Watercolor Painting For Beginners

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Syllabus

INTRODUCTION

There are many watercolor courses out there, so why did I make my own?

This is what you will learn in a snap shot. I designed this course to have 3 major components: 1) Materials 2) Essentials and 3) Starters. These are further divided into sections. Each section can have a number of lectures and additional resources.

Let me show you 2 ways to sketch the activities with almost perfect accuracy, in under 2 minutes!

"Why can't I find the link to download the resource materials?"

"I click on it but nothing happens?"

"Where are the templates and handouts?"

This quick video solves all of the questions above in case you find yourself in the same situation later on!

"I'll only invest in better materials when I get better in painting." Does that sound familiar? Well, not all materials are designed to manage and handle water. I'm going to break down what those materials are and show you the difference between good quality and sub par materials, then recommend something decent that won't break the bank.

Have a look at your watercolor paper. Does it say "watercolor" anywhere on the front? Well, if it does, watch this video anyway because not all watercolor papers are made the same. In this video, you will learn 5 important things about the paper you have which will affect the way you paint, even if the one you bought says "watercolor".

Other instructors recommend using student grade pigments to start with. "We are just students, learning how to paint, so it only makes sense to use student grade pigments!" I will not only tell you why I don't recommend it, but also show you why.

There are so many brushes to choose from and the prices could get quite hefty. In this video, you will learn what a cheap, mid-range and premium one looks like, how they differ, what to look for, and the 3 "decent" brushes (yep, only 3) I recommend to start with.

Seriously? Is there actually anything important to know about palettes? When painting with watercolors, definitely.

Do you have questions already? Watch this quick video to see if it falls in any of the 4 major ones that I will be flashing on screen and have a quick idea about how I plan to answer them.

If you've watched online videos and tutorials and wished that some instructors showed their water supply (so you can see how much water they're adding) well, to be honest, it really won't help. What you will learn in this lecture, will.

Now that you know what the 4 Strengths are, the next thing you will learn is how to use them so you can paint with more confidence and certainty.

Sit back and relax as I demonstrate a quick painting using the 4 Strengths. What you will see is an example of what a fresh, translucent painting looks like.

Can these 4 Strengths really help? Let me show you how far I can take a painting using these 4 Strengths.

I encourage you to paint the leaf without any instruction first. That will be your first challenge. If you decide to take on this challenge, set it aside then watch the next section. You'll see and experience what I mean.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. What if I told you that the shortest distance between staring at a blank paper and actually painting on it are only 4 dots, would you give it a try?

When your puddles are drying up, let me show you how to get them back up to Strength.

You will learn how to do a basic wash using Strength 1.

Now you know, you cannot un-know! Give it another try using Strength 2.

Are you getting the hang of it? Here's one more, this time using Strength 3.

Did yours turn out the same? If not, these tips might help.

Now let's begin with an actual activity. You will see what Strength 1 and 2 could produce when painted together, this time, with some color!

Here's a quick tip on painting smooth curves to achieve graceful and clean edges. It is all in your hands!

Just watch me do a quick demonstration of a baby jellyfish applying everything we've learned so far. Enjoy!

Now you've got a pretty good idea what the entire process looks like, let's start with the activity, painting the head of the jellyfish!

Let's finish it off the painting with the tentacles now!

Here are a few reminders, tips to deal with the common challenges of mixing your puddles and targeting your Strengths.

"I keep mixing and mixing but I can't seem to get darker with my colors." This next activity involves Strengths 2 and 3, helping you get your colors darker. I will show you how I do it, then you do as I do.

Watch the videos as much as you want! You have just learned the core skills and understanding of water. This is crucial to learning more techniques. Practice as much as you want and whenever you're ready, the next animals will be waiting for you in my Watercolor Starters.

You will learn the colors I use and how I prepare my puddles and Strenghts.

You will be applying everything you've learned so far, just painting his little head.

Turtles have flippers and tails don't they?

A different color will be painted for the shell, but you will be using the same Strengths, Strength 2 and 3.

Watch how quickly the turtle comes together once the shell is painted in!

We're almost done! Now we decorate, starting with his face!

Finally, let's add some design to the shell. Let me show you first and give you a quick tip before you do. Feel free to make your own shell design!

"My paintings don't look patchy but it looks all washed out." Having a combination of Strengths is the solution. You will get even more practice in this next activity. We'll be using 3 Strengths this time. Strengths 1 + 2 + 3.

Let's use 3 different colors for this Seahorse and see what we can mix out of them!

Now your puddles are ready, let's start painting!

Breathe easy, now, the fun part. The icing on the cake!

Do you want to practice more? Apply everything you learned from simple washes to glazing with more fun templates you can purchase at an affordable price for Udemy students!

