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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/ emjlefebvre
Here are the watercolour materials that I use!
Paint Palette:
USA- amzn.to/2UFO9s8 CANADA- amzn.to/2UF5npv
Arches Watercolour Paper:
USA- amzn.to/2TGc6TA CANADA- amzn.to/2VFAYYa
Princeton Snap Brushes:
Pack of 4! Sizes 0, 2 and 6 round brushes and a 3/4 angle brush
USA- amzn.to/2HF9LRN CANADA- amzn.to/2ToU8VB
Size 12 Round brush:
USA- amzn.to/2Cp91MY CANADA- amzn.to/2C9j9tc
Winsor & Newton Cotman and Professional Paints:
Ivory Black: USA- amzn.to/2OcuFss CANADA- amzn.to/2SRf5TZ
Burnt Umber (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2Ocj10W CANADA- amzn.to/2NQIRXY
Cobalt Blue (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2HEhort CANADA- amzn.to/2CaRc4d
Indigo: USA- amzn.to/2CsbMgy CANADA- amzn.to/2VFiQhc
Turquoise: USA- amzn.to/2F93yuq CANADA- amzn.to/2Cc75HB
Prussian Blue: USA- amzn.to/2OaEjMm CANADA- amzn.to/2TqqOxO
Hooker's Green Dark: USA- amzn.to/2TLlcyk CANADA- amzn.to/2STNod8
Intense Green: USA- amzn.to/2TK5ELA CANADA- amzn.to/2EWe49y
Emerald: USA- amzn.to/2FfjfAn CANADA- amzn.to/2EHyxxs
Sap Green: USA- amzn.to/2HFJ2Ew CANADA- amzn.to/2UqUQOx
Dioxazine Purple: USA- amzn.to/2TGdllI CANADA- amzn.to/2EVLN2G
Mauve: USA- amzn.to/2HBOaJS CANADA- amzn.to/2SUPz0l
Opera Rose (Professional): USA- amzn.to/2UGXxvv CANADA- amzn.to/2tYc2zf
Permanent Rose: USA- amzn.to/2ueqbsc CANADA- amzn.to/2tTtTYc
Rose Madder Hue: USA- amzn.to/2TJwhQt CANADA- amzn.to/2SUQgGZ
Cadmium Red Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HHMOgH CANADA- amzn.to/2XO5n8r
Cadmium Orange (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2CAyzan CANADA- amzn.to/2Un74I8
Yellow Ochre (Pro): USA- amzn.to/2ueMrCw CANADA- amzn.to/2NQcmJE
Cadmium Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2FdZEAi CANADA- amzn.to/2Uuujjq
Lemon Yellow Hue: USA- amzn.to/2HEYiBA CANADA- amzn.to/2XMsalh
Paint Sets: USA- amzn.to/2UJfUjE CANADA- amzn.to/2NQhTjp
Dr Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White Ink: USA- amzn.to/2OaXxkT CANADA- amzn.to/2EN47d0

[@dianneburns6003]

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

[@lorrainecooper266]

Hello Dianne, I would like to say that your comment touched my heart. I only get to go out of my room once a month to see the doctor I see my family as often as I can but they live a distance away so I love to wait to see what my grand children will say when they call. I only have one or two friends that I see rarely but we pick up where we left off when we see each other so painting and sketching has become my lifeline. God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers.

[@dianneburns6003]

Jacklyn of all trades I would love to watch your videos. Thank you for offering

[@alinaseem2446]

I am 45. But I feel same.

[@michaelagabrielle2305]

I'm 27. Sending you hugs and prayers

[@sheriek2777]

I couldn’t have said it better 👍

[@msgail7232]

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.

