BIG

Watercolor Botany
in Detail with Margarita Astashova

  • [BIG] is a course format with long and detailed paintings. We spend 3-5 hours on each painting
  • Paint 5 detailed botanical illustrations
  • You'll master the key principles and step-by-step process of layered painting

LEARN MORE

01

Your learning starts right after payment

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Access to the course is lifetime

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Draw online from anywhere in the world

 

What's the course about?

The course is all about the secrets of realistic botany. In the lessons, you'll uncover the key principles and step-by-step process of layered illustration. You'll be able to create five finely detailed and striking paintings and learn how to realistically paint lush inflorescences, large buds with lots of details, voluminous centers, curved petals with grooves and folds, stems and leaves in various angles, veins and plant fibers, interesting textures, and fine relief.

My botanical illustrations are done in a realistic style with a focus on fine details and textures. This genre is quite popular, but not many artists practice it professionally. Such painting requires an understanding of the construction of voluminous forms, the nuances of working with color, and mastery of a wide range of specific techniques. It's important to be able to apply them comprehensively to achieve a convincing image and recreate the form considering all the natural features of morphology.

 

Who will benefit from the course

The teaching method in the course is aimed at helping you learn not just to copy, but to draw thoughtfully and control the process, mastering the professional techniques that form the basis of botanical realism. The material in the course is presented in great detail, providing a clear understanding of the stages of work and the logic of actions. So, the lessons will be useful not only for those who already have creative experience in botany but also for those who are just starting to explore painting.

In the course, you'll learn how to build the voluminous form of flowers, recreate lighting features, and master the nuances of working with color. You'll also get the hang of techniques for imitating natural textures and gain practical skills in fine detailing.

 

Course Program

Block 1. Theory

In this block, I will tell you a little about myself and show which materials are necessary for taking the course. We will also master the key principles of working with color and explore watercolor techniques using examples from my work.

Greeting

In this lesson, we will get acquainted. I will tell you what this course is about and what tasks lie ahead of us.

Materials List

In this lesson, I will provide a list of materials necessary for taking the course.

Color and Complex Shades

In this lesson, we will examine the key principles to rely on when working with color through examples.

Watercolor Techniques Based on My Works

In this lesson, I will cover the key watercolor techniques that help create realistic botanical illustrations.

Block 2. «Tree Peony»

In this class, we will start creating the first botanical painting of the course, «Tree Peony». We will learn to build a harmonious composition, work through the small details of the peony, and select the right shades for the flower.

Duration ~ 5 hours 24 minutes

Sketch and Beginning of Filling

You will learn to:

  • create a harmonious composition with three objects;
  • reflect the features of the natural morphology of the peony;
  • make a quality preparatory drawing for watercolor.

Filling, Lighting Effects, and Petal Details

You will learn to:

  • achieve a shimmering color through gradations of warm and cool pink shades;
  • recreate veins, folds, and grooves on curved petals;
  • create the effect of intense sunlight.

Filling, Details, and Color of Green Leaves

You will learn to:

  • achieve a play of shades by warmth-coolness in the fillings of green elements;
  • establish a color connection between green leaves and pink flowers;
  • specify the relief of bends, folds, and crinkles.

Fine Detailing of the Flower + Finalization

You will learn to:

  • give the petals a more finished and orderly appearance;
  • create an imitation of pigment spots on the petals;
  • reflect the fibrous relief on the stems.

Block 3. «Caprifolium»

This block of lessons is dedicated to working on the illustration «Caprifolium». You will learn to work with various color schemes and detail the small elements of this unusual flower!

Duration ~ 5 hours 10 minutes

Sketch

You will learn to:

  • recreate the shape of the inflorescence with many elements;
  • establish internal connections between flowers in a unified complex;
  • make a quality preparatory drawing with a simple pencil for watercolor.

Filling and Selective Detailing

You will learn to:

  • achieve smooth silhouette transitions;
  • create a color scheme diverse in warmth-coolness;
  • thoroughly detail small elements of the centers.

Filling and Detailing

You will learn to:

  • achieve smooth transitions between patches of different shades;
  • work on the outer edges of the petals, imitating a colorful border;
  • delicately detail small fragments of the petals.

Finalization

You will learn to:

  • specify the small natural relief;
  • soften details through delicate blending;
  • create an imitation of the fibrous structure of the stem.

Block 4. «Agapanthus and Dragonfly»

In this block, we will depict the Agapanthus plant and a dragonfly. We will build a harmonious composition with three objects and learn to effectively convey various textures.

Duration ~ 5 hours 23 minutes

Sketch

You will learn to:

  • build a harmonious composition with three objects;
  • construct the shapes of the complex inflorescences of Agapanthus;
  • create the shape of a dragonfly.

Filling and Selective Detailing

You will learn to:

  • make transparent washes in large spots;
  • achieve striking textures and play of blue shades on the dragonfly’s wings;
  • work out fine veining on a dry paint layer.

Detailing

You will learn to:

  • recreate the fibrous structure of the green bulb casing of Agapanthus;
  • convey the subtle relief of plant tissues;
  • finely work out the veined structure of the dragonfly's wings.

Finalization

You will learn to:

  • convey the fine relief;
  • introduce additional elements to achieve balance and fullness in the composition;
  • enhance the effects of volumes and sharpness of details.

