Painting a Robin with a Cherry: My Loose Watercolor Approach
When an American robin landed on my deck with a cherry in its beak, I knew I had found my next painting subject. In this tutorial, I'll show you how I captured this charming moment using loose watercolor techniques, building the entire piece from a single eye and creating a dreamy, atmospheric scene that tells a story.
Painting a Barred Owl: A Watercolor Study Inspired by My Daughter's Midnight Visitor
When a barred owl decided to make itself at home outside my daughter's bedroom window, it became the perfect inspiration for exploring watercolor wildlife techniques. Join me as I share the intimate process of capturing this magnificent nocturnal visitor using just three earth tones and a whole lot of patience.
Painting Crocosmia: My Journey Comparing Flat vs Round Brushes
Join me in my studio as I explore the beautiful crocosmia flowers blooming throughout the Pacific Northwest. In this hands-on comparison, I'll show you how flat and round brushes create entirely different painting experiences when capturing these vibrant red-to-yellow blooms, and share the surprising insights I discovered along the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Paint a Classic Red and White Fly Agaric Mushroom in Watercolor: A Beginner's Guide
Discover the joy of loose watercolor painting with this comprehensive guide to creating a classic red and white capped Amanita mushroom. I demonstrate how to achieve beautiful, organic results without preliminary sketching, focusing on color flow, natural imperfection, and the magic of wet-on-wet techniques that capture nature's essence.
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.