[@consueloyoung4484]

Thank you so much for the beautiful tutorial !!. I would like to reach out to all the lonely people watching Emma. In some way, we all feel alone, personally I have severe PTSD and have had to work SO hard to deal with it. It is not for the weak that is for sure and I will give all the credit to my Lord and my husband. God put paint in front of me and in a way said “do something with it “, I know I will never be as great as Emma, but in my recovery I know I don’t have to be. Be brave everyone, be kind to yourself, don’t think of what you don’t have but what is in front of you, it was placed there for a reason…so paint, however you are able to. You may very well be another Emma, so let’s all thank her for her beautiful gift that God gave her. Thank you Emma, you are an awesome person ❤

[@Lovebeing543]

I don't get it, how there can be so many dislikes. Especially when someone is taking time and consideration to help people along. Thank you for a good video.

[@belindalonso1]

Unfortunately the world is full of mean souls that can't appreciate other people's good will to share

[@caronlittle3539]

kandice bella I have often wondered the same.

[@dorisschmeichel2949]

I personally would NEVER do a dislike. If I don’t like I just move on. Each persons expectations and likes or dislikes are different. Why make someone feel bad. Have a good day everyone!

[@roxannebergeron2557]

Doris Schmeichel Trolls all around

[@aligrotts6400]

Dislikes are people who can't paint but wish they could..

[@ciz4cookies]

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!

[@daniellejoyce4662]

AMAZING! Not only the end result, but this is one of the best tutorials that I have watched with how much you've explained the process, not to mention your encouragement, too. Thank you so much!

[@helenwheeler3236]

Shurly enjoyed this water color thankyou. You are a very talented lady.

[@shan5598]

I think this is literally the first time I have been happy with any flowers I’ve done. Thank you for sharing your process ❤

[@roberternst4678]

The thing that stands out the most for me is your courage to work in the public eye, warts and all, in the service of your art and love of others. Thanks for doing it in the moment and for sharing the moment with us.

[@susancolavito7380]

Love that your not only show the painting but the paints & how you are mixing the colors! Thank you SO much!!

[@pamvance7378]

I’m 72. Loving learning watercolor. Had I seen this framed, I never would’ve thought I could do it. But your tutorial shows me that I can. ❤️

[@carolbittner4168]

This is my fav tutorial of all time; I've watched a lot of em! Your style is perfect for me. I love the light n airy is what I love to see and hope to make when I paint. Also I agree about 'stop' before you go overboard! I'm terrible, never know when to quit! I love how you let us know, 'it's ok to goof up, just mop it up and go again. You are so very easy to listen to. Thank you .

[@sherrycameron-stobie3788]

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!

[@lindacarreira8106]

These definitely have the WOW factor! Can’t wait to try these.

[@pigeon-mu7fk]

I agree ..you have no idea how helpful you are ! Your casual talking and instructions as you go along really is encouraging . Thank you soooo much ! There should not be any dislikes.

[@serenaferrell897]

I love this. And I love how you show how to “fix” mistakes.

[@melissabridge5687]

This is my style of painting. I love this.Lots of good learning tips for me. Thank you!

[@janellesundeen8372]

Thank you Emma for the wonderful tutorials.. I am 87 years young and a beginner with watercolors..

[@karengriffin9789]

I love this painting! So soft and dreamy

[@cakimartscrafts7889]

This is so informative, I’m at a place in my life where I have the time to explore different art mediums....This is a pretty straight forward example as to how to create water coloured flowers I will definitely apply the techniques.... thank you for so graciously sharing this tutorial with us

[@cindymccann3753]

Emma, you have gifted us with your being in many ways. I have suffered from depression for decades. I am better now, but I do understand that existence. Please keep doing whatever it takes to find that lift for your spirit. I love your work. I'm 67 years old, retired and water coloring for the first time in my life. My mother was a superb award winning water colorist when she was alive. I am putting brush to water to paint for the first time, and I can't get enough of it. THIS tutorial is so awesome. It gives me the pass to create without having to top oneself, to keep trying and most of all to enjoy painting. I've watched a lot of water color artists on KZbin, but you have a unique and charming way about you. God's speed dear lady. And thank you.

