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Bev Morgan

Learn how to bring colour, composition and techniques together to create a watercolour work of art.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Students will review basic techniques in watercolours, observe and paint shadows, use masking fluid and learn how to paint water and reflections.
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Supply list are available to print under resources.

Instruction Guide, transfer paper, three photo references are available under resource to print. After this lecture, students learn a simple technique to transfer any image onto a watercolour paper. 

Students are introduced to Masking fluid or frisket. It is applied to your watercolour paper, to work as a resist, preserving the white paper underneath.

In watercolours, we begin with a light wash of colours and allow the colours blend in on the paper to create amazing background.

In this painting, our goal is to create a vibrant active sky in order for our focal point of a sail boat to stand out in our painting.

Bev will introduce a new concept painting water by turning your painting upside down!

Once all our masking fluid is taken off, we can begin painting shadows!

Have you ever noticed that the colour RED is one colour that artists use to attract the viewer! Now we will begin introducing it in our Range Light and Sail boat.

In this lecture we will paint the pier and the rocks below.

At the end of a watercolour, it is the dark values that finish a painting. Bev will introduce how to introduce these darks and how to soften some of these edges.

In this lecture, we will paint darker values in the water which will create the movement of the waves by the sailboat.

Now it's time to stand back from your painting.  Are you able to see the dimension of the range light, rocks and sailboat? If you cannot, ask yourself do I need to add more darks?

Hope that you enjoy learning new watercolour techniques in this course. I would love to see your final painting!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces masking fluid techniques, which allows artists to preserve the white of the paper and create interesting effects, which is a valuable skill for beginners
Explores techniques for painting water and reflections, which can be challenging for beginners and adds depth to landscape paintings
Emphasizes the use of color, particularly red, to attract the viewer's eye and create a focal point, which is a key concept in art composition
Requires students to have access to masking fluid and watercolor paper, which may not be readily available in a typical household

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Reviews summary

Southampton sailing painting

According to learners, this course offers clear and easy-to-follow instructions for painting a sailing scene in watercolor. Students highlight the focus on key techniques, especially the innovative method for painting water and reflections and the use of masking fluid. Many found the water technique revolutionary or genius. While generally accessible and good for beginners, some students felt certain steps were rushed, particularly the final addition of dark values, and noted that the supply list lacked detail, sometimes requiring extra resources. Overall, students are pleased with their final paintings and found the course instructive.
Students are pleased with their completed paintings.
"My final painting looks amazing!"
"The final result is satisfying."
"I learned a lot and completed a beautiful painting."
Step-by-step guidance is easy to follow.
"Bev's instructions were so clear and easy to follow."
"Bev breaks down the process well."
"Excellent watercolor course. Bev is a great instructor."
"I found it very accessible, yet challenging enough."
Covers specific useful watercolor methods.
"Learning specific techniques like masking fluid and the upside-down water trick."
"Her method for painting water and reflections was revolutionary."
"The method for painting water is genius!"
"The part about adding darks at the end really brought it together."
Some steps feel fast; supplemental help needed.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the final dark values section."
"Needed extra resources to fully understand some concepts."
"The supply list wasn't very detailed..."

