[BIG]

To the Sun and Seawith Elena Vlasova

  • BIG is a course format with large and detailed paintings. Each painting takes 3-5 hours to complete.
  • Full immersion into all the intricacies of watercolor painting, many hours of practice, and as a result – improvement of artistic skills.
  • 6 large sunny and sea-themed paintings of a southern city with many nuances and details.

Learn more

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Start learning immediately after payment

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Lifetime access to the course

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Paint online from anywhere in the world

 

What the Course is About

In this course, I will teach you how to paint realistic watercolor paintings on a large format. You will complete 6 atmospheric landscapes and learn to work with atmospheric and linear perspective.

We will learn to depict reflections on water, convey "colorful" contrasting shadows, and the "sunny" feel in landscapes.

You will learn to paint various textures: plants and stones, old houses, calm water, ships, and boats.

Who Will Benefit from This Course

This course will be useful for those who are already familiar with watercolor painting, are ready to work on detailed large-format paintings, and want to deepen their knowledge and learn my unique techniques for painting light and water.

If you understand tone, color, warm and cool tones, are familiar with the names of paints, have experience in watercolor painting, and are at least minimally acquainted with wet techniques, then welcome to the course!

 

Course Program

Block 1. Theory

In this block, you will meet the instructor and determine what materials are needed for the course. You will also learn about the specifics of painting on large formats.

Introduction to the Instructor

In this lesson, we will get acquainted. I will explain what the course is about and what goals we aim to achieve.

Materials

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

The Specifics of Painting with Watercolor on Large Formats: Defining the Work Plan

In this lesson, I will provide a detailed work plan for creating large-format paintings, explaining each stage step by step.

Block 2. Author's Techniques and Methods for Realistic Watercolor Painting

In this block, you will master unique techniques and methods to create atmospheric, expressive paintings. You will practice each method and learn where it can be applied in a painting.

Soft Spot

In this lesson, we will learn how to create complex color spots with soft, blurred edges.

Sharp Edge - Soft Edge

In this lesson, you will learn how to create spots with soft edges on one side and sharp edges on the other.

Vivid Gradient Spot within a Contour

In this lesson, you will learn how to create gradient spots within a complex contour.

Human Silhouettes

In this lesson, we will learn how to paint human silhouettes, balancing detail and generalization.

Block 3. «The Arch»

In this block, you will paint the first landscape of the course – an arch with decorative elements and flowers. You will create a sunny, light atmosphere in the painting.

Duration ~ 4 hours

Tonal Breakdown

You will learn to:

  • create sketches for future works;
  • work with tone.

Pencil Sketch and Paper Preparation

In this lesson, we will work on the pencil drawing and prepare the paper for painting with color.

First Layer Painting

In this lesson, we will apply three large base color washes – painting the sky, light and dark stones. We will follow the principles of starting from lighter shades to darker, and from general to specific details.

Finalizing. Shadows and Detailing

In this lesson, we will finish the painting and work on shadows and details.

You will learn to:

  • convey the "sunny" atmosphere in a painting;
  • create stone and plant textures;
  • paint "colorful" contrasting shadows.

Block 4. «Italian Café»

How delightful it is to relax after a city walk in a street café and enjoy a cold drink on a sunny day. Paint this scene in the painting «Italian Café».

Duration ~ 4 hours

Tonal Breakdown

You will learn to:

  • create sketches;
  • work with tone.

Pencil Sketch and Paper Preparation

In this lesson, we will create the pencil drawing based on the reference and prepare to work with color.

Foreground Painting

In this lesson, we will apply the first color washes using the dry technique and paint human figures. We will work from the foreground to the background.

Finalizing. Shadows and Detailing

In this lesson, we will finish the painting, work on light contrasts, and detail the work while maintaining a balance between detail and generalization.

You will learn to:

  • create a sunny atmosphere through contrast lighting;
  • depict human figures in relaxed poses under various lighting conditions.

Block 5. «Boats at the Old Pier»

The atmosphere of an old pier is fascinating: ships that evoke a sense of adventure, the vast and restless sea, and old houses filled with history. Create this scene in the seascape «Boats at the Old Pier».

Duration ~ 4 hours

Tonal Breakdown

You will learn to:

  • create sketches;
  • work with tone.

Pencil Sketch and Paper Preparation

You will learn to:

  • create the pencil drawing;
  • highlight the focal point of the painting and keep attention on it;
  • create "chaos" and bustling when painting the boats.

Foreground Painting

In this lesson, we will apply the first general wet wash with watercolor.

Finalizing. Shadows and Detailing

In this lesson, we will finish working on the complex textures, depict calm water and its reflections. Final detailing will be done.

You will learn to:

  • depict the sea surface, sky, and clouds;
  • depict boats, marine gear, and accessories.

Block 6. «Old Street»

How often, while walking through an old town, do we encounter architectural structures of unusual forms that capture our attention and leave us in awe. Paint such an amazing building in your new landscape.

Duration ~ 3 hours

Tonal Breakdown

You will learn to:

  • create sketches;
  • work with tone.

