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ESSENTIAL - Master COLOR VALUES & make your work stand out.

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Based on 54 ratings
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Nicola A Blakemore

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NEW bonus lecture

A MUST DO core subject. Get to grips with this aspect of painting and the standard of your work will rocket.

Master the importance of watercolor paint values and raise your painting techniques to a higher level. 

Read more

AND

NEW bonus lecture

A MUST DO core subject. Get to grips with this aspect of painting and the standard of your work will rocket.

Master the importance of watercolor paint values and raise your painting techniques to a higher level. 

If there is one thing that can really stop a good painting from becoming a terrific painting, is the lack of values. By this I mean that all the colors appear to be of the same intensity and there is little contrast. I see this often in my teaching, and believe me when the adjustment is made it really brings a painting to life. Don't be afraid of painting with stronger colors

Here you will see how to:

  1. Layer the same colour on top of itself to get a more intense colour

  2. You will see the difference more intense colours can make to a coloured watercolour painting.

  3. You will deepen your understanding by converting a colour painting into a sepia painting or monochrome painting.

These exercises will really help your understanding of the importance of fully using colour values to add drama to your work.

This is a must for painters who feel they have reached a plateau or that their watercolors work looks flat.

It's EASY to follow, stop and start as you wish, relax and enjoy working as and when it suits you and at your own pace.

At any time you can post questions for any advice and also for feedback on your finished paintings.

This what one student said:

'Very good course. I have been learning to paint exclusively through Udemy classes and this was my missing piece. I understand and know shading from pencil drawing but my paintings were flat and it drove me crazy. I was discovering layering however I was only doing 2 or 3 layers and the colors were to close together. This course and the simple exercises really demonstrate how to make your paintings have that "pop" to them. I am off to paint now, Nicola is a motivating instructor. Thank you, Nicola.  ' Josh Follansbee

  • Why choose one of my courses?

    Because, as a self taught artist I understand how a lot of people feel about their creative work, sometimes anxious, sometimes overwhelmed and often that it's not 'good enough'. I will hold your hand as you overcome these fears as I offer a friendly, relaxed and sensitive teaching style.

    I also have years of experience of teaching people of all levels both in person and via the internet.

    Do one of my courses and you will feel as if I am in the room with you every step of the way.

Enjoy your painting, love Nicola

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand colour 'values' in watercolours and how to use them.
  • Learn how to make your watercolour painting work stand out from the rest.
  • Learn how to make you watercolour paintings look more realistic.
  • Learn how to add depth and drama to your watercolour painting.

Syllabus

The darkest colour
Finding your way around the Udemy platform for this course

Please read the descriptions in every lecture as there will be further information and extra resources.

Read more

The subject, something simple to start with.

I have chosen a fairly simple sculptural subject to start with in order for you to grasp the basic idea of what I am talking about.

Painting this will not just help you understand colour values but it will also show you how to paint a believable stone carved effect with watercolour paints.

RESOURCE

  1. Photo of the subject.
  2. Tracing of the subject.

Colour Palette

Very simple Yellow Ochre and some white. I added the white because I wanted to soften off the yellow ochre and get a near match the the colour in the photograph.

Finishing the layering.

In this video you will see me continue with layering the colour and then adding the final strong colour to make the image jump out.

Here I also explain the need to keep checking or calibrating your colour values. Keep looking to see if one area needs to be darkened or lightened to show the contrast and shape.

RESOURCE

  1. Photo of the painting at this stage.

Add something darker.

Although we have been working in one colour to really make your work stand make the colour even darker by adding the appropriate colour such as a paynes grey of a raw umber. In this case I used burnt umber

RESOURCE.

  1. Photo of the finished painting.

I'm sure many of you will recognise this little painting as it is my most looked at videos on m,y You Tube channel. I chose it because it lends itself to different treatments .

RESOURCE

  1. Picture of the colour painting

Colour to Mono chrome

Look at it another way and convert what you have just painted into monochrome. I used sepia but you can use whatever colour you like. 

