It’s been two months since I opened the virtual doors to my online classroom, Leslie Fehling Studio, and I want to thank you for the all the enthusiasm and positive feedback you’ve given me during that time. I’m glad my lessons are helping so many of you to feel more comfortable with watercolor and have more fun with your sketchbooks. I hope you’ll pass the word along to your sketching buddies about what I have to offer.
My Christmas Giveaway series was so popular last December that I’ve decided to do a summer giveaway, too, to show my appreciation for your friendly support of my new online learning site. I talked to my friends at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, who thought it was a great idea, and they generously offered to donate some wonderful prizes to get the ball rolling.
Each week, starting today, I’ll showcase one of the lessons available in Leslie Fehling Studio and give away a product related to that lesson.
All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment at the end of that week’s post. You don’t have to buy the lesson (although I’d love for you to!) This is just my way of adding a little more fun to your summer. 🙂
Our featured lesson for week 1 is How to Paint Flowers & Foliage.
I had fun creating this tutorial, because it’s a sketch of one of my favorite spots, the pretty patio in our backyard that’s surrounded by hydrangeas, roses, and perennial flowers. I enjoy it every day and have done a lot of sketches there, but I know that a lot of my students feel intimidated and overwhelmed when it comes to painting a complex scene like this…
or this…
Those colorful summer flowers just beg to be painted, but the scene is so loaded with subject matter that it’s hard to know where to start. In How to Paint Flowers & Foliage, I show you how to simplify scenes like these and paint your impressions of a place rather than trying to create a super-realistic rendering.
You’ll learn how to draw using loose, varied lines and how to combine individual blooms into larger masses of color for greater impact.
You’ll build layers of color and rich values one step at a time. It almost feels like magic, watching the progress of the painting, going from the initial base washes…
to the middle stage of deepening values…
to the final step of adding the darkest accents and other detailing.
The result is a sketch that captures the lively feeling of summer in all its colorful exuberance.
This jam-packed lesson also includes instruction in how to paint all the extras in this picture:
a blue sky with cumulus clouds…
a stone patio…
windows…
and a grassy lawn.
I even show you how to create the rough texture of roof shingles using one my favorite tools.
To complete the lesson, there’s a section on how to evaluate your sketch during the wrap-up phase and analyze what you like about it, what it needs, and what you’ve learned from the experience.
To top it all off, I’ve included six bonus photos of garden scenes for you to practice painting after completing the lesson. Spending time putting what you’ve learned into practice makes a huge difference in the learning curve. It helps you to better retain and understand what you’ve learned, and, over time, skills become automatic.
This lesson has proven to be very helpful for many of my students. It offers a straightforward process for painting masses of flowers and foliage in the foreground of a sketch. I hope you’ll give it a try!
Look at the fun prize I have for one lucky winner this week. It’s the pocket-sized American Journey Voyager Sketching Set – perfect for sketching flowers and foliage when you’re out and about! (Value: $76.49)
Here’s what the Cheap Joe’s website has to say about it:
Tuck this watercolor travel set into your purse, art bag, or glove compartment and be ready to paint whenever inspiration strikes along your personal journey. American Journey Voyager Sets feature professional American Journey Artists’ Watercolor paints which are made from only the finest raw materials and highest-quality, maximum-strength pigments to ensure clean, strong colors with wonderful working properties.
The travel-friendly tin offers a durable enameled metal exterior with enameled white interior and two fold-out mixing areas. Space in the center accommodates a travel brush or two.
Small Voyager Sketching Set of 6 – The 6 full pan colors included in this paint set are Alizarin Crimson, Aureolin, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber Violet, Sap Green, and Ultramarine Blue. The two mixing areas measure 2-1/2″ to 2-5/8″ x 4-1/2″ to 4-5/8″. The tin itself measures 2-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ x 3/4″ closed, 8″ x 4-3/4″ open.
Wouldn’t that be fun to play with?
Be sure to leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. (US addresses only, please.) The winner of the drawing will be announced in next week’s “Lesson of the Week” post on August 10, 2021.
Till then, happy sketching!
137 Comments
Beautiful backyard and beautiful painting!
