A city is a subject that never sits still — it shifts with the light, hums with traffic, and offers a new composition every time you turn a corner. And then there's perspective. Perspective is the thing that makes your lovely building look like it's sliding off the page. Urban watercolor is equal parts painting and geometry, with a dash of "I'll just add one more window" that somehow takes forty minutes. But when it clicks — when the light hits the facade just right and the shadows have actual depth — you understand why people have been painting cities since cities existed.
Our 10 online courses take you from Saint Petersburg to Venice, from Mediterranean ports to industrial zones. You'll learn to paint sunsets on facades (the kind that make buildings look like they're on fire, in a good way), master perspective without losing your mind, and render architecture that looks solid enough to walk into. Whether you're sketching from a cafe terrace or working from a photo — these courses cover the full range, from quick expressive cityscapes to detailed 5-hour European architectural paintings.
Courses taught by: Olga Kabaeva (watercolor architecture), Julia Zilbert (Mediterranean coast), Vladimir Ivanov (European cities), Roman Bayanov (industrial landscapes), and others. Lifetime access — paint at your own pace. The buildings aren't going anywhere. Unlike the light, which absolutely is.
3 free lessons sent to your email. One lesson per day, 24-hour access. No commitment.
Paint 10 urban landscapes in watercolor depicting sunsets, daylight, and artificial lighting.
Create 8 architectural stories working with cotton paper and pulp.
The mystery of light and shadow in 8 urban landscapes of Venice and Saint Petersburg.
Paint 12 landscapes, explore architecture, and convey imagery using watercolor.
BIG format course with long and detailed paintings of European cityscapes. Each painting takes 4-5 hours.
Draw 11 vibrant pictures from the life of a port city.
Create 6 large paintings in 5 hours with complex plots, harmonious compositions, and palettes for architecture and night landscapes.
Paint 8 watercolor cityscapes from different countries, master wet effects and depth through value and layers.
Create 10 atmospheric urban scenes, master watercolor techniques and mood.
Paint 12 landscapes with urban and architectural elements quickly, boldly, and vividly.
Want to try before you buy?
Get 3 free lessons ↑Basic perspective is taught within our courses — you don't need prior knowledge. Courses like "Watercolor Architecture" by Olga Kabaeva start with fundamental perspective principles before moving to complete paintings. More advanced courses build on these skills with complex multi-point perspectives and atmospheric depth.
You'll need: watercolor paints (12-24 colors), watercolor paper 300 gsm, round and flat brushes, a liner pen (0.1-0.3mm) for architectural details, pencil, ruler (optional), and eraser. Some courses also use masking fluid for preserving white areas. Full supply lists are on each course page.
Yes! While architectural subjects may look complex, our courses break them down into manageable steps. "Urban Moments" and "Watercolor Architecture" are particularly beginner-friendly, teaching you to simplify buildings into basic shapes before adding detail. The key is learning to see the essential forms.
Our courses cover an impressive range: Saint Petersburg and Venice ("Saint Petersburg and Venice"), European cityscapes ("European Cities"), Mediterranean coast ("Coastal Italy"), industrial areas ("Industrial Landscapes"), port cities ("Romance of the Port City"), and general urban scenes from around the world ("Watercolor Journey"). Each course captures the unique character and light of its locations.
Capturing light on architecture involves understanding warm/cool color temperature, preserving white paper for highlights, and using transparent glazes for shadows. Our courses teach specific techniques: painting golden hour light, neon reflections at night, overcast atmospheric light, and the dramatic contrast of sunset and sunrise on facades.
Urban sketching is typically quicker, more spontaneous, and captures the energy and atmosphere of city life. Architectural painting tends to be more detailed and focuses on accurate rendering of buildings. Our courses offer both: quick expressive cityscapes and detailed 4-5 hour European architectural paintings. You'll develop skills for both approaches.
