Loose Watercolor Secrets: Paint a Hydrangea in a Loose, Intuitive style with Angela Fehr

You get a step by step lesson in loose floral painting in this full length watercolour painting lesson video. Learn to simplify a complex floral shape to create a beautiful soft flower painting of hydrangeas.
Supply Lists & Resources for You:
Lovely Loose Florals in Watercolor - a full length online video course to help you paint flowers in a loose, intuitive style: bit.ly/2pCrn5G
Reference Photo: photos.app.goo...
Brushes are from Rosemary & Co:
Triangle Brush: bit.ly/2JTvuV5
Squirrel Mop: bit.ly/2AVvQI2
Oval Mop: bit.ly/2SXGQeR
Palette is from Robax.com
Paint: (affiliate links)
Holbein Bright Rose bit.ly/2jDrZXJ
Daniel Smith Cobalt Teal, Cascade Green, Green Gold, Perylene Green
bit.ly/2cXeE8J
Paper is Arches cold press 140 lb

[@monicavico2233]

I need to remember to allow myself and the painting time to speak and be heard!

[@lindaruss3772]

First, of a couple of things I learned that will definitely help me: how to soften the “border” between hard and soft edges! Ugh, do I ever struggle with that! Another thing I appreciate is that you show your palette, as you work, this reminds me to not be fearful of using lots of rich, juicy color! Thirdly, I always enjoy your Verbal suggestions, instructions, wisdom! So inspiring! Thanks Angela!

[@sisterkerry]

I have a confession to make. I didn't think I would get much from this video because I tend to work quite tight. I was very mistaken. I learned a great deal that I hope will help me loosen up my floral paintings a bit. I struggle with backgrounds, but I have seen how you use the background as swathes of gentle colour with small areas of negative space helping to define shapes. The result you achieved was beautiful. I suppose the ultimate thing I learned was not to be self-limiting. Thinking, "I work tight" or "I work loose" especially when we are at that delicate time when we are no longer complete beginners but have moved into the stage of attempting to discover our personal style. Thank you for all the help this video has given me.

[@judithclaire3185]

I loved your intuitive approach and your insight about when to stop.

[@patmorehead2690]

I love that you started so soft and then put down bits of color and water and let them make the petals. I noticed you went around the painting and added bits of color and detail and then added a negative bit here and there. Then back to soft Detail and in the end it did look loose and flowing and it seems so easy and effortless when you do it. I am excited to try It. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@brijbasi4290]

Angela love your paintings thank you

[@cindysouza5017]

I immediately saw floral petals come to life when you applied the negative painting around your edges. Beautiful!

[@susanhess8632]

I learned to take me time, look for shapes, & limit palette. Thank you.

[@avisquinn4855]

I watched this again & picked up what I missed before. It was valuable to recognize that if you are getting tense or anxious, that’s a sign for a break. It was also helpful to know not to rush, you don’t do everything before the paper dries.

[@elldrea]

Really enjoyed this lesson on hydrangeas. I've always avoided painting them as they looked so complicated. Now I plan on having a go later on today. Thank you Angela. I really look forward to the Friday emails and lessons. You asked if there was anything we'd like you to paint. Well personally I would like to do some vegetables but have failed miserably so far so some advice would be great. The other thing I'd like to paint but have had little success thus far is garden birds. Don't know if anyone else would like these two subjects covered?

[@cassiescreations9828]

I have asked for paintings of birds🐦, as well!😊 Keep hope alive! And vegetable paintings - great idea!

[@patricianaranjo5771]

I enjoy watching your techniques it's fun too thank you.

[@Roslyngal]

How lovely to find a bright, summery subject in my watercolour tutorial feed, in amongst all the autumn & snow exercises! It’s summer here in Australia, and I find I have to search hard (or go backwards) to get YT tuition that fits what’s happening here in landscapes and botanicals. Thanks for choosing a little something for us Down Under! Xx

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

I love the way you picked out the detail with negative painting

[@janefreemantle-vanderwesth4959]

I love watching you. I have so much to learn!