I purchased this lesson and it has really helped me to break down a complex subject into small bits so that I’m not overwhelmed. I have applied what I learned in this lesson to all of my sketching. Thanks, Leslie!
I’m so glad to hear you say that, Donna. That’s the way it is with all my lessons – you learn the techniques while painting a particular subject, then apply what you’ve learned to paint virtually anything!
Leslie,
I am one of those folks who is intimidated when looking at something to paint that has so many things going on. You clearly understand how imposing this can be as you have broken the lesson into parts that address each of these issues. I am going to have to check out all of your lessons.
Thanks also for the summer giveaways.
When I’m writing my lessons, I try to simplify the process of painting and explain every step so that even a beginner can understand exactly how I got the results shown in the photos. I always think, “What questions would someone have about this? What else might they wonder about? What could they possibly misunderstand?” My students tell me they like how complete and understandable my tutorials are. And I love to get feedback if something isn’t clear – that’s how I learn to do a better job of teaching.
Love your new website and I enjoy seeing your work. 🙂
Fantastic way to get outside and paint the garden. Love American Journey paints.
I like them, too, Mary Ann. My palette is filled with mostly American Journey paints, and there are some colors, like Cerulean Blue, that I prefer over other brands.
Signing up today. Most impressed with the description and am so tired of my muddy flowers and bushes. Let the paint flow!
I find that it’s easy to keep things fresh-looking if I don’t go back in too much. I try to get a lot done with my first washes by dropping deeper tones into my first light washes while they’re still wet. That creates a nice range of midtones with very little effort. Then all it takes is a touch of the darkest darks to finish things off.
This class looks like a good one. I may have to try it!
Loving that you are offering these lessons! Your yard is so beautiful – and so many flowers! This is a great lesson on taking a complex scene and making it into a special painting. Thanks!!
Your artwork remains an inspiration. I love following your blog and seeing how you use sketches to illustrate your travels, near and far!
I purchased this lesson and love it. Your directions and illustrations make it easier for the rest of us. Thanks!
Glad you found it helpful, Pat.
I have purchased all your lessons and look forward to more. Although I have not been able to start yet, I will do so in the fall. Love your style of painting. Thank you.
You have a lot of painting ahead of you this winter, Jeanne! Sounds like fun.
Can’t wait to get started painting flowers!
I love seeing the sketch go through the progression from lines to light colors to dark values. I think I always stop short on the values so a good thing to see.
That’s something a see a lot in the classroom. That’s why in-person classes are so helpful – I can walk around the room and remind students to add that punch of darks at the end. With my online courses, you can always post a photo of your practice sketch in the comments, and I can give you feedback, if you think it would be helpful.
I’m so glad you’re offering online lessons! It’s a great resource for all of us.
Always LOVE ur work♥️♥️
Your lessons are always amazing. I loved Summerhill and will miss sketching and painting there.
I miss seeing you in class, Angela. I’m glad I can at least keep up with you a bit on Facebook. Stay well!
Hi Leslie –
I subscribed today. Everything on your website is so beautiful! I just want to grab a cup of tea and sit and get lost in your paintings.
So lovely. Thank you!
It was so nice to see you the other day, Lory! It would sure be fun if you could come along on one of my overseas workshop trips sometime. Think about it!
I love this sketching lesson and I was there to see it in person!!! I want to try this one for sure!
Purchasing this lesson today. As with all of your tutorials, I constantly refer to them as I sketch. This is such a bonus because I feel like I grow as an artist while I’m tutored by 1 (favorite) artist instead of getting confused by trying to learn from many.
My protégée! You’ve gone from a being beginner with no experience to doing high-end commissions in just a few short years. I’m so glad I’ve been able to help you find joy in painting.
This looks like a great lesson! I’m enjoying the lessons I purchased and look forward to purchasing more of your classes in the future! 🙂
Leslie,
I’ve admired your work for a long time. Thank you for sharing these lessons. I felt like the stones on the patio steps were and extra bonus! I tend to overwork rock walls and bricks.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Joan – One of my next lessons will be on painting rocks and stones. I think you’ll like it!
Love your classes. Will continue to register for all of them as soon as I complete each one.
