of the himalayan blue poppy, the punchy and iconic red poppy kept calling my name, so I relented ;)

In this tutorial, I’m going to share with you the watercolor tutorial that I did on Instagram Live with some of my friends. Occasionally I’ll pause in my painting process to answer questions and refer to specific individuals by name—this is because (though you can’t see their comments) my friends and followers were watching right along with me during the entire process! Asking questions, leaving comments and generally enjoying time “together”. I hope you enjoy this loose watercolor tutorial as much as I ended up enjoying it! There’s definitely a rough patch towards the beginning—I didn’t warm up properly, and there is always a little added pressure when you’re painting “live”. Especially if it’s a style that is generally outside of your comfort zone.

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Speaking of “loose” watercolor—One thing that I think people often forget is that “loose” or “modern” watercolor does not mean “quick and easy”. While aspects of the process are faster than more realistic watercolor techniques, it’s important to note that the level of concentration, instinct and artistic knowledge are far greater with looser watercolor techniques due to the more abstract style. You’re doing more than capturing the essence of likeness of a flower—you’re playing with composition, color theory and flow.

All that to say, if you find loose watercolor styles difficult to execute, you’re not alone! It’s more than a flick of the wrist to go from blank page to beautiful illustration! Even if it looks that easy from the sidelines.

So pull up a chair, grab a snack and get ready to watch me sweat a little bit under the pressure of this loose watercolor poppy! haha

Watercolor Poppy Video Tutorial:

Supplies:*

Paper: Strathmore 300
Large Palette: https://amzn.to/2NMsJZD
Watercolor brushes: (round, size 10) https://amzn.to/2vU9gzF

Top: (right to left)

Burnt Sienna: https://amzn.to/2UoERCW
Burnt Umber: https://amzn.to/2Un00xo
Piemontite Genuine: https://amzn.to/2QT0qJR
Deep Scarlet: https://amzn.to/39pxWxF
Alizarin Crimson: https://amzn.to/2QU0NUr
Cadmium Red (deep): https://amzn.to/2UoZr6f
Cadmium Red (pale): https://amzn.to/3dxuBQu
Cadmium Orange: https://amzn.to/2QRTmND

Side: (top to bottom)

Cadmium Yellow: https://amzn.to/2JnWjBe
Lemon Yellow Hue: https://amzn.to/2JoldAK
Yellow Ochre: https://amzn.to/3dEfbKb
Raw Sienna: https://amzn.to/2JitA0K
Terre Verte (Yellow Shade): https://amzn.to/33SBCXz
Sap Green: https://amzn.to/39rMVHA
Hooker’s Green: https://amzn.to/3atQhLi
Jadeite Genuine: https://amzn.to/2WRSz30

Bottom: (left to right)

Viridian Hue: https://amzn.to/3arbw0u
Intense Blue (Phthalo): https://amzn.to/3alKCHf
Ultramarine: https://amzn.to/3dzetxT
Mayan Blue Genuine: https://amzn.to/2JlSfSb
Indigo: https://amzn.to/2xvJFh7
Amethyst Genuine: https://amzn.to/3aqN3ID
Permanent Rose: https://amzn.to/2QSZrt9
Rhodonite Genuine: https://amzn.to/3bwCqUH

Off Screen:

Ivory Black: https://amzn.to/39rOCEG
Hematite Genuine (warm black): https://amzn.to/2WNGKe2
Chinese White: https://amzn.to/3bwRt0B

*As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission on some of the links above if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you! Read my full disclosure here