Loose Watercolor Essentials – Atmospheric Trees and River

Hello and welcome. In this course, we’ll be painting an atmospheric river landscape using a variety of wet-in-wet techniques and wet-in-dry techniques. Creating a soft and hazy look with a sense of depth can be tricky when you’re learning watercolours. Painting wet-in-wet is often associated with a loss of control. Without the right knowledge, you can create a mess!

But don’t worry, I’m going to show you the importance of timing when painting wet-in-wet. I’ll show you how to gain control, and layer effectively to create soft and atmospheric scenes. It’s easier than you think! Wet-in-wet techniques brings out the natural strengths of watercolour, and is essential for your watercolour journey. Creating fine, sharp details are just as crucial in an atmospheric landscape, as it creates contrast and interest. But understanding when to add them in is crucial.

Before we start with the painting, I’ll show you how to simplify shapes and sketch in large shapes such as sky, trees, grass and land. Getting those large components in accurately beforehand is essential for your painting to make sense.

In this course you’ll learn:

-How to create beautiful paintings of any natural landscape in watercolour

-How to sketch and plan your natural landscape painting in pencil before you start painting

-How and when to use wet-in-wet watercolour techniques to paint clouds, skies, grass, water

-How to paint basic trees and rocks with minimal effort and brushstrokes

-How to add people into your landscape in a natural and simple way

-How to layer effectively to add extra details

-How to combine layers to create depth naturally

-How to paint simple shadows and identify or choose a light source in your painting

So join me in this course! I’m looking forward to showing you the secrets of natural landscape painting.

Assignment:

Your course project is to draw and paint your own natural watercolour landscape! This can be a scene featured in this course, or based on one of your own photographs or scenes you have observed outside.

You can also refer to the scanned drawing/painting templates attached below which will allow you to trace the drawing if you choose to do so. I recommend drawing each scene free hand. Drawing is an important step in improving your painting skills. This provides you with an opportunity to compose and plan your painting. Once you’ve finished the drawing, use the watercolor steps and processes included in the course demonstrations to complete your painting.

Materials:

Use any watercolour paints, pencil watercolour paper, and brushes you have available. I recommend:

0.5mm mechanical pencil

Artist grade watercolour paints – blue, yellow and red

100% cotton watercolour paper or sketchbook
Watercolour Brushes – mop brush and a variety of round brushes for detailing.

Getting Started:

Review the course demonstration videos first. You can also download the tracing templates to transfer over your drawing if you wish.

Looking to sketch and paint another scene? Research some free reference photo websites, pick one of your own reference photos, or simply find a outdoor location where you can sit and paint. Using the steps and processes included in this course, create your own unique painting.

Sharing Your Work:

Share your final painting and progress shots with the course by uploading them to the Q&A and discussion section on Udemy. If you have any questions or need more tips, please let me know. I’m happy to help.

Who this course is for:

• Beginners learning watercolor painting
• Intermediate watercolour painters learning to adopt a loose, impressionistic style