[@maryanharrell5642]

Interesting, Angela. I dreamt about hydrangeas this week, in a slightly different color palette, but thought I might try to paint what I dreamed, and then you do this video! Now, I will have to try it! This was fun. Thanks. I think I will try to make a loose painting. The colors in my dream were more deep blues, red violets and light pinks. We shall see! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@cassiescreations9828]

@@angelfehr Isn't it true that if you want blue hydrangeas, just add acid to the soil? You can buy fertilizer to do just that.

[@aguacolours]

Nice work on the softness of your petals without making sharp edges and still defining your flowers 💐. When I paint a loose floral, I hope to achieve such beautiful effect. Thank you Angela.

[@aimomanninen7868]

Great use of large shape and negative painting to see the flower early!

[@lydiashemain9746]

Gorgeous. Love the way you painted this Hydrangea.

[@mimimmm17]

So valuable to watch you do the negative painting and to do the various layers. Loved this painting!

[@azbz1z2z75]

Angela, thank you so much for being willing to share your painting knowledge. I have learned more from you than from others who tried to teach me. You make it understandable, Blessings to you

[@carolratcliff]

I loved the negative painting and how you let the painting lead you instead of letting the photo do it. Thanks. I would also like to see other subjects painted in this way. Florals aren’t my favorite since so many people do them. But I really liked how you did this demo. Thank you again. I actually want to try this myself and use the side of my brush more!

[@cherie_colours]

The colours were beautiful. I liked the way you did the petal shapes. Very subtle but the opposing curves and the dot in the centre tells the viewer what type of flower it is.

[@sallypeters3625]

Appreciated the detail, explanations, speed and descriptions of what works.

[@teresasquaglia6085]

I loved watching how you found the petal shapes. I want to practice that. The colors are nice and I liked seeing how they were friends.

[@helenduplessis9820]

Altogether an awesome lesson! The subtlety of the whole is just beautiful!!!

[@ChrissieNicely]

So beautiful! Thank you, Angela!

[@carolferguson5467]

What great instructor you are, so glad I found you!

[@michellelarson5469]

There were a couple of things you said that hit me. The first was how you let the painting talk to you. I guess that falls in the don't rush category. The other thing you said was that we must be able to adapt when things turn in an unexpected direction. Thats good advise for life too!

[@deannamunro8148]

ahhhh....lovely....

[@VeredAMann]

you gave a few fine practical example of how to build up the major shapes and then go in and sculpture the subject by achieving edge variation, I specially liked the sequence when you painted a green hard edge to create a pink petal, and than went back there with more of the pink color, added it to the dry pink petal and gave the paint direction to bleed into the green wet color and gain a soft and beautiful transition there. It is something I needed to see, as I was wondering how it was done, Tackling edges is something I am struggling with . This demo gave me a few light bulb moments, it show me a ways to go further in a specific painting where I got kind of stuck, thank you Angela for yet another beautiful and highly helpful film.

[@heidihardy5883]

I agree Vered, I especially liked seeing this sequence too.

[@joyjoyfultune8757]

Thank you!!! I love the softness

[@dolorespoirier1880]

Thank you, Angela! Loved the negative painting which I struggle with!!

[@belijoc]

Amazing, how you bring the beautiful flowers come alive, love it!

[@patcheshire2595]

Thanks for great information. I painted a way too tight hydrangea. Now it will be fun to do a loose one and compare.

[@belindahall5220]

This is lovely!! Excellent instruction as well!! Thank you Angela:)

[@kathryna5912]

I learned to leave the center of this group of blossoms loose, or untouched, until I’m sure of what I’m seeing. And, less is more-an on-going struggle! (I tend to gravitate towards detail, always.)

[@maryjoaltom6765]

how important working large to small can be - lovely example of using just enough detail without overworking.

[@yvonnewhitehouse]

I find value quite difficult when comparing different colors. That is very beautiful it has given me ideas of how to create looser paintings

[@cassiescreations9828]

I am so glad that I finally had a chance to watch this excellent and informative video. I just read all the great comments, as well. One comment really sparked my interest - it is about Yupo and you asked if the person ever painted on translucent Yupo and painted on both sides, to add rich color. You asked for ideas for future videos, Angela, so will you please make a video, demonstrating this technique - painting on both sides of translucent Yupo???