Sorry I live in Canada and can’t enter the giveaway.
Ooh those snippets you shared are so pretty! Can’t wait to try my hand at these flowers and foliage!!!
Great first subject for mid summer!
Leslie! you are amazing! I just adore your style, i see the fun in your lessons and i enjoy every minute of my time going over your lessons,.,,keep them coming!
Thank you so much!
Julie
If it’s not fun, then why do it, right? 🙂
I’m so happy that you’re enjoying the lessons. Comments like yours make all the work I put into them worthwhile.
Greetings, Leslie!
I am beyond impressed with the amount of texture you were able to capture in both stone patio and in the grass! I look forward to taking all of your workshops…as time permits. Thanks for featuring one of my favorite topics to paint: flowers!
Warmest wishes and best regards!
Just seeing your email brightened the day! You’re the beat! I’ve purchased a couple of lessons besides attending several in person workshops at various locations. I encourage anyone who wants to gain confidence in their watercolor painting to dive in with Leslie! You won’t be sorry! And, having the lessons to view anytime is wonderful!
Thanks for the kind words, Julene. I’m so glad you’ve found the lessons to be helpful. Wish we could be together again for a live class. I sure miss the fun and energy.
Thanks for going online with your lessons Leslie. Last year, I signed up for one of your classes at Cheap Joe’s, but unfortunately it was cancelled. Your new online lessons will help take away the sting of not seeing you in person!
Sorry we didn’t have a chance to meet at Cheap Joe’s. After I move I’ll have high-speed internet and will be able to do some live online classes, so a virtual Cheap Joe’s workshop may be in my future. Nothing can take the place of actually being together in Boone, but we have to do the best we can with the hand we’ve been dealt these days, right?
I get so overwhelmed trying to paint plants and flowers so I think this step by step will really help me. It’s so hard to know how much detail to add, and where, and in what order to paint so things don’t get muddy.
Leslie your work is just so lovely, I struggle with what my “style” is but when I see your work I realize that your style is it! I don’t seem to be able to replicate it but I won’t give up trying. Thank you
Cindy
Your own style will shine through in everything you do. You can’t help it – it’s who you are! Accept it. Revel in it! But using my lessons to help you build skills so you can relax and paint without stressing is a GREAT idea. 🙂
Your work is so lovely, I just love the look of your watercolor pictures. I would love to learn how to watercolor, but it looks so intimidating to me, plus I am on a spending freeze right now. But thank you for the chance to win some lovely gifts. Seeing your beautiful work always lifts my spirits! Thank you for sharing.
Gin K.
Anyone can learn to paint with watercolors. It’s like learning any other skill – it just takes education and practice. My Watercolor Essentials video course is made for beginners. It shows you the basics like what materials to use, how to mix paint, how to paint different types of watercolor washes, how to spatter, etc. I even have a section where I troubleshoot mistakes and show you what not to do. The course is an explanation of the techniques I use in all of my written lessons. It doesn’t show you how to paint a specific picture, but it is a great foundation to build on, and I’m working on other courses where I’ll demonstrate designing and painting sketches from start to finish. Maybe by the time your spending freeze is over, I’ll manage to get my next video course done and you can give one of these online workshops a try.
https://www.lesliefehling.com/studio/watercolor-essentials/
Love learning how to paint flowers and the foliage
Thx for doing all that you do! I look forward to learning about your styles!
You mentions so many areas that I need help with in the description of your course. I’m going to sign up and stop drawing every single leaf and flower!!!
Thank you Leslie for the information on the first lesson, beautiful work. I will be trying your technique.
I have struggled with painting trees and flowers. It seems my mind gets overloaded with wanting to paint detail. I really need to get these lessons. Thank you for letting us learn from you.
I’m in a constant battle with detail-itis too! But sometimes I get to the point where I think “What’s so bad about being detailed anyway? That’s what I love about this scene – all the details!” and I just go with my own personal flow and don’t worry about. But if it’s really bogging you down, I can see where it would help you to have some strategies and ways to simplify what you’re putting on paper. I hope this Flowers & Foliage lesson helps. 🙂
Loved seeing this particular lesson as I am a gardener and love watercolor. Thank you for your inspiration. Hope to be able to purchase one of your lessons in the near future.