Convert the colour painting into pencil

This is what we would call a 'tonal sketch.' If you are planning a painting you do preparation such as select and test your colour palettes, detailed drawing of difficult areas and it helps to do a tonal sketch. This way you confirm you light source and decide on how dark

Convert the colour painting into lines with a pen.

This is another way of looking at colour values and stems from the old art of etching and woodcuts. Before printing became more sophisticate, shading was shown by a number of lines.

RESOURCES

  1. The photo of my pen drawing.
  2. Two picture of woodcuts and prints.

Some special resources and offers for you.

Happy painting, Nicola

Thanks to student Christine Tate.

Christine posted her painting in our Facebook group and then she very kindly let me mess about with it to demonstrate even further about colour values.

Please bear in mind that this was painted on photocopy paper.

RESOURCES

  1. Photo of here painting
  2. After I have had a go at it.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on color values, which are essential for creating depth and realism in watercolor paintings, helping artists elevate their skills
Teaches layering techniques to achieve more intense colors, which is a fundamental skill for watercolorists seeking to add vibrancy to their work
Explores converting color paintings into sepia or monochrome, deepening the understanding of color values and their impact on visual representation
Includes exercises that help artists understand how to fully use color values to add drama, which is useful for artists seeking to enhance their artistic expression
Requires specific materials such as watercolor paints, brushes, and paper, which may not be readily available to all students and may require additional expense
Features demonstrations using student artwork, offering a practical perspective on applying color value concepts and techniques to real-world paintings

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Master color values for watercolour depth

According to students, this course is an essential missing piece for many watercolour artists, providing clarity and an "aha" moment in understanding colour values. Learners say it is super simple to follow and features clear explanations and demonstrations that make it easy to understand. The practical exercises, including layering and the monochrome conversion, are highlighted as particularly effective and helpful for seeing the difference values make. Reviewers consistently note that applying the concepts learned helps to transform flat paintings, adding depth and definition and making their work stand out or have that much-desired "pop". The instructor, Nicola, is described as motivating and supportive. This course is highly recommended for those struggling to apply value concepts to watercolour.
Encouraging teaching style.
"Nicola is a motivating instructor. Thank you, Nicola."
"super simple to follow, very clear and motivating."
The missing piece for many learners.
"this was my missing piece."
"It gave me an "aha" moment for sure. I have tried to learn values from other courses but none gave me the clarity that this one did."
"I had already a basic understanding of values and shading from pencil drawing... but didn't know how to apply it to watercolor."
Easy to follow and understand methods.
"super simple to follow, very clear and motivating."
"Easy to follow and understand demonstrations."
"Well explained and concise demonstration of color value in watercolour."
"It's quick and easy to follow, and I definitely recommend it if your watercolors look flat."
Practical demos clarify concepts.
"This course and the simple exercises really demonstrate how to make your paintings have that "pop" to them."
"Simple but very effective. The monochrome section clearly brings home the importance of Values."
"Exercises are easy to follow and quick, and the tips at the end of the course are super helpful too!"
"Easy to follow and understand demonstrations."
Fixes flatness, adds pop.
"make your paintings have that "pop" to them."
"definitely recommend it if your watercolors look flat."
"helped with my work."
"Really helpful explanation of how to use colour values to add depth and definition."
Crucial for improving painting depth.
"Excellent clear explanation of colour values."
"helped me to understand tone and how to layer colour."
"helped me to understand tone and how to layer colour. Thanks so much :)"
"helpful explanation of how to use colour values to add depth and definition."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ESSENTIAL - Master COLOR VALUES & make your work stand out. with these activities:
Review Basic Watercolor Techniques
Refresh your understanding of basic watercolor techniques to better grasp the course's focus on color values.
Browse courses on Watercolor Techniques
Show steps
  • Watch introductory videos on watercolor painting.
  • Practice basic washes and blending techniques.
  • Experiment with different watercolor papers and brushes.
Read 'Color and Light' by James Gurney
Deepen your understanding of color theory and light interaction to enhance your watercolor painting skills.
View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on color temperature and value contrast.
  • Analyze paintings in the book, paying attention to color choices.
  • Apply the book's principles to your own watercolor practice.
Value Scale Exercises
Reinforce your understanding of value scales by practicing creating smooth transitions from light to dark.
Show steps
  • Create a value scale using a single watercolor pigment.
  • Practice creating smooth transitions between values.
  • Experiment with different layering techniques to achieve desired values.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Color Value Chart
Visualize and understand color relationships by creating a comprehensive color value chart.
Show steps
  • Select a range of watercolor pigments.
  • Create a chart with different values for each pigment.
  • Label each value with its corresponding color name and value number.
Create a Monochrome Painting
Solidify your understanding of color values by creating a monochrome painting focusing on light and shadow.
Show steps
  • Choose a subject with strong light and shadow.
  • Create a sketch outlining the composition.
  • Paint the subject using a single color, focusing on value contrast.
  • Refine the painting by adding layers and adjusting values.
Explore 'Mastering Watercolors' by Joe Garcia
Expand your knowledge of watercolor techniques and approaches to enhance your artistic expression.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on color mixing and brush control.
  • Practice the exercises provided in the book.
  • Experiment with different watercolor styles and techniques.
Color Value Study of a Landscape
Apply your knowledge of color values to create a detailed landscape painting, focusing on depth and realism.
Show steps
  • Select a landscape photo with varied color values.
  • Create a detailed sketch of the landscape.
  • Paint the landscape, focusing on accurate color values and layering.
  • Refine the painting by adding details and adjusting values.