Can you honestly say that you've noticed a shift (big or small) in the way you thought about or painted with watercolors?

Now that you have the CORE skills, you will now learn the BASICS. You will continue applying what you learned from my Watercolor Essentials and I'll be introducing more techniques as the activities build up to a whole scene.

"Is there an order to painting in watercolors?" Yes there is! This section will cover a very simple background and layering your washes, also known as, glazing.

Check out the colors I'm using but you can use any colors that you already have. Let's prepare our puddles!

Are you comfortable doing simple washes yet? This is where it will come in handy. Let me show you what I mean!

Since Camilo is a Chameleon, guess what color we'll be mixing for him?

Let the glazing, begin!

Camilo has got to have something to stand on, let's fix that now!

We'll glaze once again, this time on the branch. Let's see what that looks like!

Time to decorate! You will now make your branch look more like wood.

Let's not leave out those leaves, they need a bit of decorating too!

I could have ended it with the previous video, but there's one more thing we can do to make this pop!

Here's what I think is a very important tip I could share with you about glazing. Come check it out!

"How do I keep the paint inside the sketch? It usually bleeds out." It's about control. Can water be controlled? Sure! (up to a certain extent) Come on in and I'll show you the next character who will teach us how to achieve control.

The same colors you used for the chameleon are the same colors used for our sleeping trash panda. Let's get our puddles ready!

Have you ever tried to wash a raccoon? Now you can say you have!

This is where control will be needed, to paint within the sketch, more than ever! Let me show you how to do it.

We will now apply what you've learned in the previous lesson on this raccoon.

Now for the tree stump he's sleeping on. Tree stumps are brown aren't they? Let's fix that.

One last big shape to go and we're almost done. We will glaze once again, this time, turning that purple stump into a brown one.

The major parts are done, now we decorate with a bit of shadow.

Let's add a bit of design and detail to make the stump look like wood!

Finally, we throw in just a light shadow on the stump and we are done!

Are you running into some issues with your puddles? Check this valuable tip! If not, just watch it anyway for additional education...or entertainment(?)

"How do I not mix my colors to turn out like mud?"

Actually, mud isn't bad at all.

Now that you know the CORE and enough BASICS, let's talk about color.

You will learn how to mix vibrant colors AND how to mix "mud" because mud, just might come in handy.

Let me show you what I mean.

Guess what? You'll be using the same colors to paint the chameleon and the raccoon!

How are your washes coming along? If you feel you need more practice, feel free to do a test wash first because in this next video, we will be doing a big one.

Let's continue working those glazes. This time on much smaller shapes in the background.

One more glaze to do and the background is finished!

This is where the color mixing begins!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down watercolor painting into manageable components, such as materials, essentials, and starters, which is helpful for learners who are new to the medium

Focuses on the core skills and understanding of water, which is crucial for learning more advanced watercolor techniques and applications

Emphasizes practice and application through activities and templates, allowing learners to build technique and confidence in a hands-on manner

Recommends decent, affordable materials for beginner watercolor painting, which helps learners avoid investing in expensive supplies before developing their skills

Teaches learners how to sketch quickly and accurately, which is a foundational skill for watercolor painting and other visual arts

Offers additional templates for purchase, which may be a barrier for some students who are looking for a completely free learning experience

Reviews summary

Engaging watercolor introduction for beginners

According to students, this course is a highly recommended starting point for anyone new to watercolor painting. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear and encouraging teaching style, noting that he breaks down techniques into easy-to-understand steps. The practical, step-by-step projects are highlighted as particularly effective, allowing students to build confidence and see tangible results. While the course covers essential materials and fundamental techniques like 'Strengths,' washes, and glazing, some students note that mastering water control requires consistent practice beyond the course lectures. Overall, it's considered an excellent foundation.

Good advice on affordable supplies.

"The section on materials was very helpful. It clarified what to look for without pushing expensive options."

"I appreciated the breakdown of why certain papers or pigments are better, even for beginners."

"The recommended list made it easy to get started without feeling overwhelmed by choices."

"Finally understood the difference between student and artist grade paints and why it matters."

Hands-on projects help build skill.

"The animal painting projects are fun and really helped me practice the techniques taught in the lectures."

"I loved the structure where we practice a technique and then apply it in a painting right away."

"Doing the jellyfish and turtle helped solidify my understanding of washes and layering."

"The exercises are varied enough to keep you engaged and challenge you slightly."

Perfect course if you've never painted before.

"As someone who had never picked up a watercolor brush, this course was the perfect introduction. I didn't feel lost at all."

"This course gave me the confidence to start painting. It’s truly designed for absolute beginners."

"The pace is just right for learning the fundamentals without feeling rushed."