[@FannaTurano]

A year since my comment and yet I continue to learn from your work, this hydrangea specifically. I have HUGE issues in layering, building, light to dark, patience really. Watching this--again was a real eye-opener. You're truly an astounding watercolorist, Angela. I never know what your painting subject is until the end when it all pulls together. Watching you create has forever been one of my marvels. I look forward to the day when I "let go" and discover what my style truly is. I suspect loose, absolutely! Frances (Fanna) Turano Denver, CO

[@FannaTurano]

Incredible demo, Angela. I held my breath as you courageously veered into the very center. SO brave! Thank you for sharing one of my most favorite flowers. You are great with negative painting. I've learned much over the last 12 months. Thank you.

[@Robreehl1]

Yes ... the most important idea for me was: "take your time". I want to learn to listen to my painting and take a rest from it until I know what's next. Angela, you are an amazing teacher and so inspirational. You make me realize that my best work is done when I am not rushing. Thank you for all the wonderfulness you put into the world. xo

[@talisman006]

I loooove your videos! so educating, thank you so much! Giving a tiny tip back: blot with a blotting paper or some powder just before shooting to eliminate the excess shine from the face

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

What I learned is to let the painting lead you. I could see some petals develop before you defined them. For the first time I could visualize the painting before any detail was added. Very enlightening. Thank you Angela. I would love to see you develop this painting further in a week or two. Excellent lesson!

[@paintlady2268]

Wow!!! If you do more to this piece at a later date, it would be great if you showed us a glimpse of it too.

[@brianpan6453]

Well, I sure messed this one up even though it makes for an interesting springtime abstract. I was wondering, Angela, if you recommend doing the same painting over and over until you are satisfied with the results or just move on to the next one to keep learning new techniques? Roughly 80% of my work comes from watching YT videos. I don't show any of my work - just trying to learn technique of watercolor painting.

[@schmitt313]

I liked how you showed how you can squint to see the light and darks. I’d heard that said before but you actually blurring as a visual, made me squint and it really does help see the darks and lights. I think this will help me a lot in my paintings. Thank you so much for sharing all this. You are amazing!

[@sherrylee6719]

Angela, What are the exact sizes for the brushes that you used for this video?

[@22GmaRocky]

The biggest thing for me was the first wash is for the overall shape...To Go Light ..Since watercolor is transparent , I have had my first mark show through at the end, and it kind of messed up the final look. But, I am new to this, so it was a lesson

[@iritlandgraf]

I'm so glad to see you using Bright Rose more, it's such a beautiful pink. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers but I'm scared to paint them, maybe now I'll be more courageous ;)

[@lynnwilliams7583]

This video has so many invaluable lessons for a novice like me; thank you for your time and inspiration. Just one question if you don't mind? How comfortable are you to continue using natural hair brushes?

[@sharileegolob7407]

Love the loose calm way you demonstrated. Going from light to dark and letting the paint tell you where the petals and shapes are. I look forward to trying a loose floral. Thanks for the inspiration Angela

[@barbarasalmi3103]

Hi, Angela! You are wonderful. I loved watching you use that triangular brush.

[@barbararivera2380]

I learned that what you don't paint is more important than what you do (the light area in the center) Thank you for this

[@craftergin]

I really appreciate you saying not to rush. To take breaks. I don't have time to paint much so when I do, I feel like I need to paint for hours! Your insights will help me next time. Thanks!

[@marymenke3940]

I loved this, mesmerizing to watch. My question is did you go back into it and add more flowers at a later time or was it finished? Sometimes I feel like i dont know when a painting is finished. I find myself wanting to keep adding. Thank you>

[@Suzi77]

I learned you need to slow down with a loose painting and let what you see guide you . Using the negative painting technique more in a loose painting. Thank you for your demo. Inspiring me to paint one today. What other brush could you use instead of the triangular shaped brush. I am guessing a round brush but sideways. Suzi 🌻🖌

[@yvesbrissette9831]

What struck me is that you can do a loose painting using a structured approach. Great!

