Outdoor Botanical Watercolor Workshop: Painting Poppies

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build color step-by-step using transparent layers
• The importance of working from light to dark
• Techniques for smooth blending, dry brushing, and edge control
• Observational tips to capture the natural form and details of the flower
• How to create depth using color temperature and contrast

✨ Materials Included:

• 100% cotton watercolor paper
• Professional-grade watercolors and brushes
• Drawing pencils, palettes, paper towels, water jars
• Reference photos and live flowers if available

Agenda (Flexible Timing for 3 Hours):

🌿 Introduction (15 min)

• Welcome and materials overview
• A brief demo and explanation of the layering process

🎨 Step 1 – Light First Washes (45 min)

• Mixing delicate pinks and yellows
• Painting the first soft transparent layers to define the basic shapes
• Letting the paper breathe and dry between steps

🎨 Step 2 – Midtones and Form (1 hr)

• Gradually deepening the color
• Lifting some highlights and refining petal structure
• Adding natural curves with careful brush pressure

☕ Break & Nature Walk (15–20 min)

• Light stretch and a chance to observe flowers in nature

🎨 Step 3 – Shadows and Details (1–1.5 hrs)

• Using deeper reds, purples, and greens
• Adding stamen and texture with dry brush and fine lines
• Final touches and adjusting contrast

🌸 Wrap-Up & Sharing (15–30 min)

• Group reflection and photo time
• Optional feedback and tips for finishing at home

Host or Publisher Anna Pole