In this beginner watercolor class, you will learn learn the fundamental techniques of watercolor painting. I will first walk you through understanding your paint, how to care for and hold your brush, and the techniques of using paint + water.

Then, through painting 5 flowers together, you will be guided step-by-step through real-life application of these different techniques, and how you can use them together or separately for different effects on the page.

You will be guided throughout this class towards creating your own style, by learning how to view a reference photo and translate it to the page. With my unique step-by-step techniques (honed through digital, written, and in-person teaching to thousands of students), you will leave this class feeling confident (and inspired) to use your watercolors everywhere!

Goals for this class:

Understand what watercolor is and how to use it
Feel comfortable using different techniques, such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, etc.
Feel confident combining these techniques to create different effects
Have an understanding of the techniques that you loved, and that you would want to incorporate into your own style of watercolor painting moving forward!
This class will gently guide you to view and paint flowers using your own unique set of strengths and style.

Materials Needed

*Please print or download the "Reference Photos" packet before we start painting the flowers together. You can find this under the 'Projects & Resources tab of this class.

Watercolor paper (I am using Canson XL paper which I have torn in half for each project)
Watercolor paints (I use a variety of paints I have curated over the years. You can view some of my favorites paints here.)
Round watercolor brush (Any round watercolor brush will do. I love brushes by The Pigeon Letters if you're looking for nicer but not overly expensive brushes!)
Water (I have mine in a mason jar
Paper towel or cloth
Your "Reference Photo" packet
Optional: Pencil

Which color paints should you use?

Great question. I am a big advocate for painting with what you have! If you don't have a specific color, have fun! Most of these flowers come in a variety of colors. If you don't have a specific color, don't let that hold you back. You can still learn and practice these techniques using any watercolor paints and colors. I have curated a random assortment of brands and colors over the years, so I will not recommend specific brands. You do *not* need fancy paints to learn watercolor.

That said, I use the following paint colors:

Cadmium Yellow

Lemon Yellow

Payne's Gray

Less specifically: Pink, Light Green, Dark Green, Blue + Pink (or purple)

But if you want to paint green buttercups, or red lavender, because those are the colors you have -- go for it! It may not look "right" but you will still be learning the techniques and practicing, and that is what matters!

Important Note:

With every class, I have had at least one student ask if they can exhibit or sell artwork created in the class. One of the main intentions of my courses is to help you find ways to connect with paints in a style that is your own. With this in mind, I am more than happy for you to show and sell original, innovative work created by you from the lessons or techniques you learned in any of my classes. However, if you feel that you want to follow along more closely and produce pieces very similar to those within the projects, that is all good - but I would ask that you not put those pieces out to exhibit or sell if they are close copies of my work. I trust that your heart will tell you what is too close. I ask that you also understand that these are Poppy & Gray Co's copyrighted techniques and style and may not be taught or packaged as a class by any individuals other than Poppy & Gray Co. without express consent. Thank you for understanding!

Isa Down

Illustrator, Writer, Nature Lover

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