Career center

Learners who complete ESSENTIAL - Master COLOR VALUES & make your work stand out. will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Watercolor Artist
The role of a Watercolor Artist involves creating original works of art using watercolor paints. This course helps you understand color values in watercolors and how to use them. This understanding allows you to add depth and drama to your watercolor paintings, and ultimately, improve your art. The ability to layer colors and understand the impact of intense colors, as taught in this course, directly contributes to a Watercolor Artist's skill set, thus enabling the artist to create pieces that stand out and look realistic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Watercolor Artist
Fine Artist
As a Fine Artist, you create original artworks for exhibition and sale. Understanding color values is a core aspect of painting and the skills to make your work stand out are essential to the fine artist. The course helps fine artists who use watercolor paints to master color values and elevate their painting techniques. You will learn how to add depth and drama to your watercolor paintings. The course will enable you to create pieces that stand out and look more realistic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist
Art teacher
An Art Teacher instructs students of all ages in various art techniques and principles. This course may be useful for art teachers, especially those who teach watercolor painting. The course's focus on mastering color values and adding depth helps the art teacher to explain the concepts of color theory and watercolor painting to the students. The course directly addresses how to make paintings 'pop,' which is a common goal for beginning art students. The practical exercises and insights from the course enable the teacher to better guide students in achieving desired artistic outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates images for books, magazines, and other media. This course may be useful to illustrators who specialize in watercolor or want to incorporate watercolor techniques into their work. The course focuses on mastering color values to enhance painting techniques. Grasping how to add drama and depth through color values is crucial for creating compelling illustrations. The exercises in converting color paintings to monochrome, as covered in the course, would be particularly relevant for understanding tonal values in illustrations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Muralist
A Muralist creates large-scale paintings on walls or other surfaces, often in public spaces. While murals are not often made using watercolor, knowledge of color values is absolutely essential for creating depth and contrast. This course may be useful for muralists who wish to improve the color quality and visual impact of their murals. The course's emphasis on layering colors and understanding color values and how to convert color paintings into monochrome can bring this to the muralist's work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Muralist
Art Director
An Art Director is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and film and television productions. This course may be useful for art directors who work with watercolor illustrations or paintings. The course highlights the importance of watercolor paint values and raises painting techniques to a higher level. By converting a color painting into a sepia painting the art direction can gain a real understanding of the importance of fully using color values to add drama to the work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Printmaker
A Printmaker creates original artworks by transferring images from a matrix onto paper or other materials. This course may be useful for printmakers, particularly those who use techniques that involve layering colors or creating tonal variations. This course may be useful because it teaches you to master the importance of watercolor paint values and raise your painting techniques to a higher level. By deepening your understanding by converting a color painting into a sepia painting or monochrome painting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Printmaker
Concept Artist
The work of a Concept Artist is to create visual representations of ideas for use in media such as video games, film, and animation. If one is doing this in watercolor, mastering color values would be vital, as poor color intensity can negatively affect the drama and interest of the concept art. These are the very topics covered in the course. Studying this course may be useful for concept artists who wish to use watercolor elements or deepen their understanding of color. The course's exploration of monochrome conversions may aid in creating effective grayscale designs and understanding tonal relationships.
See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist
Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for graphic designers who use watercolor elements in their designs or want to deepen their understanding of color value. The emphasis on color values and intensity can apply to digital color palettes. The course's exploration of monochrome conversions may aid in creating effective grayscale designs and understanding tonal relationships.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Animator