[@lorrainecooper266]

Hi Cindy I hope you don't mind me commenting. I understand and agree with your comment. A year ago I was hard put to draw a stick figure but thanks to Emma and a couple of other artists I have learned so much and now I am feeling confident enough to frame my art and display it on my wall. I went through a very long battle with cancer and it was difficult to be a patient because I was used to being a nurse! Then my MS got worse and August before last I had to be resuscitated and because of lack of oxygen have deficits including blindness. only some vision in my right eye. So now I have to spend a lot of time in my bedroom and the only interest I have is my art and artist as kind as Emma have helped me to feel a passion for something I didn't think I could do. So thanks to God, to the wonderful people who enjoy art and the special people who bring it to us I am blessed. I will pray for you and #Diane_Burns.

[@cindymccann3753]

@@lorrainecooper266 hi! I don't mind at all. I'm so sorry to hear of your health issues dear lady. Bless you. Art heals the soul! I'm convinced of that. Keep positive and never let negativity get to your spirit. Keep focused on your Joy and see with the heart through the arts.I'm a cancer survivor and heart attack survivor. It's hard to keep from folding up and hiding under the blanket sometimes. My mother had slow blindness in her later years and she kept painting! God bless her.Strength through God has also helped me keep going. I wish you love and joy in whatever you do. Emma is an inspiration for a lot of people.

[@cindymccann3753]

@•Mimi-Cakes• thank you Mimi!

[@claumelli22]

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!

[@elizabethcastle3227]

Emma, all your teachings are valuable and I can tell you that I appreciate you and what you do. I would have never known that I could paint if it wasn't for you and a couple of other KZbin watercolor beginner instructors. Thanks so much and I love this painting.

[@tinalawlor4434]

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 🙏

[@marilynmiller2646]

I love this painting of abstract poppies. I love that you are not afraid to try to teach it. I learned a lot and will look forward to other tutorials from you. Enjoy your talents. Thank you for sharing.

[@anyagodwin5197]

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 💐💓💐

[@joparijuaanz]

For a beginner, who started late, and fascinated with what water colours can achieve, I think your tutorial is brilliant. Flowers display GOD's beautiful handiwork, and we have much more appreciation of that fact when we attempt to portray on paper to the best of our ability. Thank GOD for your talent

[@KathySena]

Emma, thank you for this! Just lovely! And you have a great teaching style. Glad you are here.

[@patmorehead2690]

One of the best watercolor tutorials I’ve ever seen. You make it look so easy. Thank you for your time. Excellent teacher!

[@kiriki737]

Amazing! you give happy to everyone, who ´s watching your videos! Happy Valentine´s DAY!

[@christinelucas1857]

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

[@HeatherHogue73]

Thanks for being so vulnerable! ❤ It helps so much knowing that was your 3rd time filming.

[@denisecassel3392]

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

[@dorothykovak4900]

Beautiful painting! I appreciate you sharing this and teaching how you painted it. Thank you.

[@karenjames5063]

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

[@melaniederochie963]

Are used to paint 20 years ago I’m 67 now but I’ve decided to go back because this was the one thing I could do that would make all of my thinking go away I really enjoy your loose watercolours which is something I have not done I love doing landscapes and I always wanted to do flowers I grab a couple of hours late at night or in the afternoon after I come home from work it has been a godsend and I thank you for that

[@cherigreen4471]

Love this and I love how honest you are about overworking something, oh that is so me! Beautiful result!

[@milanalazar3749]

I love the way you teach, make mistakes and take us throughout the journey 😍 thank you so much. You show how to maintain perseverance throughout the whole process. Thank you

[@libellula3313]

I'm in the same group as several of the other commenters. At 75 I am painting again inspired by your videos. Thank you so much. Jo in France 🇫🇷

[@marleendolders5566]

It was magical to see the poppy's come together! I learned a lot. Poppy's are my favorite flowers! Thank you for sharing!

[@Allie-ck2lj]

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. .......thanks for your gentle and carefree way.....

[@lindajarriel354]

This is everything I love about watercolor! So Beautiful.