"I appreciate that he addresses common beginner issues upfront."

Instructor breaks down complex ideas simply.

"Broderick is such a natural teacher. His explanations are clear and concise, making techniques easy to grasp even for a complete beginner."

"The instructor's approach is very encouraging and makes learning watercolor feel less intimidating."

"I loved how he simplified the 'Strengths' concept; it was a game-changer for understanding water control."

"The step-by-step demonstrations are easy to follow and he explains the *why* behind each step."

Mastery needs effort beyond lectures.

"While the course teaches the concepts well, consistently getting the right water 'Strength' still takes a lot of personal practice."

"The demos are clear, but my own attempts didn't look as effortless initially. It requires putting in the hours."

"Understanding the principles is one thing; making the water and pigment cooperate consistently is another challenge that comes with doing."

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 Watercolor Painting For Beginners | By Award Winning Artist with these activities:

Review Color Theory Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of color theory to improve color mixing and achieve desired results in watercolor painting.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Study color relationships like complementary, analogous, and triadic colors.
Practice mixing different colors and creating color swatches.

Read 'Color and Light' by James Gurney

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Deepen your understanding of color and light principles to enhance your watercolor paintings.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light' by James Gurney.
Read the chapters on color theory and light and shadow.
Apply the concepts learned to your watercolor practice.

Practice Basic Watercolor Washes

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Improve your brush control and water management skills by practicing different types of watercolor washes.

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Prepare your watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.
Practice flat washes, graded washes, and variegated washes.
Experiment with different amounts of water and pigment.

Four other activities

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Create a Watercolor Value Chart

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Develop your understanding of value by creating a watercolor value chart, which will help you in creating depth and dimension in your paintings.

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Create a grid on watercolor paper with at least five sections.
Mix a neutral gray watercolor paint.
Paint each section of the grid with a different value of gray, from light to dark.

Paint a Simple Still Life with Watercolors

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Apply the techniques learned in the course by painting a simple still life, focusing on color mixing, washes, and layering.

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Set up a simple still life arrangement with a few objects.
Sketch the still life on watercolor paper.
Paint the still life using watercolor techniques learned in the course.
Refine the painting by adding details and shadows.

Explore 'Mastering Watercolors' by Joe Garcia

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Gain additional insights and techniques by reading a comprehensive guide on watercolor painting.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Mastering Watercolors' by Joe Garcia.
Read the chapters on techniques that interest you.
Try out the techniques in your own watercolor practice.

Paint a Watercolor Landscape from a Photo

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Challenge yourself by painting a watercolor landscape from a photograph, focusing on capturing the atmosphere and light.

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Select a landscape photograph with interesting light and composition.
Sketch the landscape on watercolor paper.
Paint the landscape using watercolor techniques, paying attention to color and value.
Add details and refine the painting to capture the atmosphere of the photograph.

Career center

Learners who complete Watercolor Painting For Beginners | By Award Winning Artist will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hobbyist Artist

Many people pursue art as a hobby for personal enjoyment and creative expression. This course is designed for beginners and may provide hobbyist artists with a solid foundation in watercolor painting. The course's structured approach, from materials to techniques, makes it easy for hobbyists to learn at their own pace. The emphasis on fun activities and simple character designs may make the learning process enjoyable and rewarding. The course can empower hobbyists to create watercolor paintings they can be proud of.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Artist

Fine Artist

A fine artist creates original works of art, often for exhibition or sale. This course introduces the core skills and understanding of water that may help them develop their watercolor painting skills. The course's structured approach, from materials to techniques, may help the fine artist solidify their understanding of watercolor. The instructor's background as an award winning artist may provide additional inspiration. Learning about the different strengths of watercolor and how to apply them may be especially valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist

Art teacher

An art teacher educates students on various art techniques and concepts. This course may equip the art teacher with a deeper understanding of watercolor painting, which they can then pass on to their students. The course is designed for beginners so it may help them understand the challenges that new students might encounter. Broderick's experience leading live watercolor painting workshops for beginners may also offer insight into effective teaching methods. The course's structure, progressing from materials to essentials to starters, can be adapted for a classroom setting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for various media, such as books, magazines, and websites. This course is designed for beginners, and it may help aspiring illustrators learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, which they can then incorporate into their illustrations. The course covers essential techniques like washes and glazing, which are applicable to illustration work. In particular, the section on color mixing prepares one to create more dynamic and visually appealing illustrations. An aspiring illustrator may find the instructor's focus on practical application and creating fun art particularly engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Fashion Illustrator

