From Fundamentals to Artistic Expression
This in-depth watercolor course is designed for absolute beginners to intermediate artists who are seeking a structured, professional approach to mastering watercolor painting. With a strong emphasis on technical knowledge and creative exploration, this course will guide students through every essential aspect — from materials and theory to expressive painting — building confidence, control, and artistic identity. This is more than just a painting course — it’s a complete artistic journey. Whether you're holding a brush for the first time or looking to elevate your skills, this course supports growth in both technique and expression.
What You Will Learn
• Mastering Essential Tools
• Types of watercolor brushes and their specific uses
• Choosing the right paper (hot press, cold press, rough)
• Understanding watercolor paint grades, pigments, and lightfastness
• Using palettes, masking tools, sponges, and containers
• Proper maintenance and care of materials
Color Theory & Mixing Mastery
• Classical and modern color theory
• Understanding the color wheel and relationships (complementary, analogous)
• Warm vs. cool hues, chroma, value, and saturation
• Mixing balanced palettes and rich neutrals
• Exercises in creating dynamic grays, realistic skin tones, foliage, and atmosphere
Water Behavior & Control
• Mastering pigment-to-water ratios
• Creating soft vs. hard edges
• Techniques for lifting, blending, and reactivating dried paint
• Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry and dry-brush techniques
Layering, Glazing & Transparency
• How to layer color for depth and luminosity
• Glazing techniques that maintain clarity and vibrancy
• Planning layered compositions with intentional stages
Planning & Composition
• Using thumbnails and value studies to plan successful paintings
• Principles of design: focal point, rhythm, balance, spatial flow
• Turning observation into expressive compositions
Application & Artistic Growth
• Painting from life and reference (still life, landscape, light studies)
• Developing mood, storytelling, and personal style
• Final project: creating a cohesive, expressive painting portfolio
Who Is This Course For?
• Complete beginners wanting a structured entry into watercolor
• Intermediate artists looking to refine skills and improve technique
• Artists from other mediums (acrylic, oil, drawing) transitioning to watercolor
• Self-taught watercolorists seeking professional feedback and clarity
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will have:
• Mastered watercolor fundamentals and technical theory
• Developed a deep understanding of professional tools and materials
• Created a personal workflow and color palette
• Completed a cohesive series of watercolor artworks
• Gained confidence to paint independently and expressively
All materials listed are professional-grade, ideal for supporting both learning and long-term artistic development.
9x12" or 11x15" Watercolor Paper, Hot Press, 140 lb (300 gsm), 100% cotton, acid-free, Rec. brands: Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico, Arches Hot Press
Main Wash Brush: Raphael SoftAqua Quill Size 6 (Synthetic Squirrel), Alternatives: Da Vinci Casaneo, Escoda Ultimo, Silver Black Velvet
Detail Brushes: Kolinsky Sable Rounds (Sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10), Brands: Da Vinci Maestro, Winsor & Newton Series 7, Raphael 8404
Watercolor Tube Paints (Artist-Grade) Rec. Brands: M. Graham & Co, Schmincke Horadam, Daniel Smith Extra Fine, Winsor & Newton Professional
Suggested Palette:Hue Warm Cool
Colors:
New Gamboge, Yellow Ochre, Lemon Yellow, Red Pyrrol Scarlet, Cadmium Red, Light Alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Rose, Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber- Optional Payne’s Gray, Indigo, Viridian, Sap Green
Acid-free, low-tack Artist’s Tape
Recommended: Scotch Artist Tape or Blick Blue Tape
Support Board
Smooth wood or Gatorboard
Size: At least 12x16", slightly larger than paper
Water Containers: 2–3 for clean/rinse cycles
Mixing Palette: Mijello Fusion, John Pike, or Holbein Folding Palette
Paper Towels: Lint-free, absorbent (Viva, Bounty)
