Magical Cottage Scene: Watercolor Landscape Essentials

Welcome! In this class, we'll be painting a cottage scene in watercolour. Natural landscapes are simple and beautiful, providing the perfect subject for a beginner watercolor artist. Adding a man-made object such as a cottage or barn can create an interesting contrast and help to tell a story. Learning how to capture a landscape in a quick, fun and loose manner is an essential skill that every artist should learn to master. Watercolour is the perfect medium that allows you to produce spontaneous and expressive paintings on the go.

Planning is crucial. I'll show you how to simplify shapes and sketch in large shapes such as foliage, trees, grass and land. Getting those large components in accurately beforehand is essential for your painting to make sense.

In this class you'll learn:

-How to paint simple paintings of any natural landscape in watercolour

-How to paint simple buildings in watercolour

-How to sketch and plan your landscape painting in pencil before you start painting

-How and when to use wet-in-wet watercolour techniques to paint clouds, skies, trees and grass

-How to paint basic trees and rocks with minimal effort and brushstrokes

-How to layer effectively to add extra details

-How to combine layers to create depth naturally

-How to paint simple shadows and identify or choose a light source in your painting

So join me in this class! You'll see just how easy it is to create this amazing scene in no time at all.

Assignment:   Your class project is to draw and paint your own cottage scene! This can be a scene featured in this class, or based on one of your own photographs or scenes you have observed outside.   You can also refer to the scanned drawing/painting templates attached below which will allow you to trace the drawing if you choose to do so. I recommend drawing each scene free hand. 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 watercolour paints, pencil watercolour paper, and brushes you have available. I recommend:   0.5mm mechanical pencil

Artist grade watercolour paints - blue, yellow and red

100% cotton watercolour 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 tracing templates to transfer over your drawing if you wish.   Looking to sketch and paint another scene? Research some free reference photo websites, pick one of your own reference photos, or simply find a outdoor location where you can sit and paint. Using the steps and processes included in this class, create your own unique painting.   Sharing Your Work:   Share your final painting and progress shots with the class by uploading to https://www.facebook.com/groups/watercolourmentor. If you have any questions or need more tips, please let me know. I'm happy to help.