For your class project, you'll paint along with me, working together step-by-step to create a realistic watercolor poppy flower that'll look like it's popping off the page!

Main steps:

We'll begin with an accurate pencil drawing that you can simply trace from the one I supply. I provide a Reference Image PDF which includes a color photo, a black and white version for assessing tones/values and traceable line version including a mirrored version for easiest tracing.
Next we'll work on Step 1 of the painting process: Lightest Tones. Here we'll map out where all the colors go using pale versions of them. I’ll show you exactly how to mix all the colors.
Then comes Step 2: Darkest Tones. At this point we'll be brave and paint in the darkest tones or values in the poppy. The painting will look disjoined at contrasty after this, and you'll need to trust the method and keep going.
Step 3 is when we'll bring it all together by painting the midtones. We'll do this gradually by working in layers. I’ll be showing you exactly how to color mix and apply the paint so you feel really confident in what you’re doing.
It can be tempting to call your painting finished after Step 3, but the real magic happens in Step 4: Tonal Adjustments & Details. This is where we'll look back and forth between our painting and the reference photo, looking for any areas that need to be darkened and any last details to add. This meditative process is super relaxing and is what will give our flower an extra hit of realism to make it POP off the paper.

Materials Needed:

You can find full details, including easy buying links for all of these items for the US, UK, CA and AUS at naturestudio.com/supplies/

Tracing Paper (9 x 12 inches)
HB Pencil
Eraser
Watercolor paper at 9 x 12 inches - ideally hot pressed (smooth, so best for details), 100% cotton (for absorbency) and 300gsm/ 140lb thick so it doesn’t buckle
Brushes - Small, shorter haired ‘spotter’ style/ tear drop shaped brushes like the Anna Mason Set.. Size 5, 3, 1 and 0.
Paints - The watercolor paints I use are made by Winsor & Newton as part of their Professional Watercolour series. You’ll only need a tiny amount, the small 5ml tubes will be far more than you need. If you are substituting the paints for what you already have, be aware that for my layering method you’ll want colors graded as transparent (not opaque. Although they’re cheaper, please don’t fall into the trap of buying students quality paints like the Cotman range by Winsor & Newton. They don't contain as much pigment, aren’t as transparent, and don't layer well so they won’t get good results for you and will leave you frustrated. Here's a list of the Winsor & Newton paints I use for this class (and their pigment numbers):
- Burnt Sienna (PR101)
- Winsor Lemon (PY175)
- Opera Rose (PR122)
- Payne’s Gray (PB15+PBk6+PV19)
- Quinacridone Violet (PV55)
- Permanent Sap Green (PG36+PY110)
- Scarlet Lake (PR188)
- Permanent Carmine (PV19)

If you’d like to connect with me:

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I can’t wait to see your projects. So please post them in the Skillshare class project section. I'll be checking out your work, giving some tips, and helping where I can. You can also check out other students' paintings and give feedback.

Vickie Kennedy

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