[@marlenejones6266]

Me too. The abstract visual seems easier to achieve with watercolors. Or am I wrong thinking this? I'm in the very beginning of this journey into watercolor. I want so much to be able to paint simple things. I dont plan on making a huge landscape or portraits, nothing elaborate at all. I love Emma's ease in teaching us. Her work is so very beautiful. She is so very generous to come here and let us learn from her fabulous talent. Shes my pandemic hero.

[@stefeeknudsen1213]

Thank you for this tutorial. I have loved your work, how you show us techniques, and your humility. thank you thank you!

[@charscime]

I love watching you make "mistakes" or things you don't want. I have learned how to fix my goofs and feel good about what I paint! Thanks

[@trudyveitch4387]

love it!!! Such a lovely,, light abstract look for a beautiful poppy painting! I love how you have no musts but you do have some guidelines.

[@IMMA383]

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

[@juliabeadmaker]

I really enjoyed this, Emma. The colors are beautiful

[@croketback715]

That’s the beauty of art ....never two the exact same. It’s beautiful.

[@sheristanden1570]

Hi Emma - I did this painting and was pleasantly surprised that it turned out almost as good as yours - hooray!! Your tips were really great. Keep on showing us how it's done!

[@ladeiroses7526]

I love the abstract florals. It looked so relaxing while you were doing it.

[@tinaschmidtsart]

It's rare to be able to recreate what happens so spontaneously like your first one. You enthusiasm to share with everyone is awesome! The florals are beautiful!

[@Dedaskitchen]

Another really, really nice one! I’m for sure going to try this & make it into a greeting card. Love the colors.

[@rhondaabdurahman7687]

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 :)

[@barbararodgers3679]

Emma, you are one of the two people I follow on here the most! When I want inspiration I pull your videos up to guide me. Thank you for taking the time to share your talent with the world.

[@gwendaledbetter1728]

I love seeing you correct mistakes. That is such a valuable lesson. I love these abstract flowers. I tried it and made a card for a friend.. Thanks EmJ!

[@craftqueen417]

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.

[@tchili1]

Absolutely GORGEOUS! Know I say this a lot, but THIS is my very favorite, love, love, love!❤

[@jenthulhu]

Absolutely gorgeous. And I love that you admitted that it was something you had to play with and practice a few times to be able to recreate. Trying new ways of doing things is hard! But so worth it. And persistence always pays off, even if we don't recognize it at first! Great job!

[@diannej7563]

Just beautiful, Emma. I love this style and you’ve done it great justice. Thank you for sharing your honesty and your encouragement. Kind regards, Dianne x

[@debbiemckenzie2652]

This is lovely...love you just being you, showing us how you work.....watching you paint is a perfect way to learn....Thank you!

[@meredithkhanloo4195]

I love this! I love the way you paint and talk about it. This reminds me so much of myself and how I paint. Thank you for this tutorial.

[@debrabartman6749]

Thank you for the tutorial. I really enjoyed it. This is my 2nd time to paint this. I like how they turned out.

[@cynthiaward5750]

This is a very good painting tutorial and I love how you talk your way through it and give such inspiration to all artists as you move along it's so refreshing to hear you as much as watching you. By all means, keep doing what you do so well and the flowers are lovely.

[@brooke1969]

Hands down my favorite loose flower tutorial.. it’s just right And gorgeous!! Good job

[@merleannjohnson4629]

hoping to do this..you make it look so easy..Bless you my dear...

[@user-kc5ky1ur5y]

Какая нежная,светлая работа!!СПАСИБО за мастерство!!!

[@aligrotts6400]

Good tutorial, especially dealing with "mistakes". Give us more.

[@foxglove7755]

You are so positive and have such a nice voice. I have learned a lot from you.

[@FannaTurano]

Happy accidents or deliberate, your florals never disappoint, Emma. You're a rarefied watercolorist with unique perspectives and ideas. And you get huge applause for recreating the one from Florida with us for the first time! That takes a lot of courage. Your end results are always stunning. Thank you for your tutorials. My sister and I learn all about florals from you!