Animators create moving images using computer software or hand-drawn techniques. This course may be useful for animators who wish to incorporate watercolor textures or effects into their animations. The course emphasizes how to add depth and drama to paintings using watercolor techniques to a higher level. Deepening their understanding by converting a color painting into a sepia painting or monochrome painting, this is a must for animators who feel like they have reached a plateau or that their work looks flat.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Set Designer
Set Designers create the visual environment for theater, film, and television productions. This course may be useful for set designers, especially those who wish to deepen their understanding of color values and their impact on set design. The course helps set designers understand color values in watercolors and how to use them. The course enables the designer to add depth and drama to the environment, enabling the designer to create engaging and immersive set designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Set Designer
Restoration Artist
Restoration Artists preserve and repair damaged artworks and historical artifacts. This course may be useful for restoration artists who work with watercolor paintings, focusing on techniques for accurately matching and replicating original colors. The exercises will really help your understanding of the importance of fully using color values to add drama to your art. The course is especially for painters who feel they have reached a plateau or that their work looks flat.
See salaries and explore the career path for Restoration Artist
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer plans and designs the layout and visual elements of exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other venues. This course may be useful for exhibition designers who want to incorporate watercolor paintings or understand how color values impact the viewing experience. The course helps exhibition designers understand how the contrast of color intensifies the depth. The course explores converting color paintings into monochrome with the aim of tonal relationships. This contributes to the exhibition designer's skill set, enabling the designer to create exhibits.
See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Designer
Exhibition Curator
An Exhibition Curator selects and organizes artworks for display in museums and galleries. This course may be useful for exhibition curators who wish to deepen their understanding of watercolor painting techniques and how color values impact the viewing experience. The curator will deepen their understanding by converting a color painting into a sepia painting or monochrome painting and how to fully use colour values to add drama to your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Curator
Textile Designer
Textile Designers create patterns and designs for fabrics. While not directly applicable, the principles of color values and layering discussed in this course may be useful for understanding how colors interact in textile designs. The course's focus on creating intense colors and adding depth may subtly aid in creating visually appealing and complex textile patterns. Furthermore, the exploration of converting color paintings into monochrome paintings may help in visualizing patterns with varying tonal contrasts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in ESSENTIAL - Master COLOR VALUES & make your work stand out..
Cover image
Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara
Save
Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light in representational painting. It delves into the physics of light, color theory, and how these principles apply to creating realistic and compelling artwork. It valuable resource for understanding the concepts presented in the course and applying them to your own watercolor paintings. This book is commonly used by art students and professionals.
Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a practical approach to watercolor painting, covering essential techniques and concepts. It offers step-by-step instructions and exercises to improve your skills. It is particularly useful for understanding the fundamentals of watercolor and building a solid foundation. This book is helpful as a reference text and for additional reading.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Nicola A Blakemore
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on color values, which are essential for creating depth and realism in watercolor paintings, helping artists elevate their skills
Teaches layering techniques to achieve more intense colors, which is a fundamental skill for watercolorists seeking to add vibrancy to their work
Explores converting color paintings into sepia or monochrome, deepening the understanding of color values and their impact on visual representation
Includes exercises that help artists understand how to fully use color values to add drama, which is useful for artists seeking to enhance their artistic expression
Requires specific materials such as watercolor paints, brushes, and paper, which may not be readily available to all students and may require additional expense
Features demonstrations using student artwork, offering a practical perspective on applying color value concepts and techniques to real-world paintings
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