Aloha Leslie,
Thank you for all your on line classes. I am a newbie and am working on the Hamburger at this time. I watch and rewatch your classes and learn something new each time. They never get old. Will have to try the flowers and foliage lesson. You need to come to Hawaii and paint the tropical flowers.
That would be a dream come true, Karen. When I was last there, it was in my pre-watercolor days. I did do a couple of pencil sketches, but I didn’t have a way to capture all that luscious color. We’ll have to cook up a plan for a Hawaii workshop when we’re traveling together next year – can’t wait!
I’ve purchased this lesson, Leslie. There’s a yard down the street that is so beautifully planned, with shrubbery and a variety of brightly colored blooms, mixture of textures in the foliage. I have taken photos of it, but it is quite intimidating. So I hope to learn how to tackle this by working through this tutorial. Just what I was looking for!
I hope the lesson is helpful for you, Sandy. If you need some input when you paint your neighbor’s yard, remember, you can post photos in the comments on Teachable and I can take a look at your paintings and give you help, if you need it.
Hi Leslie,
What a nice surprise! Thanks for offering the giveaways… Miss you ! Fun to see so many familiar names here…your loyal fan club 😉
This is a wonderful lesson,I feel my confidence growing in anticipation for when I pick up my brushes. I hope to purchase a lesson soon. Thank you Leslie for sharing your gifts.
I heartily agree that your lessons help simplify complex views and illustrate lovely watercolors. I have used your techniques to enhance my Plein Air studies.
Leslie, I always admire how realistic the greens you paint are! That’s one of my biggest challenges in watercolor painting. Thanks to you and Cheap Joes for organizing another set of giveaways.
Thanks, Milla Sue. Did you get my free lesson on How to Mix Natural Greens? I think you would find it helpful.
https://www.lesliefehling.com/how-to-mix-natural-greens/
I bought this course and it partners so nicely with Leslie’s “How to Mix Natural Greens.” Try them both!
I’m still using the book from the class in Santa Barbara but love these mini lessons too! I am still trying to w/c sketch and when I look back at my journal it does take me back there, just like you said. This lesson is something I want to do all the time as I wander and see beautiful garden scenes, but you are right, it did seem too overwhelming or else I don’t compose it right, so your lesson is so helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
It’s so nice to hear from you, Susan. Good to hear you’re still sketching. I remember I loved your work when we were together in Santa Barbara. Give the Flowers & Foliage lesson a try. I think you’ll see that those abundant garden scenes aren’t too hard when you eliminate a lot of the tiny details and focus on larger shapes.
I could really use help with foliage. Your new location looks great, I bet your not going to be far from IKEA!
It’s only about 20 minutes away!
Thank you Leslie for the give aways. I’m enjoying your new site and glad you are offering classes online.
I have always admired your work. It was great when you came to San Clemente, Ca. and gave classes. Your flowers are beautiful, and thank you so much for the tour!
you really broke down what looks intimidating and complex to the most basic and important elements. this was really good to follow.
thanks for sharing your flowers.
Wonderful! Your lessons are always the best!
That little kit looks like a lot of fun. Luscious colors.
I am purchasing this lesson today———such a great job of showing the steps to sketch and paint a garden of flowers. And such a nice summer “gift” to have a giveaway!
Once my spouse and I get our new “old” home painted I’ll have time to try your wonderful class
I’m convinced! I’d love to paint some garden scenes! Will be purchasing this class.
Leslie, new website is great. I can smell the flowers! Such beauty!
I just purchased this lesson and can’t wait to get started!
What a great lesson- just what I need! I always have a problem painting the “big picture” and find myself admiring the colors in a garden but always zooming in on one flower to put in my sketchbook. I know this class will be a great help to me. Thanks. I wish you well in your new home, too. It looks beautiful!
It’s nice to paint zoomed-in flowers but I hope this tutorial will give you the confidence to branch out and paint a larger scene. You can always do a view-within-a-view page where you feature the larger scene along with a framed sketch that shows a close-up view. I love doing those. It gives more information about the environment the flower is in and the total experience of sketching there.
