Loose watercolor florals are full of life, movement, and emotion — and Gladioli, with their tall and elegant blooms, are a perfect subject to explore more complex floral shapes in a relaxed, expressive way.

In this real-time class, I will guide you step by step through painting Gladioli (Sword Lilies) in a loose watercolor style — from observing the shapes to building expressive brushstrokes and composing a dreamy background.

You will learn:

How to break down compound flower shapes into simple brushstrokes
How to build confidence painting without a pencil sketch
How to loosen up your style and work with fluid, intuitive marks
Tips for creating soft, dreamy backgrounds in watercolor
How to embrace imperfection and enjoy the process of expressive painting

This class is part of my ongoing “Expressive Flowers in Watercolors” series, where we practice painting a different flower in each class — focusing on brush control, spontaneity, and expressive techniques. If you’re just starting out or want to deepen your loose watercolor skills, I highly recommend exploring these classes as well:

Coneflowers — Learn the basics of brushstroke technique
Dandelions — Practice wet-on-wet flow and soft texture
Poppies — Master color bleeds and water-paint balance
Daisies — Explore negative space and intuitive flower shapes

Each class adds a new layer to your watercolor journey — helping you build your skills, express your creativity, and enjoy painting with more freedom and flow.

This class is beginner-friendly, but some familiarity with watercolor will help. I’ll guide you with real-time demonstrations, gentle encouragement, and practical tips.

By the end of the class, you’ll have your own expressive Gladioli painting — and more confidence to paint complex floral forms in your own beautiful way.

Don’t forget to follow me here on Skillshare to be the first to know when a new class is released, and join me on Instagram Nyusikart to see more of my loose watercolor world.

Music: Pixabay

Allison Garcia

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