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THE GENTLE ANGEL
24/12/2025
STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL
Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists, though careful beginners can also follow along.
The painting tutorial is completely free — optional traceable PDF templates (A4 and US Letter) are available in my Etsy shop.
My idea behind the motif: Even in a chaotic, unpredictable world — like the one reflected in the angel's wind-tossed hair — there are still quiet helpers. Gentle beings walk beside us. Gentle Angels, whispering of peace, of light returning, of better days waiting just ahead. To follow those whispers takes courage. Not the loud kind — but the quiet bravery of showing up, of trying again, of moving forward even when the ice beneath us feels thin. That is what Brave Skates stand for — as I mention in the editorial note to this tutorial. Even when we don't know the way, we can still glide toward something better.
The Gentle Angel reminds us: peace is possible. Even now. Especially now.
Peace on Earth — to all of us
MATERIALS & TOOLS:
and
BRUSHES:
I recommend using synthetic watercolor round brushes in sizes 2, 1, 0, and one yet smaller brush (size 5/0 is fine). Beginners: keep two of sizes 1 and 0 — their fine points wear a little faster while you learn. Otherwise, one of each is enough.
❤️ ESCODA PRADO SINTÉTICO 1462, ARTICA TORAY WHITE SYNTHETICS, DA VINCI COSMOTOP SPIN, DA VINCI NOVA SYNTHETICS 1570
LIGHT PAD:
To transfer the drawing of your chosen motif onto watercolor paper, I recommend using an LED light pad rather than taping your paper to a window. :-) To fix both the motif and the watercolor paper to the pad or board, keep low-tack paper tape or washi tape on hand.
If you're buying one, choose A3 size with adjustable brightness (and, if possible, adjustable color temperature) so you can work comfortably in any light.
PENCIL & ERASER:
An ordinary HB / No. 2 pencil is perfect. The label isn't important — the line is. Aim for a light, clean line you can clearly see, but not so faint that it disappears after a day or two of handling. You can also trace with a dotted (dashed) line — that's how I often work.
You'll need a soft art eraser — especially at the end of your work — to gently clean up your painting. Shape a small piece of the eraser into a soft roll, and lightly "roll" it across the painted surface, section by section. This lifts up any graphite smudges or dust without damaging the paper. The cleaner the eraser, the cleaner your artwork.
Watch a gentle clean-up with a kneaded eraser — IG POST.
Your Gouache Folk Art Journey ... can begin
Choose the format and size of The Gentle Angel you want to paint (templates can be purchased at our ETSY SHOP). Print the template and, using an LED light pad, transfer it onto watercolor paper.
TRACING THE MOTIF
PAINTING THE BACKGROUND
TIME-LAPSE VIDEO — Painting the Background
Brushes: Round size 1–2 (for the circular version of the Angel, I recommend having and using both). On very textured papers, a small flat size 2 can be more comfortable.
Leave the piece taped to the board and let the black background dry for a full night or day.
While you wait, practice the coat color — it's the next large area and therefore next in line. Read through my steps for the coat and test on a scrap of the same watercolor paper.
Aim for a natural brown-yellow that lets the tiny brown flowers stand out. This takes a little practice: keep the flowers visible without turning the coat fully yellow or straight Raw Sienna (you can choose that look, but this is my recommendation for my angel). Use the same brown for the patches, cuffs, and pockets.
COLORING THE COAT
Adding details & colors:
Gradually add more details and colors: cuffs (you can also dot in tiny white cuff buttons), elbow patches, pocket & light red tulips with stems and leaves, scarf and tree.