Watercolor Painting from Observation

In week one, you will learn about the materials and basics of watercolor painting to get started. Michal will teach you about basic color theory and blending with watercolor paints. Then, you will develop your own still-life watercolor painting from observation.

In week two, Michal will demonstrate how to paint an organic still-life from observation. You will discover how to analyze lighting effects and plan your composition with a graphite sketch. Then, you will use fluid medium to preserve those effects.

In week three, you will learn how to paint a landscape scene from observation. Michal will teach you how to map out the major sections of a landscape in a graphite sketch. You will discover how to work in watercolor from the background to the foreground. Michael will show you how to unify the painting and add the finishing details to a landscape painting.

In week four, Michal will prepare to paint an interior scene in watercolor. You will learn how to create a graphite sketch to work out the composition and perspective. Then, Michal will establish an underdrawing for the watercolor painting and add masking fluid to key areas.

In week five, you will discover how to render an interior scene in watercolor. Michal will teach you how to use your prepared paper to build up a complex interior. You will develop your painting loosely before coming in and adding the details to the interior.

In week six, Michal will teach you how to create a landscape painting on location. You will explore how to compose and plan out the steps needed to execute the landscape from observation. Michal will block in the large masses of the landscape, working from the background to the foreground.

In week seven, you will learn how to create a landscape scene with architectural elements. Michal will set up from life and work out the composition and lighting of the scene in graphite. Then, you will develop your landscape in watercolor, working from simple to complex.

In week eight, Michal will demonstrate his approach to sketching the figure. You will learn how he develops the figures in both graphite and watercolor. Michal will teach you how he uses photo references to create loose sketches of your subjects.

In week nine, you will develop how to paint a locomotive in watercolor. Michal will utilize reference to block in the composition of the locomotive and then add masking fluid to block out the highlights. You will learn the fundamentals of painting a vehicle in watercolor.