A fashion illustrator creates drawings or paintings of clothing and accessories for magazines, advertising, or design. This course may help fashion illustrators learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, which they can then incorporate into their illustrations. The course covers essential techniques like washes and glazing, which are applicable to illustration work. In particular, the section on color mixing prepares one to create more dynamic and visually appealing fashion illustrations. A fashion illustrator may find the instructor's focus on practical application and creating fun art particularly engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Illustrator

Botanical Illustrator

A botanical illustrator creates detailed and accurate drawings or paintings of plants, often for scientific or educational purposes. This course may help aspiring botanical illustrators develop their watercolor painting skills. Many botanical illustrators use watercolor because of its delicate nature. The instructor's focus on practical application and creating art from life may be appealing. The course is designed for beginners, and they may learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, which they can then incorporate into their illustrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Botanical Illustrator

Surface Pattern Designer

A surface pattern designer creates designs for textiles, wallpapers, and other surfaces. Watercolor painting can be an excellent medium for creating unique and organic patterns. This course may help surface pattern designers learn the basics of watercolor painting and how to create interesting textures and effects. The instructor's emphasis on simple character designs and quirky art may be particularly relevant. Lessons on washes and glazing may provide a foundation for creating intricate and layered patterns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surface Pattern Designer

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas. While graphic design often involves digital tools, watercolor painting can be incorporated into designs or used to create unique textures and backgrounds. This course may help graphic designers explore new artistic avenues that can then be digitized and integrated into their projects. Learning the basics of watercolor, including color mixing and application, can lead to a more nuanced understanding of visual art. The course's emphasis on accessible materials also makes it easy for designers to experiment with watercolor without a large initial investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Textile Designer

A textile designer creates designs for woven, knitted, or printed fabrics. This course may help textile designers learn new ways to create patterns and textures for fabrics. Watercolor painting can be used to create unique and organic designs that can then be transferred to fabric. The course's emphasis on color mixing and washes may be particularly useful for textile designers. Creating templates for printed fabrics is a job that may make use of this course.

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Story Board Artist

A storyboard artist creates a sequence of drawings to visualize a film, television show, or commercial. This course may help storyboard artists enhance their visual storytelling skills. Watercolor painting may provide a quick and expressive way to create storyboards that convey mood and atmosphere. The emphasis on sketching, washes, and glazing may be directly applicable to storyboard art. The course may be particularly useful for creating storyboards with a more traditional art style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Story Board Artist

Concept Artist

A concept artist creates visual representations of ideas for films, video games, and other media. This course may help concept artists explore different mediums and techniques for creating concept art. Watercolor painting may offer a unique look and feel that stands apart from digital art. The course's emphasis on sketching and quick painting may be particularly useful for concept artists who need to generate ideas rapidly. This course is suitable for developing concept art projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Tattoo Artist

A tattoo artist creates permanent designs on a client's skin using needles and ink. This course may not directly translate to tattoo art, but the core skills and understanding of color may prove useful. The artist may learn about color mixing, washes, and glazing. This may be helpful for creating visually appealing tattoo designs. The course's emphasis on simple character designs and quirky art may provide inspiration for tattoo designs. The course may be particularly useful in helping tattoo artists sketch and compose their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tattoo Artist

Animator

An animator creates moving images for films, television, or video games. This course may help animators who want to incorporate watercolor textures or backgrounds into their animations. The course may also help them develop their character design skills. The course's emphasis on clear instruction and visual cues may be helpful for animators who want to learn quickly. The techniques taught in the course may allow the animator to craft more traditional looking animations.

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Muralist

A muralist creates large scale paintings on walls or other surfaces. This course may not directly translate to mural painting, but it introduces core skills that may be useful. The muralist may learn about color mixing, washes, and glazing, which are all helpful for creating visually appealing murals. The course's emphasis on simple character designs and quirky art may provide inspiration for mural designs. This course may be particularly useful in helping muralists sketch and compose their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Muralist

Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, such as magazines, advertising campaigns, or film sets. This course may provide art directors with a better understanding of watercolor painting. This course can make them better equipped to guide artists who use this medium. The course provides an introduction to watercolor that may inform their creative decisions and enhance their ability to communicate their vision. The ability to recognize and understand the different strengths of watercolors may be invaluable.

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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 Watercolor Painting For Beginners | By Award Winning Artist.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

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Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light in painting. It covers a wide range of topics, including color theory, light and shadow, and atmospheric perspective. It valuable resource for watercolor artists looking to improve their understanding of these fundamental concepts and is commonly used by both academic institutions and industry professionals.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Provides a practical approach to learning watercolor techniques. It covers essential topics such as brushwork, color mixing, and composition. It useful reference for beginners and intermediate artists looking to improve their skills and expand their knowledge of watercolor painting. This book adds breadth to the existing course by providing a wide range of techniques and approaches.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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By Award Winning Artist

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Engaging watercolor introduction for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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