30 Days Of Loose Watercolours: Northern Europe & Beyond

Welcome to 30 Days of Loose Watercolours: Northern Europe & Beyond!

If you're thinking about painting but feel a little intimidated or unsure where to start, you’re in the perfect place. This class is designed especially for beginners and anyone who's ever looked at a blank sheet and thought, "I don't know where to begin."

Imagine crisp, snowy landscapes with soft, inviting hues; charming villages tucked under a blanket of snow; and those beautiful, subtle shifts of light and shadow that make each scene come alive. In this class, you'll see that watercolor isn't about perfection - it’s about capturing the mood, the movement, and the magic of a moment.

Over the next 30 days, we'll dive into a relaxed, hands-on approach that takes you step-by-step through the entire painting process. We'll start with simple sketches and basic compositions, move into playful washes and thoughtful layering, and finish with gentle touches that add that extra sparkle. I'll be there with you every step of the way, demonstrating techniques in real-time and sharing tips and tricks to help you feel confident and creative.

This isn’t about rigid rules or having to match someone else's style. It's about learning to let go, embracing a bit of happy accident, and finding your unique voice as an artist—even if you've never painted before. We’ll explore various scenes inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Europe and beyond, inviting you to experiment with loose, flowing techniques that let your creativity shine through.

So, grab your watercolors, set up your workspace, and let's turn those initial uncertainties into beautiful, expressive paintings. It’s all about having fun, learning at your own pace, and celebrating every small victory along the way. I can’t wait to start this adventure with you - let’s make some magic together!

Assignment:

Your class project is to draw and paint your northern European landscape in watercolor! This can be a scene featured in this class, or based on one of your own photographs/references or scenes you have observed outside. Try to challenge yourself and paint along to each unique scene over the next 30 days!

You can also refer to the scanned paintings and photo references attached below which will allow you to trace the drawing if you choose to do so. I recommend drawing each scene freehand. 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 class demonstrations to complete your painting.

Materials:

Use any watercolor paints, pencils, watercolor paper, and brushes you have available. I recommend:

0.5mm mechanical pencil

Artist-grade watercolor paints - blue, yellow, and red

100% cotton watercolor paper or sketchbook

Watercolour Brushes - mop brush and a variety of round brushes for detailing.

Getting Started:

Review the class demonstration videos first. You can also download the reference photos to trace/transfer over your drawing if you wish.

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

Sharing Your Work:

Share your final paintings and progress shots with the class by uploading them to; www.facebook.com/groups/watercolourmentor

If you have any questions or need more tips, please let me know. I'm happy to help.