Love your new website and enjoy your blog. You are always so generous about sharing your talent. Thank you!
I often get very overwhelmed with the complexity of a scene. Sounds like this class would be perfect for me!
I hope it’s helpful to you, Debbie. Honestly, painting is a lot easier and faster when you paint larger shapes instead of tiny details.
So enjoy getting your newsletters and seeing your process! Thank you!
I am a wannabe artist. I have painted with oil and acrylics but water color is a different animal. I am in awe of your talent and hope to learn from you……thanks for the chance.
And I could say the same for oils. It’s been really challenging for me to learn how to paint with oils after years of watercolor. I can’t seem to get my lights light enough. Like everything, it just takes practice.
oh Leslie, I really do love your artwork, it is all so charming! plus you go to such lovely places. what a champ you are to bless our summer with a fun giveaway, you are a doll! hugs
A wonderful online class. I’m a beginner and I’m ready to try!
Once I get resettled at the lake, I need to look into your online classes. I do much better there than at home — fewer distractions. This one looks lovely! Such pretty blooms to inspire!
I think I need a lake house to get away to! There’s always so much work to be done at home – it’s hard to make time to paint. The only time I totally relax is when I’m away.
You’re welcome to come to Michigan and paint at mine if you get a break!
Wouldn’t that be fun? Maybe when this nasty pandemic is over.
I just love the way you do flowers and gardens!
So looking forward to the flowers & foliage lesson. Will definitely help me with the greeting cards I paint.
I have such a hard time painting scenes like these. I become overwhelmed. Can’t wait to try these methods.
Leslie, I bought this tutorial as soon as it came out and couldn’t wait to paint it when I went away for the weekend. I went through your “How to Mix Natural Greens” tutorial first though. Thanks so much for that! My greens always seemed to be the same few colors. I spent a while making a green color chart and it was SO helpful! Now I need to go back to the wrap-up page with that lesson and do the self evaluation with the flowers and foliage.
That was smart, Sara, making the color chart. I’m glad the “Natural Greens” tutorial was helpful. Seems like every sketch I do has green in it, so it’s important to be able to confidently mix all the varied hues and values.
Lovely inspirational yard for resource. I like the way you start with blocks of color for the flowers, and putting in the foliage later. I tend to focus on foliage and end up without enough space left for flowers.
Yeah, I think it’s a lot easier to block in the colors first. Otherwise, I’m constantly worrying that I’ll paint over places where I need to save my whites.
You have such a gentle touch, which really suits the ethereal effect of your florals. And what a wonderful and inspirational garden you have! Beautiful work.
As always, inspirational!
Your paintings and sketches are always beautiful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your generosity!
I have been inspired by you and your artwork for many years. I love your style!
I can see that you are not only a talented watercolorist but a talented gardener. I love both painting and gardening also. Thank you for your encouragement and lessons.
I have always shied from painting flower gardens as too impressionistic! Thanks for the step by steps.
I just signed up for the Foliage and Flower lesson. So many of the lessons I have purchased are full of good information and techniques to try. I am so happy that you have begun offering your wonderful skills via the online classes.
Such lovely paintings! I hope to take an in-person workshop one day.
Hi Leslie!
I am truly a beginner when it comes to sketching and painting. I make handmade cards. I am presently using stamps, die cuts, and stencils to create my cards. I would love to learn how to watercolor and apply what I learn to my card making. Do you recommend that I start with the class you describe in the blog or your Watercolor Essentials class?
Thank you,
Terry
I’d recommend getting the Watercolor Essentials course first and just playing around with mixing paints and painting colorful washes first. It will teach you how much water to mix into your paints, how much pigment to use to get deep, rich colors, how to mix various washes, etc. It’ll help you to begin to feel comfortable with your materials (supply recommendations are included in the video), and you can use your experiments for your cards! I make cards occasionally and I love using a watercolor background layer, then adding hand-lettered quotes over top, either drawn directly or cut out and pasted on. You could stamp on top of the watercolor or die cut the watercolor paper. There’s no risk and lots of fun to be had. Play, and see if you like the watercolor experience.