[@cathyb7560]

Love the painting, and love the colors you chose!

[@tatianaovcharova9388]

Love your style - easy, bright, beautiful!

[@samanthahill2148]

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.

[@8thousevirgin]

I really like the way you teach. You make it appear so simple. Thank you.

[@margaritagutierrez59]

Beautiful painting! Thank you for sharing your art with us!

[@legally_ellecee1309]

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

[@momomarie]

Thank you for your wonderful lessons, you are one of my favorites. I'm just learning water color techniques and you are easy to follow.

[@BonVoyageKitty]

Lovely, thank you! Also, thank you for saying you'd tried the painting a couple times, plus those non-speaking moments make the tutorial natural and refreshing. ♥ :-)

[@clairedean1020]

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

[@karenvanhelden1570]

I absolutely love these poppies, I’m going to jump in and give them a go tomorrow.

[@smalefamily9806]

Beautiful, love the tutorial and the poppies, will try and attempt this as one of my 100day project creative practice.

[@Lpinzo]

I love this demonstration...you paint so beautifully and it's a joy to watch you! Thank you, I will watch it over again! Thank you Emma!!!

[@lindascoleman220]

Lovely Emma. I find I learn something new in every tutorial. Happy painting! 🎨

[@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

[@breannandrews8608]

This is beautiful, you're so talented. I'm going to give this a try today. I love loose and abstract watercolor painting, the way you sort of have to surrender control and just go with it.

[@IslandGirl755]

I love the transparency in your art. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@michelinelevesque8293]

Beautiful! Love your style Emma. Thank you !

[@susanjanoyan2382]

Thank you Emma. I love watching your videos and I'm inspired to try my hand at watercolors. You are an inspiration.

[@leilanistillwell8661]

GORGEOUS !!!

[@zaranara4388]

I adore this 💗💗 I have replayed it like 20 times already 💗💗 can u plzzzzzzzz do few more abstract flora pieces 💗💗 plzzzzzz 💗💗 sooooooo pretty 💗💗

[@terrybabaahmadi9768]

This was an awesome tutorial! I always wanted to paint flowers. I loved it & I'm excited to try it!!! Thank you!!!!

[@leslieannebeller6704]

Today I had the same feeling about watching these videos! The clocks have turned back and long dark nights ahead welcome some brightness from these beautiful watercolors!

[@starrynightsky]

Fun tutorial. I was also appreciative of you sharing how it took you three times! Helped to lower my self expectations. Thank you.

[@virginiabaer1110]

Well I think you are fantastic Emma❣️👏👍. I adore your little son, your casual teaching methods that allow me to make mistakes but keep trying, your encouragement, and your Canadian accent ( my sister and her husband, sons and their extended family are scattered throughout Ontario ) and we have many delightful Canadian friends from years of travels❤️🥰

[@helengentile9327]

I think I’ll go with the flow, I find it so coming just watching you. You are amazing!

[@juliem9567]

I really love and admire your painting! Tqvm for d Great tutorial

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

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.

[@anitasanderszangeres]

It”s lovely and honest! With a beautiful result

[@Victoria-ok7ns]

Thanks for your videos, I never thought I could paint something like that, you keep it simple and easy to follow which is great for a beginner!

[@liseauclair6453]

This is beautiful, I love the colors . Wow!

[@mr.miyagi3784]

OMG! Thank you so much! I'm trying to learn water color flowers and these absolutely came out the best BY FAR!!!!

[@irmareitz701]

Love the 2nd softer painting. Great lesson. Thanks xx

[@user-te7zz8mv3x]

thanks so much for explaining how to fix mistakes and admitting it’s your third attempt. sometimes i watch such perfect performances that it makes painting seem too daunting for me to try. i have been practicing/experimenting on water colours using a mini set that i bought over 20 years ago 🤣. so many thanks for teaching me so many tips and look forward to learning more!