[@libbyfuntera8497]

Take my time-don’t no rush and don’t panic.

[@avisquinn4855]

It is very helpful to learn about shadows & their importance in giving depth & definition. Thank you very much.

[@suel4269]

Amazing how you create beauty from a blank page. I’m finally seeing what you’re seeing.

[@stevemurray6543]

My bad habit is to give up and push through. I will set it aside and come back to it once I can see where to take it. Thank you.

[@tamrahumphreys8785]

Enjoyed the video very much. Wasn’t able to paint along. Not feeling well this evening. I listening to the blank paper video and that’s the way I’ve always felt about sketching. I want to paint or get started. I definitely need to spend time figuring out the painting. Loose painting I think is my style. Just need to learn how. Thanks so much.

[@maddiec5341]

You have wonderful verbal skills as well as painting skills. It was really strange how you verbalased exactly what I was thinking a split second after I thought it! Gave me so much confidence. Great video. Love your work. Thank you. Mx

[@karenhoward303]

I love how you soften edges. This type of painting is a huge challenge for my detail oriented self.

[@claudiagrimm1894]

I really appreciate your negative leaf painting directions, the softening the edges yet very distinctive shapes. That is probably one of the hardest things for me to paint. Thank you for this very enjoyable painting session.

[@francisalec610]

I dont mean to be off topic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@jaylenyousef146]

@Francis Alec instablaster :)

[@francisalec610]

@Jaylen Yousef thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@francisalec610]

@Jaylen Yousef It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@jaylenyousef146]

@Francis Alec glad I could help =)

[@kathsoulsby873]

I enjoyed watching how you manipulated the brush to make the different subtle petal shapes..the first dark green you applied really made that petal come to life! Learning so much from these Friday night paint classes....thanks.

[@loisstoneking8709]

Loved it!! I especially liked how you brought out the shapes with negative painting!,

[@jenniefrench1338]

It's very beautiful Angela. Great tips. I appreciate your methods making it possible for everyone to paint. Thank you.

[@joanneklassen4637]

I appreciated the insight into how to pick up on when it's time to take a break. I also enjoyed watching you use. That brush.

[@dianpapay7927]

I enjoy watching your loose painting. Being very new to watercolor, I’m finding “loose” to be difficult. Your paintings are so beautiful and I can see the picture even though it is just suggested. As I try to use this technique, I end up adding more and more detail until the suggestion is gone and the picture is detailed. Your tutorial is very encouraging and I will continue to practice and try to relax more. Thanks for the tips!

[@lesliewaite4316]

Lighten up, loosen up, give myself time to ponder..I really like your Hydrangea

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Angela. I never get the second layer right in a loose floral. I over do it. So many beautiful bookmarks and gift tags get created this way. Ugh.🙃 it's putting to much contrast in that gets me. Back to landscapes 😉

[@nadadellore865]

Thank you, Angela! This video gave me some good instructions. I like very much your loose way of painting.

[@califmike2003]

. I'm in beginner I'm wondering are you painting wet-on-wet?

[@JuliannaKahn]

It was helpful how you demonstrated the use of values in this painting. Thanks.

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Angela, the biggest thing I took from this lesson was less is more in the beginning! Stop! And look! Don't rush in and keep the first wash light. I've heard this before but so glad you reminded me a, and the tip about printing your picture in black and white, that's something I intend to do. It helps to see the contrast. Thanks, Angela. A great lesson! Joanne

[@gailhowes9398]

As this is my first time to see water colour being painted, thank you for explaining what you are doing for me to attempt just one flower for now.

[@kathleenbarnett1084]

Softening the hard lines, and when and how was very interesting.

[@lesgrindey]

how to use the brush on t side and tip and how to soften the edge s look for shapes tone ,values as you move over the painting

[@jolewis-brown6608]

I loved this. I learned to work from the outside in on a loose floral planting. I’ve done the other way round and this dictates the outer petals. Thank you Angela. You’re an inspiration.

