Earthy Forest Study: Painting Mushrooms and Moss with Limited Palette Magic 🍄
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Earthy Forest Study: Painting Mushrooms and Moss with Limited Palette Magic 🍄

There's something deeply satisfying about capturing the quiet beauty of forest floor fungi and moss. Join me as I explore the textural contrasts and earthy color harmony of mushrooms emerging from their mossy home, using a beautifully limited palette and some clever lifting techniques that turn student-grade paper into an advantage.

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Painting a Glowing Rose: My 30-Minute Negative Watercolor Adventure 🌹
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Painting a Glowing Rose: My 30-Minute Negative Watercolor Adventure 🌹

Sometimes the best art happens when you least expect it! Join me for an impromptu 30-minute watercolor session where I explored negative painting techniques to create what my sister perfectly described as a "spicy" rose. Using quinacridone pigments and wet-on-wet methods, this quick painting became a delightful reminder that stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to beautiful discoveries.

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Paint Explosive Watercolor Sunflowers in Under 30 Minutes: A Mood-Boosting Art Tutorial
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Paint Explosive Watercolor Sunflowers in Under 30 Minutes: A Mood-Boosting Art Tutorial

Feeling in a creative funk? I’ll show you how to paint explosive, joy-filled watercolor sunflowers in under 30 minutes. Using vibrant Daniel Smith colors and loose, energetic techniques, this tutorial proves you don't need hours or perfect conditions to create art that lifts your spirits. Learn to paint sunflowers that "punch you in the face with joy" using simple wet-on-wet techniques, salt texturing, and a fearless approach to color.

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How to Paint a Stunning Watercolor Coffee Cup with Lavender
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

How to Paint a Stunning Watercolor Coffee Cup with Lavender

Discover the secrets to painting a captivating watercolor still life featuring a coffee cup and lavender flowers. Artist Valerie Englehart shares professional techniques for creating realistic coffee textures, elegant gold accents, and organic lavender blossoms. This detailed tutorial covers everything from material selection to advanced watercolor techniques, perfect for artists of all skill levels looking to create art that transports viewers to peaceful moments.

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How to Paint Juicy Watercolor Tomatoes: A Summer-Inspired Tutorial for Loose and Vibrant Results
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

How to Paint Juicy Watercolor Tomatoes: A Summer-Inspired Tutorial for Loose and Vibrant Results

Embrace the "tomato summer" trend in art with this comprehensive guide to painting juicy, vibrant watercolor tomatoes. I share my techniques for creating organic shine, perfect color blending, and loose, expressive results that capture the essence of fresh farmer's market produce. No botanical precision required - just pure watercolor joy.

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Painting Loose & Luminous: My Nashville Zoo Meerkat Adventure
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Painting Loose & Luminous: My Nashville Zoo Meerkat Adventure

Sometimes the best paintings come from unexpected moments of inspiration. Join me as I transform a 2022 zoo photograph into a vibrant, atmospheric watercolor that celebrates both patience and spontaneity – and discover why your own photo references might be your secret weapon for competition entries. From wet-into-wet magic to the art of knowing what to leave out, this meerkat adventure is all about embracing the beautiful unpredictability of watercolor.

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From Failed to Fabulous: Transforming an Old Barn Owl Painting 🦉
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

From Failed to Fabulous: Transforming an Old Barn Owl Painting 🦉

Sometimes the best art comes from the pieces we've forgotten about. Join me as I rescue a dusty 2020 barn owl painting and discover why keeping your "failed" artwork might be the best creative decision you'll ever make. From directional gouache techniques to embracing happy accidents, this transformation tutorial proves that with fresh eyes and improved skills, any piece can become a masterpiece.

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Painting Loose Hydrangeas: Capturing Beauty Without the Fuss
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Painting Loose Hydrangeas: Capturing Beauty Without the Fuss

Hydrangeas can be intimidating with their clusters of tiny blooms, but who wants to paint hundreds of little dots? Not me! In this tutorial, I'll show you my favorite "lazy" techniques (yes, I proudly embrace artistic shortcuts!) for creating gorgeous, loose hydrangeas that capture the essence of these beautiful flowers without the tedious detail work. From salt textures to cling film magic, these approachable methods will transform how you paint complex florals.

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Painting a Thai Angel Statue: Intuitive Watercolor with a Limited Palette
Valerie Englehart Valerie Englehart

Painting a Thai Angel Statue: Intuitive Watercolor with a Limited Palette

Working with a limited palette doesn't mean limiting your creativity! In this tutorial, I'll walk you through my process of painting a Thai angel statue using just four colors over an intuitive watercolor wash. From embracing the "ugly phase" to strategically lifting pigment for highlights, you'll discover how to let watercolor's natural properties create magic on your paper while maintaining control of your composition.

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