Pencil Drawing and Paper Preparation

In this lesson, we will create the pencil drawing.

Foreground Painting

In this lesson, we will apply a general light wash with watercolor, working from the general to the specific, from lighter shades to darker ones.

Finalization. Shadows and Detailing

In this lesson, we will complete the painting and create the atmosphere of a sunny, warm day by using “colorful” contrasting shadows and detailing.

You will learn to:

  • work with complex colors;
  • create textures of old walls, plants, and rooftops.

Block 7. «Sea Port. Cyprus»

A sea port is always full of life and motion. Ships arrive and depart, tourists, dockworkers, and vendors all move across the pier—some walking, some running. Trade ships load and unload. Paint the sea port in your next artwork.

Duration ~ 3 hours

Tonal Breakdown

You will learn to:

  • create sketches;
  • work with tone.

Pencil Drawing and Paper Preparation

You will learn to:

  • create pencil sketches;
  • capture the “chaos” and bustling of boats, yachts, and ships.

Foreground Painting

In this lesson, we will start with the sky and mountains and apply washes of color. We will create a watercolor base for the houses, working from top to bottom while accounting for shadow and light areas.

Finalization. Shadows and Detail Work

You will learn:

  • to work with aerial perspective;
  • to depict textures of the sea, mountains, clouds, and convey reflections in water;
  • to emphasize and create generalizations in the painting;
  • to detail your work.

Block 7. «Evening by the Sea»

How nice it is after a long day filled with bright emotions to cozy up in an armchair with a cup of tea and watch the seaside sunset. Create a new landscape - a terrace bathed in the evening sun.

Duration ~ 4 hours

Tonal Analysis

You will learn:

  • to create sketches;
  • to work with tone.

Pencil Drawing and Paper Preparation

In this lesson, we will create a pencil drawing based on a reference for further color work.

First Plan Elaboration

In this lesson, we will start working with color, progressing from the background to the foreground. We will remember the principle - from light to dark.

Finalization. Shadows and Detail Work

In this lesson, we will complete the painting, depicting a calm sea and sunlight reflections in the water.

You will learn:

  • to create a sense of depth;
  • to convey textures of the sky and clouds, plants, and furniture.

Block 9. Conclusion

Dear artists, the course has come to an end. In this block, you will summarize the extensive work.

Conclusion

We have come a long way together. Let’s recall everything you have learned and the results you have achieved.

 

Course Instructor:Elena Vlasova

Professional watercolor
artist

Member of the Federation of Watercolor Painting

Member of IWS (International Watercolor Society)

  • Graduated from MPGU named after Lenin and the School of Watercolor by S. Andriaka
  • Since 2013, I have been teaching watercolor, conducting my own master classes and lessons
  • As a teacher, I have conducted numerous outdoor painting sessions abroad and in Russia
  • Participant and winner of many Russian and international exhibitions and competitions
 

Complete List of Materials for the Course

Complete List of Materials

  • Watercolor paper, 100% cotton, 300 gsm
  • Watercolor paints (NP Naples Yellow, Peach, Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Neon Pink, Red Iron Oxide, Olive, Shadow Green, Cobalt Blue, Royal Blue, Gray-Pink Haze, Purple Haze)
  • Brushes:
    • Goat hair flat brush 30mm;
    • Squirrel flat "petal" brush (e.g., Herend No. 2);
    • Medium-sized Chinese calligraphy brush;
    • Small round synthetic brush (e.g., Gamma Modern No. 4)
  • HB/B/2B pencil
  • Eraser
  • Plastic card
  • Paper towel
  • Water container
 

Pricing Plans

I Draw It Myself
  • 6 large sunny watercolor paintings
  • 9 blocks: theory + practice + intricacies and nuances of watercolor painting
  • «Course Unfreeze»
  • Ability to view comments on students' drawings
  • Lifetime access to the course
  • Review of your drawings for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
200 $
$
With Support
  • 6 large sunny watercolor paintings
  • 9 blocks: theory + practice + intricacies and nuances of watercolor painting
  • «Course Unfreeze»
  • Ability to view comments on students' drawings
  • Lifetime access to the course
  • Review of your drawings for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
250 $
$
VIP
  • 6 large sunny watercolor paintings
  • 9 blocks: theory + practice + intricacies and nuances of watercolor painting
  • «Course Unfreeze»
  • Ability to view comments on students' drawings
  • Lifetime access to the course
  • Review of your drawings for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
500 $
$
 

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is more suitable for those who already have watercolor painting skills. The paintings in the course are quite lengthy and detailed, and the instructor carefully explains each step of the process 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 finely, welcome to the course!

After watching the lesson, you will complete your work and add a photo of it in the comments for feedback. The instructor will leave a text, graphical (notes on the drawing), and audio commentary on your work. In the comments section, you can also leave any questions or wishes you have.

If you have a plan without feedback, it will all depend on your personal pace at which you go through 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 the students are over 50 years old. And they enjoy drawing! Therefore, we also welcome you to our course if you have basic watercolor painting skills.

Feedback

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