What's this course about?

My artworks aren’t just about copying photos. I try to capture the power of the moment through playing with light and shadow, simplifying the scene, and picking out the key details to create a striking contrast.

In this course, I’m purposely not picking easy subjects—instead, I’m choosing ones that really let you dig deeper into your creative potential. The goal here is to help you develop your own unique style and learn how to create lively, emotional paintings, where watercolor technique becomes a tool for sharing mood and atmosphere.

We’ll be paying special attention to the alla prima technique and the trick of letting your brush glide over textured paper to get that bright, expressive look. This course is a hands-on guide for anyone who wants more than just the basics of watercolor—it's for those who want to create art that's full of life and emotion.

Who is this course for?

This course is for those of you who already know a bit about watercolor, but feel like you’re stuck trying to find your own artistic path. If you want to go beyond the usual techniques and learn how to capture the power of the moment through light, color, and composition, this course is your chance to grow.

Here, you won’t just sharpen your technical skills—you’ll also develop your artistic vision, learn how to tackle complex subjects, simplify shapes, and find that sweet spot between expression and detail.

This course is perfect for artists who:

They want to go beyond just copying

This course will show you how to capture the energy of the moment using light and shadow, simplifying the scene, and picking out the key details—so you get a bold contrast without just copying a photo.

They’re looking for creative growth

Instead of simple subjects, we’ll dive into expressive, multi-layered compositions—this way, you’ll get to explore your potential more deeply and start finding your own style.

Want to learn new techniques

You'll learn how to paint alla prima using some unique tricks, like gliding your brush over textured paper.

Course program

Block 1. Theory

«This course is not just about technique — it’s about inspiration, courage, and finding your own artistic style. You’ll face exciting challenges, creative discoveries, and of course, lots of practice!»

Introduction

«I’ll tell you a bit about myself and give the main information about the course.»

Materials

«In this lesson, we’ll look at which paper is best for the job, and we’ll also talk about brushes and paints.»

Q&A

«In this lesson, I’ll share my view on creativity and answer key questions: how to convey depth using atmospheric perspective; how to maintain expressiveness without overloading with details; how to handle the unpredictability of watercolor; and how to find and develop your own style.»

Using a Plastic Card in Painting

«In this lesson, we’ll uncover a bold technique — using a plastic card in watercolor! This simple tool will help you add unexpected textural effects and make your work truly expressive.»

Block 2. «Port of Monopoli»

«Port of Monopoli» is a place with a special character: old buildings, shimmering lights, and boats swaying on the water. But in painting, we don’t just copy reality — we transform it! You’ll learn to boldly refine the scene, add missing elements, and create a harmonious composition that enhances the atmosphere of your watercolor.

Lesson duration – 3 hours 25 minutes

Sketching

In this lesson we will:

  • push the boundaries of the reference by mirroring and expanding the scene;
  • see how easily objects can be rearranged to enhance the expressiveness of the painting;
  • practice simplifying complex details while preserving the freshness and lightness of watercolor.

First Watercolor Stage

In this lesson we will:

  • lay down the main color areas (first wash) to capture the building’s texture;
  • «light up» the windows using the plastic card technique;
  • create the texture of the roof and windows using a plastic card, or explore alternative methods without it.

Second Watercolor Stage

In this lesson we will:

  • master the wet-on-wet technique, learn to control paint flow, and add tonal depth without fear of ruining the result;
  • refine the background: add windows and texture to the building;
  • paint boats, water, many reflections and lantern highlights, and add human silhouettes.

Final Touches

In this lesson we will:

  • learn how to manage tonal values — a crucial aspect to avoid excessive paleness or oversaturation;
  • discover the secret to lightness: how to avoid overloading with details and leave «air» in the painting;
  • add the final touches to the artwork.

Block 3. «A Walk Along the Grand Canal»

Venice is a city that inspires artists from around the world with its architecture, light, and water reflections. The Grand Canal is one of those places where time seems to stop, allowing us to feel its atmosphere through art.