Block 5. «Cardinal on the Weigela Branch»

In this block of lessons, we will illustrate a botanical composition with a blue bird on a branch. We will learn to create fine gradations of shades and draw a realistic cardinal.

Duration ~ 5 hours 20 minutes

Sketch

You will learn to:

  • harmoniously distribute compositional masses on the sheet;
  • construct objects from a general to a specific view;
  • realistically draw the shape of the bird with a simple pencil.

Filling and Detailing

You will learn to:

  • create the overall coloring of the bird;
  • realistically depict the natural color of the Weigela;
  • select shades for small details.

Detailing Small Features

You will learn to:

  • realistically depict the details of the bird's head;
  • recreate the fine hairs of the soft feathers;
  • work out the fine veining on the petals on a dry paint layer.

Finalization

You will learn to:

  • create an elegant network of veins on the leaves;
  • synthesize and soften dense tonal details;
  • densify overly light elements with a transparent additional layer.

Block 6. «Magnificent Lily»

In this block, we will create the final botanical illustration of the course, «Magnificent Lily». We will analyze all the natural features of this amazing flower, learn to draw an unopened bud, and effectively fill it with watercolor.

Duration ~ 6 hours 20 minutes

Sketch

You will learn to:

  • depict the turns of the curved petals in space;
  • draw the unopened bud of the lily;
  • complete the composition with a stem and leaves.

Filling and Detailing

You will learn to:

  • create a color underlay;
  • recreate the fine relief of the stamens;
  • form the first stroke layers to imitate the fibrous structure.

Detailing Small Features and Texture

You will learn to:

  • apply stroke layers that imitate fibrous relief;
  • soften fragments of small details;
  • depict rough surfaces of the stamens.

Finalization

You will learn to:

  • vary shades of green in tone and warmth-coolness;
  • introduce fine veining on the leaves;
  • specify light and shadow on the curved surfaces of the stamens.

Block 7. Conclusion

Course Conclusions

Our course has come to an end. Let's summarize it and listen to advice for further creative development!

 

InstructorMargarita Astashova

  • Professional artist, art historian
  • Member of the Union of Artists of Russia
  • PhD in Philosophy specializing in Aesthetics
  • Participant in republican, all-Russian, and international exhibitions
  • I've been teaching since 2012
  • My artworks are in private collections in homes in Russia, France, and Spain.
 

Instructor's artworks

Expert's artworks

List of Materials for the Course

  • Watercolor paper 100% cotton, medium grain, 300 g/m density, A4 size (I use «White Nights» from «Nevskaya Palitra»; other manufacturers are also fine) – 4 sheets;
  • Watercolor paper 100% cellulose, torchon, 300 g/m density, A4 size (I use «PALAZZO» from «Lilia Holding»; other manufacturers are also fine) – 1 sheet;
  • Round brushes with a fine tip, soft synthetic No. 0, No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 (I use «Nevskaya Palitra»; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Round brushes with a fine tip, imitation squirrel No. 3, No. 5 (I use «van Gogh» from «Royal Talens»; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Watercolors (I use «White Nights» from «Nevskaya Palitra», 36 colors; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Graphite pencil HB;
  • Eraser;
  • Palette (ceramic or plastic);
  • Container for water;
  • Napkin or cloth for drying brushes;
  • Masking tape.
  • Watercolor paper 100% cotton, medium grain, 300 g/m density, A4 size (I use «White Nights» from «Nevskaya Palitra»; other manufacturers are also fine) – 4 sheets;
  • Watercolor paper 100% cellulose, torchon, 300 g/m density, A4 size (I use «PALAZZO» from «Lilia Holding»; other manufacturers are also fine) – 1 sheet;
  • Round brushes with a fine tip, soft synthetic No. 0, No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 (I use «Nevskaya Palitra»; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Round brushes with a fine tip, imitation squirrel No. 3, No. 5 (I use «van Gogh» from «Royal Talens»; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Watercolors (I use «White Nights» from «Nevskaya Palitra», 36 colors; other manufacturers are also fine);
  • Graphite pencil HB;
  • Eraser;
  • Palette (ceramic or plastic);
  • Container for water;
  • Napkin or cloth for drying brushes;
  • Masking tape.
 

Tariffs

I Draw It Myself
  • 30 lessons: practice + techniques + theory
  • 5 detailed botanical illustrations
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
200 $
$ €
SIGN UP
With Support
  • 30 lessons: practice + techniques + theory
  • 5 detailed botanical illustrations
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
250 $
$ €
SIGN UP
VIP
  • 30 lessons: practice + techniques + theory
  • 5 detailed botanical illustrations
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
500 $
$ €
SIGN UP
 

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is better suited for those who already have some skills in watercolor painting. The paintings in the course are quite lengthy and detailed, and the teacher will go into detail at each stage of the work so that the student can master all the material and practice it.

Therefore, if you are ready to work with watercolor on a large scale, and wish to improve your artistic skills to feel watercolor more subtly, you are welcome to the course!

After watching the lesson, you will complete a task and add a photo of your work in the comments for feedback. The teacher will provide a text, graphic (notes on the drawing), as well as an audio comment on your work. In the comments section, you can also leave any of your questions or wishes.

If you have a plan without feedback, it will all depend on your personal pace at which you complete the lessons.

With plans that include feedback, we actively conduct lessons for two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.

It is never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they enjoy painting! So we are also waiting for you in our course if you have basic skills in watercolor painting.

Feedback

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