Abstract Poppies

This painting turned out to be a happy accident. I was just sitting down with my paints one day and experimenting with being loose and free with my watercolours. Sometimes, it just works out! So I decided to recreate that painting for a tutorial. Enjoy!

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Here are the watercolour materials that I use!

Paint Palette:
Arches Watercolour Paper:

Princeton Snap Brushes:
Pack of 4! Sizes 0, 2 and 6 round brushes and a 3/4 angle brush

Size 12 Round brush:

Winsor & Newton Cotman and Professional Paints:

[dianneburns]

You have no idea how important you are to people like me. I am 71 and feel so alone at times. Watching you paint lifts my spirit out of depression. Thank God for placing you in my life

[msgail]

I am 81 and just got back into my painting! Love it, love it! I paint every day, get up in the night if I am restless and paint so obsessed might be a good way to describe me. Thanks for sharing your skills and encouragement. Love seeing that there are some other senior ladies also loving your tutorials.

[cizcookies]

Can I say how absolutely stunning this is. The colours, the brush-strokes, the depth, the style, the design, and the everything about these poppies, I love! Thank you for listening to your Instagram followers, thank you for being courageous and taking the time to re-create your original painting, and thank you for bringing vibrant and breathtaking joy to those who seek to find it. I agree with Dianne Burns, "Thank God for you." :) And thanks for sharing! Never doubt yourself! You sound worried that you will not be able to recreate your original art, but all your work is perfection, so never fear. You've got this!

[sherrycameron-stobie]

I too am an elderly person who enjoys having you in my life. Your contribution is much bigger than art instruction …. food for the soul. I am going to try these poppies! Thank you so much!

[IMMA]

Personally I find the result really gorgeous, Emma. Thank you as always, I love your style !.

[tinalawlor]

I used your tutorial to get off the watercolor block a couple of years ago. This past December, I cut up a couple of my poppies to the size of an oversized envelope to use as greeting cards for 2 special friends. They both framed them! This is a fantastic tutorial! Beautiful results. Magic happens with your help. I am getting into the spirit of 2021 with your help again, thanks 🙏

[christinelucas]

Wow, I've just discovered your site, as someone who has just began to dabble in this medium you are an inspiration. Thank you.

[claumelli]

So great and humble of you to admit that this is your third try at this tutorial! So comforting to know! Thanks for all your tips!

[denisecassel]

I really enjoyed this. Especially liked your honesty no ego, so refreshing your simple reflections from your heart. Look forward to watching more of your works. Thank you

[ChristinaTodd]

Gorgeous! Both turned out great but what makes the first one better, in my opinion, is the contrast between the yellow and purple. You managed to get them really close in the first one without making mud, and because they’re complimentary colors, it makes them pop. Both are fantastic though.

[Allie-cklj]

Hi Emma. You do a wonderful job...keeping things simple! You a now my "to go" place when I haven't painted for awhile and get that gripe of fear which I seem to give in to.
Now I can have an idea in my mind of what I want to paint, turn to your video and watch your easy style and begin to loosen up. for your gentle and carefree

[legally_ellecee]

Finally picked up a brush today after Many years of not painting. So happy to find your tutorial to get me started💕

[craftqueen]

Beautiful Emma! Love your water colors. I agree, we all just need to play and see where it goes. It’s only paper. And things look much better when I come back after a break.

[anyagodwin]

Thank you so much Emma. I learned a lot about the beautiful subtle ways you make layers in the petals. Thank you also for your courageous transparency with your creative processes ! You’re an inspiration 💐💓💐

[rhondaabdurahman]

Thank you so much for this ! I really appreciated your comments about knowing when to stop and "it's ok you can start over or wipe away" I am a new water colour painter/experimenter so hearing your words were affirming and liberating :)

[pianokatrn]

I need a hobby and watercolor is so beautiful. I'm so glad to find out that you can " erase" with a napkin!! How cool. Thank you for your experience and talent

[clairedean]

I really like how you show how to correct "mistakes". I always feel like I've ruined it when I put something in the wrong place but not you, you simply mob it up 🙂 I'm very new to painting so this is an invaluable lesson for me to see. I appreciate the authenticity

[jeanrader]

I’m brand new to even thinking about trying to do watercolors...haven’t ever had a chance to see if there is any artistic ability in me. I love this so much. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job with showing us it might not be out of the realm of possibilities 😃

[samanthahill]

Love the poppies. I’m just starting watercolor painting and I’ve been having problems with flowers and these turned out great. Thank you for your time and sharing.

[karenjames]

Emma you are such a soulful painter. I love everything you do. Thank you and God Bless You and Your Family.