I’m working on another video course that would be a great introduction to sketchbook journaling for you. It will have three full-length video demonstrations of how I design, draw, and paint the sketches. This video course will be very similar to my in-person beginner’s sketchbook journaling workshop that I’ve taught across the country for many years. I’m so excited to get it launched, but we’ve been so busy with summer stuff and new house stuff that it’s had to be put on hold. Wish I had it to offer you now!
For now, I’d recommend you start with “Watercolor Essentials”, then maybe try “How to Paint a Rose” or “How to Paint French Macarons” or “How to Paint a Cheeseburger”. All these lessons are focused on painting just one object, and I think they would be a lot easier for a beginner than the “Flowers & Foliage” lesson. Also, be sure to get the free “How to Mix Natural Greens” lesson – it’ll give you some good practice in color mixing.
https://www.lesliefehling.com/studio/how-to-mix-natural-greens/
Thank you so much! I will purchase the Watercolor Essentials class right after I finish this reply. By the way, your new home reminds me of mine. My husband and I built a farmhouse colonial on six acres in NJ 27 years ago. We still live here. We raised four kids here and now are continuing the fun with our grandchildren.
Thank you for such great information!
Terry
I love how you simplify your subject matter. Also your directions are easy to follow!
This looks like such a wonderful lesson and your new website is beautiful as well.
Looking into this lesson further. Great subject matter (flowers) and I love the extras (stone, shingles, etc.).
Thank you for your generous giveaway! I love your tutorials and plan to take a class of yours online this fall.
I love how you break things down into manageable steps. Thanks.
I am willing to give your lesson a whirl. I do get overwhelmed and my colors get too dark. Step by step looks very helpful.
Wow!! Your paintings are so beautiful!! You really captured your awesome flower garden. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m going to look into taking your class.
Thank you Leslie for all your wonderful inspiration and sharing your techniques. I love your beautiful paintings and sketchbook drawings! I’m so glad you put together your lessons in an online format that now anyone can use to learn from you.
Leslie, this looks like a wonderful teaching experience to break down a complex scene for painting. I tend to choose complicated subjects and then become discouraged when I cannot paint it to my satisfaction. I have admired your style for quite awhile now and having the lessons online is great since I have toyed with the idea of trying to come to one of your in-person workshops in the past. Thank you for putting the time in to set up these classes.
I purchased this lesson a couple of weeks ago and I am anxious to try your techniques as soon as the supplies that I ordered are delivered. Your ideas are so refreshing and fun to look at so I would like to learn how you accomplish such stunning results. I am so happy that you are offering lessons on line.
Lucky you!
Thanks Leslie for this lesson and for the giveaways.
They are so fun.
You are being so generous! Thank you so much. I’ve downloaded the free “greens” lesson and look forward to purchasing many more.
http://Www.erniehendrix.com
Beautiful example; makes me very interested in your lessons. As for the giveaway, I’m always wanting to try new things and products with my art!
Beautiful work-can’t wait to try it! This really makes me interested in your courses!
I am really looking forward to doing this lesson, because I am often intimidated when I look at complicated views and want to paint them. This lesson should help me at lot! I always look at your delightful work and wish so much I could do something like that. Thank you for this!
I love your classes, we’re in the process of moving, once we get settled, I’ll be signing up for some of your new on-line classes, really looking forward to them!
Your artwork is beautiful; I am inspired to paint some flowers now! The flower and foliage lesson looks awesome. Thank you for sharing your process, and for this giveaway.
Love your blog and love your paintings!
I am so excited to have found your blog and classes! I hope to learn how to paint with watercolors in this style and not failing at it.
I love seeing your beautifully tended garden as the image for this lesson. It preserves Summerhill long after you have moved.
This looks like a great lesson! Thank you for your generosity Leslie.
Love your lesson on “Greens”.
I purchased the lesson too and I even took a week of vacation next week for this one and another. Can’t wait to try the techniques!!!
I adore your artwork. The sequential photos are so captivating.
Creative Blessings!
This would be fun to have.
Looks like fun, something I would really like to paint. I hope to have more time after the summer.
Good luck in your new home!