Lesson duration – 2 hours 14 minutes

Sketching

In this lesson, we will:

  • explore composition and find the best angle;
  • identify the main focal points to avoid overloading the work;
  • prepare for the watercolor part by studying shapes and perspective.

First watercolor stage

In this lesson, we will:

  • make the first wash, creating the tone for sunset and water;
  • choose a color palette for backlit architecture to keep the balance of light and shadow;
  • simplify a complex scene, turning it into a unified and harmonious composition;
  • paint the architecture shapes using blotting technique, and add details to the cathedral.

Second watercolor stage

In this lesson, we will:

  • learn an easy way to create realistic waves and reflections of architecture in the water;
  • discover how to convey aerial perspective using color and smooth transitions;
  • paint the dock, gondola, and human silhouettes.

Final touches

In this lesson, we will:

  • use a plastic card to create expressive effects;
  • add the final touches: shadows, volume, and reflections.

Block 4. «Gondola in the Old Town»

«The gondola is one of the main symbols of Venice. These elegant boats gliding through the canals carry history, romance, and the city's unique charm. Paired with the textured walls of old buildings, they create a cozy atmosphere and help convey the allure of old Venice.»

«Lesson duration – 4 hours 24 minutes»

«Sketching»

«In the lesson we will:»

  • «accurately place the gondola in the composition while keeping proportions harmonious;»
  • «convey perspective and depth using lines and shadows;»
  • «simplify complex elements to avoid clutter;»
  • «highlight main accents to make the sketch expressive and vivid.»

«First watercolor stage»

«In the lesson we will:»

  • «explore how to start confidently to maintain compositional integrity;»
  • «select the right colors for a bright, sunny scene;»
  • «create a base layer for the watercolor piece and study the color reference.»

«Second watercolor stage»

«In the lesson we will:»

  • «paint the textured wall with its many details, the gondola, and mark in human figures;»
  • «learn how to convey depth without overloading with detail.»

«Finishing the painting»

«In the lesson we will:»

  • «practice the alla prima technique;»
  • «learn to depict water, its movement, and realistic reflections;»
  • «add final touches to complete the artwork.»

Block 5. «Cathedral under the Sicilian Sun»

In this lesson, we’ll travel to Sicily to explore the majestic architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Agatha in Catania. Built in Baroque style, it amazes with its elegant forms, monumental columns, and rich decor. Despite earthquakes, the cathedral has been restored time and again, becoming even more beautiful.

Lesson duration – 3 hours 17 minutes

«Sketching»

In this lesson we will:

  • learn how to build a strong composition, focusing on key elements;
  • explore how to simplify complex forms while keeping them expressive;
  • master techniques for highlighting focal points to create a dynamic and harmonious scene.

«Watercolor Stage One»

In this lesson we will:

  • paint the near tower of the cathedral with the first wash, conveying its texture and volume;
  • practice light painting techniques using a plastic card to create architectural texture.

«Watercolor Stage Two»

In this lesson we will:

  • paint the second dome of the cathedral;
  • practice color selection and tone accuracy for architectural elements;
  • master aerial perspective to add depth and expressiveness to the painting.

«Final Touches»

In this lesson we will:

  • add the background, sky, and final details, focusing on the cathedral;
  • discuss how to keep the work light and avoid overloading it with details.

Block 6. «Portrait of the San Sta Church»

The San Sta Church is a Renaissance architectural heritage that remarkably combines grandeur, harmony, and refined details. But how can we convey this on paper without overloading the drawing? That’s exactly what we’ll focus on in this block!

Lesson duration – 3 hours 18 minutes

Sketching

In this lesson, we will:

  • simplify complex architectural forms, finding a balance between detail and expressiveness;
  • enhance the composition with imaginative elements to make the scene more painterly and vivid.

