Painting more loosely

I've been inspired lately through some Facebook artist friends to attempt to paint more loosely.  I really admire artists who can put a little dab here and a little dab there and voila!  A lovely piece of art appears!  I think that it is much harder to paint in a looser style than it is to stay within the lines.  My grandmother was a lovely watercolor artist (see my previous blog about her with some pics) and while I really admire her style of loose watercolors, I think that I want to accomplish something between her style and my style.

About 2 years ago, when I first started with watercolors, I would get lots of library books and practice as much as I could.  I got a Jan Kunz book and I completed an exercise that I still have and still love. (see below)  

Even now, when I look at this painting, I still love it a lot, but I really want to give my art more of a freer artsy feel.  I had some other photos of poppies that I decided to work from recently and I think that I'm gravitating towards this style more.  

But then....I look back and I can't decide.  Hmmmm.....