In a previous class we explored white anemones in an effort to better understand how to create white watercolors. In this class in which we focus on poppies, we will aim to grasp shape and structure in a loose, gestural form. There is so much beauty to be discovered in these playful blooms.

You can expect to learn new stroke technique and continuing our education on color. Above all, we will lean into the process of creating florals that express without hindering play or causing anxiety. We mean to learn AND have fun here, and this we shall do together!

Let's get started!

- Cara

SUPPLIES

PAPER:

Canson 140 lb. cold press paper (or an equivalent) Suitable replacements are Arches, Fabriano, Legion, Strathmore

BRUSHES:

Princeton Brushes Round (variety of sizes ranging from 6-10)

Filbert Brush (I'll be using Princeton Umbria size 8)

PAINTS: acceptable brands are Winsor and Newton (Cotman or Professional), Van Gough, Maimeri Blu, Sennelier, Daniel Smith, Holbein.

Verzino Violet

Quinacridone Burnt Scarlet

Burnt Scarlet

Pyrole Orange

Organic Vermillion

Green Gold

Naples Yellow

New Gamboge

Sap Green

Indigo

Introduction and Supplies:

Taking a moment to welcome you to our class and cover the supplies you will need to complete this class.

Swatching The Palette:

In this video we will explore the range of colors we'll be using on paper to get a feel for how they will interact when combined using the wet-into-wet technique.

Sketching the Poppies With Our Brush:

Using a loose sketching method, I will show you how this technique can help your brain better grasp the concept of shape and structure of flowers.

Painting the Poppies:

Leaning on the education we learned in the previous video, we will begin painting the poppies.

Painting California Poppy Buds and Stems:

We will take a moment to observe the shape of poppy buds and stems and apply those observations to paper.We will also add a few more smaller flowers to help fill in the area, keeping in mind that we will later use this clustering effect for our class project.

Stems and Leaves

Next, we learn how to create and add the delicate sprouts and stems using Sap Green and Indigo. We'll use the toe of our brush to create fine, delicate lines, and then move our brush rapidly for a gestural approach.

Painting The Center of Poppies

We will blend a new color to add a bit of detail to the center of the poppies.

Creating The Icelandic Poppies Palette:

In this video we will explore the range of colors we'll be using on paper to get a feel for how they will interact when combined using the wet-into-wet technique.

Practicing and Painting Shape and Structure

We will observe the poppies together and learn how to approach their structure to keep them loose and expressive.

Practicing and Painting Shape and Structure Part II

Continuing to move forward with our poppies, we will use a different color from our swatching palette to create another flower. We'll also integrate details into the flowers as we work.

Red Icelandic Poppy

We will study the red poppy from the bouquet and learn how to paint it loose and expressive.

Creating Stems & Buds

Moving forward, we study the bud shape of the poppies and practice its form on paper.

Creating Loose Splatters and Leaves

We will explore a technique often used in abstract art where we work intentional splatters into the composition.

Adrienne Freedman

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