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 Southampton Sailing painting with these activities:
Practice Basic Watercolor Techniques
Reviewing fundamental watercolor techniques like washes and blending will help you better grasp the course's advanced concepts.
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials on basic watercolor techniques.
  • Practice creating smooth washes and gradients.
  • Experiment with different blending methods.
Read 'Watercolour for the Absolute Beginner' by Matthew Palmer
Reading a beginner-friendly watercolor guide will provide a strong foundation for the course's techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Watercolour for the Absolute Beginner'.
  • Read the chapters on basic techniques and materials.
  • Practice the exercises in the book.
Practice Painting Skies and Reflections
Repeatedly practicing painting skies and reflections will reinforce the techniques taught in the course and improve your control over watercolors.
Show steps
  • Find reference photos of skies and water reflections.
  • Create multiple small watercolor studies of each subject.
  • Focus on capturing the colors and values accurately.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Watercolor Study Journal
Documenting your progress and experiments in a journal will help you track your learning and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Dedicate a notebook or sketchbook to watercolor studies.
  • Paint small studies of different elements from the course.
  • Write notes about the techniques used and the results achieved.
Explore 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter' by James Gurney
Understanding color and light principles will enhance your ability to create realistic and vibrant watercolor paintings.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter'.
  • Read the chapters on color theory, light, and shadow.
  • Apply the principles discussed to your watercolor paintings.
Paint a Seascape with a Sailboat
Applying the techniques learned in the course to a larger project will solidify your understanding and allow you to express your creativity.
Show steps
  • Choose a reference photo of a seascape with a sailboat.
  • Create a detailed sketch of the composition.
  • Paint the sky, water, and sailboat using the techniques learned in the course.
  • Add details and finishing touches to the painting.
Share Your Painting and Get Feedback
Sharing your work and receiving feedback from others will help you identify areas for improvement and gain new perspectives.
Show steps
  • Photograph your finished painting.
  • Share it on an online art forum or social media group.
  • Ask for constructive criticism and feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Southampton Sailing painting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Fine Artist
A fine artist creates original works of art for exhibition and sale. This course may be useful by assisting with an understanding of color, composition, and watercolor techniques. The syllabus covers core techniques, such as observing and painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections, which are elements that a fine artist will explore. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer is directly applicable to the work of a fine artist who sells or exhibits watercolor paintings. The section on painting the pier and the rocks and boat may be relevant to those who paint landscape or nautical themes. A fine artist builds a portfolio of their work.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visual content for various media, such as books, magazines, and websites. This role requires a strong understanding of color, composition, and technique, all of which are addressed in this course. The course guides students through the use of watercolor techniques to create a work of art, including painting shadows and using masking fluid. These skills are essential for an illustrator seeking to create compelling imagery. The course's focus on painting water and reflections may be useful for illustrators who create nautical themes, while applying masking fluid might improve their precision. An illustrator builds a portfolio that demonstrates facility with the principles taught in the course.
Art teacher
An art teacher instructs students in various art techniques and principles. This course may be useful by improving knowledge of watercolor painting. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections, all of which art teachers can adapt to their curriculum. The course's demonstration of how to create a vibrant sky and use color might be useful to an art teacher who seeks to inspire their students. The course's discussion of how to soften edges and create movement in water may be relevant for teaching students new techniques.
Concept Artist
A concept artist creates visual representations of ideas for films, video games, and other media. This course may be useful by improving the understanding of color, composition, and artistic technique. The course covers basic techniques, including painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. These techniques may be adapted for creating visually appealing concept art. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer might inspire concept artists to create dynamic scenes. The course's lessons on shadows may also be particularly pertinent to creating an appealing image. A concept artist gradually builds their skills with practice.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts for various media, such as websites, logos, and marketing materials. This course may be useful by improving understanding of color, composition, and artistic technique. Although graphic design often uses digital tools, the course covers basic watercolor techniques, including painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer might inspire graphic designers to create visually appealing designs. Graphic designers are typically very skilled at conceptualization.
Surface Pattern Designer
A surface pattern designer creates designs for various surfaces, such as wallpaper, wrapping paper, and stationery. While surface pattern designs are not always hand-painted, the course may be useful by improving understanding of color, composition, and watercolour techniques. The course covers basic techniques, including painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections, which may be adapted for creating interesting surface patterns. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer may inspire surface pattern designers to create visually appealing designs.
Textile Designer
A textile designer creates patterns and designs for fabrics. While textile designs are not always hand-painted, this course may be useful by improving understanding of color, composition, and watercolour techniques. The course covers basic techniques, including painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. These techniques may be adapted for creating unique textile designs. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer might inspire textile designers to create bold and eye-catching patterns.
Animator
An animator creates moving images for films, television, and video games. The course may be useful by improving an animator's understanding of color, composition, and artistic technique. The course covers basic techniques, including painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. These techniques may be adapted for creating visually appealing animations. The course's focus on creating a vibrant sky and using color to attract the viewer might inspire animators to create animated scenes. An animator builds their skills over time.
Muralist
A muralist designs and paints large-scale artwork on walls or other surfaces. While murals are not typically created using watercolors, the principles of color, composition, and technique emphasized in this course may be useful. The course teaches students how to transfer an image onto watercolor paper, which may be useful when designing a mural. The module on creating a vibrant active sky and using color to attract the viewer may be particularly relevant for a muralist who wants to create eye-catching designs. This course may also assist a muralist by explaining techniques such as how to paint shadows and reflections.
Art Director
An art director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, such as magazines, advertising campaigns, and film productions. While the role does not involve creating art, a strong understanding of artistic techniques may be very helpful. This course may be useful by improving an understanding of watercolor painting. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The discussion of how to create a vibrant active sky and use color to attract the viewer may be especially relevant for an art director who wants to create visually compelling campaigns.
Creative Director
A creative director leads a team of creative professionals, such as designers, writers, and artists, to develop and execute creative projects. This role requires a strong understanding of artistic techniques and principles. This course may be useful by improving an understanding of watercolor painting. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The discussion of how to create a vibrant active sky and use color to attract the viewer may be especially relevant for a creative director who wants to inspire their team and create visually compelling campaigns.
Production Designer
A production designer is responsible for the overall look and feel of a film or television production. This role requires a strong understanding of visual design, color, and composition. This course may be useful by improving an understanding of watercolor painting techniques, which are important for visual design. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The discussion of how to create movement of the waves by the sailboat and how to soften the edges of objects may be helpful for designing scenes.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theatrical productions, films, or television shows. This course may assist a set designer. The course may be useful in expanding knowledge of color, composition, and technique. The course covers basic watercolour techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The course's focus on creating a vibrant active sky. and its lessons on painting the pier and rocks might be relevant to a set designer working on a production with naturalistic elements.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates and plans layouts for museum or gallery exhibitions. While this role does not involve creating art, a designer with a strong understanding of artistic techniques may be more effective at presenting artwork. This course may be useful by improving an understanding of watercolor painting. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections, all of which can lead to improvement of design skills. Learning how to create a vibrant sky and how to soften edges may be relevant for a designer.
Gallery Curator
A gallery curator manages and organizes art exhibitions. While this role does not involve creating art, a curator with a strong understanding of artistic techniques may be more effective at selecting and presenting artwork. This course may be useful by improving an understanding of watercolor painting. The course covers basic techniques, painting shadows, using masking fluid, and painting water and reflections. The discussion of how to create a vibrant active sky and use color to attract the viewer may be especially relevant for a gallery curator who wants to showcase compelling artwork.

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 Southampton Sailing painting.
Delves into the science and art of color and light, providing valuable insights for realist painters. While not specific to watercolor, the principles discussed are universally applicable. It is particularly helpful for understanding how light interacts with objects and how to accurately represent color in your paintings. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of color theory.
Provides a solid foundation in watercolor painting for beginners. It covers essential techniques, materials, and color theory in a clear and accessible manner. Reading this book before or during the course can help you build confidence and avoid common pitfalls. It is particularly useful for understanding the basics of washes, blending, and brush control.

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