[@christinecooke1535]

Angela what size is your palette? I'm considering a purchase. Do you use inserts for the paint

[@vickiehawkins5217]

Loved this! Really concentrating on relationship of large and small and moving the eye through the painting.

[@sherrylee6719]

Just lovely. I enjoyed this so much. I am trying to learn restraint and to slow down. Thank you for your encouragement. Do you have the bright blue hydrangeas in Canada? Hydrangeas are a very southern plant to have in your garden. Almost all southern grandmothers have them in their yards!

[@cassiescreations9828]

I think blue hydrangeas occur when grown in acidic soil. If you have white ones and you want to make them blue, just add fertilizer, with acid, to the soil, following the printed directions, of course ... called "soil acidifiers" and are made for hydrangeas and the acid content can also help any gardenias you have, especially if you see the leaves turning yellow and dropping, while yielding very few blooms.

[@judydarling1613]

I like how the flowers grew out of larger shape. I'm not a fan of Hydrangeas but I like these. I will try something like this very soon. Thank you

[@jeanetterogerson352]

Can’t find description

[@debrabarber-wilson3305]

Angela I love how in your guidance to painting you express your Thought process! So helpful especially for a loose paining… Loved this tutorial…

[@guie1960]

Really beautiful.....thank you for this lesson Angela!!!! :-)

[@ritaobrien9093]

I just started watercolor in the spring. No real instruction except wonderful videos like yours. I am struggling with getting loos! Somehow the details come to the forefront and it's hard for me to suppress that urge for detail. Any advice? Tank you for your videos, by the way!

[@Ms1lonewolf]

I love the way you just let the flowers like appear in the painting. Now that's magical. I think that's why I love watercolor. Take and splash water then add paint and it starts to form some type of picture and then you go with it. It's very cool 😎. There are times when it's frustrating that the paint goes where it wants to go and then make a puddle. It's not like acrylic that's for sure. Thank you for sharing 😊. Oh by the way I practice in thumbnails so I don't waste paper. Do you think I should take a whole peice of paper and try this method or just do the thumbnail?

[@georgetsakalidis3266]

Hi Angela I've been following your lessons for years.Going back when your kids could be heard playing in the background lol. Loved this lesson the way you left the lights in the centre and how your petals just popped by using darker colour heat job

[@marjorieclinton6780]

I really do struggle with knowing when to quit, knowing how I have overworked a painting. But today I have learned some hints as to when I should look to see if I am overworking it by stepping back as you shared. Also to stop just before I think I should. I love how you have used negative painting and I have started using that and I'm enjoying the process of learning how to do it more loose and free. Even after all of the years since you've done this video you continue to teach thank you so much.

[@liaclark2393]

this is BEAUTIFUL thank you for sharing , if I could come close to this , I'de be in heaven

[@jeanetterogerson352]

Can t find link

[@marymulligan3653]

I painted a very defined hydrangea and my back started hurting too. I can't wait to paint another one much more loose without the too tight signs of pain. That's my short term goal. Thanks for the lesson.

[@marymulligan3653]

Thank you Angela for your words of encouragement. I'm going to try to repaint it this week.@@angelfehr

[@eddiejohn2060]

I love the way the lighter colours first then the darker colours on top , especially the greens give what would be in photography the "orton effect" , a sort of soft out of focus appearance

[@denisehartley4579]

I always appreciate seeing how to use unique brushes and what they can do .

[@claireannboyce796]

I am a very impatient painter. Impatient for a finished painting. From the beginning of my painting life I got into the habit of finishing a painting every day in one sitting - usually an hour. It is difficult for me to do one layer and come back to it the next day.

[@HarrisPlumbingAurora]

Love this Angela! What i learned is how to soften the hard edges that occur. I also learned that i need more brushes too. What tape do you use to tape down your paper?

[@maxinedewhurst8521]

using negative space to define shapes. I'm a newcomer to watercolour, so exciting

[@elizabethnovitsky1545]

Thank you. I learned to see the petal edges from the organic way the paint develops them vs me trying to create them myself.

[@juliediazoni8112]

I think the negative painting and subtle lines to pull out flowers is something major I am learning