Loose Natural Landscapes: Combining Watercolor and Gouache
Hello and welcome. In this class, we'll be painting two natural landscapes with a combination of watercolour and gouache. Gouache is an opaque watercolour which allows you to create stunning highlights. In this class, we'll be using a variety of wet-in-wet techniques and wet-in-dry techniques in order to paint both scenes. We'll go through my three-step process of painting the light, shadows and finishing touches, which will allow you to paint any subject.
Planning is crucial. In this class, I'll show you how to simplify shapes and sketch in large shapes such as sky, water, 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 sketch and plan your natural landscape painting in pencil before you start painting
-How and when to use wet-in-wet watercolour techniques to paint clouds, skies, grass
-How to paint basic trees and flowers with minimal effort and brushstrokes
-How to add people into your landscape in a natural and simple way
-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! I'm looking forward to showing you the secrets of landscape painting.
Assignment: Your class project is to draw and paint your own watercolour landscape! 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 paintings and progress shots with the class by uploading to the "Your Project" section. If you have any questions or need more tips, please let me know. I'm happy to help.