bold poppies in watercolour

Looking for a bold, expressive watercolour painting project? In this week’s video tutorial, we’re painting a vibrant red poppy bursting with colour—set against a fun, abstract background that gives the whole piece a joyful, modern feel.

No experience necessary! In this poppy watercolour tutorial I will guide you through the key techniques to make your reds glow on the page—without turning muddy or dull.

Red can be a tricky colour in watercolour—easy to overwork, or end up too flat. In this tutorial, I show you how to keep your reds vibrant and full of life.

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial:

• How to mix luminous reds that feel alive and glowing
• Why controlling water and timing is key when painting red flowers
• How to suggest petal shapes with loose brushstrokes rather than outlines
• Ways to create an expressive, abstract background that complements the flower
• Tips for layering, drying stages, and letting the water do the work

This poppy painting is all about energy and movement. We’re not aiming for photorealism—instead, the tutorial encourages you to embrace spontaneity. You’ll learn how to let go a little, splash colour around, and still end up with a balanced, beautiful painting that captures the essence of this iconic flower. Did I say it is fun?!

Watch the full tutorial now

Available on Patreon and Renee's Studio

This full-length video is available to all my patrons and includes real-time instruction, close-up footage, and clear explanations of every stage of the process.

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