First watercolor stage

In this lesson, we will:

  • choose harmonious shades for the light architecture to highlight its airiness and lightness;
  • paint the first part of the church in alla prima watercolor technique, aiming for unity and liveliness in the work;
  • create accents that convey the texture of architectural elements.

Second watercolor stage

In this lesson, we will:

  • gradually complete the remaining part of the architecture, continuing to work in the alla prima technique for coherence and expressiveness;
  • create a background, add volume to the work, and practice light painting technique using a plastic card.

Finishing the watercolor part

In this lesson, we will:

  • add details to the foreground, apply final accents and strokes;
  • introduce imaginative elements to the plot, making it more expressive and interesting.

Block 7. «Night Venice»

Venice — a city where every corner breathes history, and sunsets and nighttime lighting turn it into a picturesque painting. In this block, we will create a watercolor image of a church, conveying the special charm of the night city.

Lesson duration - 3 hours 58 minutes

Sketching

In the lesson we:

  • discuss principles of proper composition, correctly emphasizing main accents;
  • master the technique of perspective construction on a large watercolor sheet;
  • create a solid foundation for future color painting.

First stage of watercolor

In the lesson we:

  • select a harmonious color palette for the night landscape;
  • create the effect of the evening sky, which will serve as the background for architectural elements.

Second stage of watercolor

In the lesson we:

  • work on the distant and middle plans, creating volume and texture of architecture;
  • learn to generalize a complex plot to avoid overload and preserve expressiveness;
  • consolidate the technique of light painting with a plastic card to achieve spontaneity and liveliness.

Work completion

In the lesson we:

  • master aerial perspective techniques, conveying depth and space with color;
  • paint the foreground and reflect soft night light glints in the water.

Block 8. Wrapping Up

Our big journey is coming to an end. Each new topic is a step forward, experiments, and discovering new facets within yourself. Now is the perfect time to look back, see how much you already can do, and feel a true pride in your growth.

«Conclusion»

At the finish line, we sum up the results, and I share a farewell message for your further creative journey.

Course instructor Julia Zilbert

Course expert Julia Zilbert

I've been painting with watercolors since 2017

Ambassador for "Nevskaya Palitra"

Winner of first places at international competitions

Paintings in private collections in Europe, Russia, Greece, and other countries

I take part as a judge in different art projects

Teacher's
artworks

Expert's artworks

Materials for the course

Paper

100% cotton, satin, 300 g/m² (I use Arches and BAOHONG). Preferably A3 size. You can use any fine-grain paper with a smooth surface.

Watercolors

A set of professional watercolors with 24 or 36 colors (I use «Nevskaya Palitra»). You can choose any brand at your taste and color.

Brushes

Choose those that are comfortable for you! I find it comfortable to work with flat brushes, so I have many square flat brushes of different sizes (from sable, sable-badger, and synthetic). The size of brushes depends on the paper format: the larger the sheet, the bigger the brushes.

Additional materials

  • Fluffy brushes for makeup (synthetic);
  • Plastic cards with trimmed edges of different sizes;
  • Kneaded eraser, HB pencil;
  • Paper towel or cloth for brushes;
  • Water container;
  • Pad for paper format.

Tariffs

«I Draw It Myself»
  • 6 large-scale paintings
  • 17 lessons: theory + practice + life hacks
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Lifetime access to the course materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
  • > +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
200 $
$ €
SIGN UP
«With Support»
  • 6 large-scale paintings
  • 17 lessons: theory + practice + life hacks
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Lifetime access to the course materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
  • > +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
250 $
$ €
SIGN UP
«VIP»
  • 6 large-scale paintings
  • 17 lessons: theory + practice + life hacks
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Lifetime access to the course materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
  • > +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
500 $
$ €
SIGN UP

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the feedback on my drawing organized?

At the end of the lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will have the opportunity to leave a text, graphic (notes on the drawing), and audio commentaries.

At the bottom of the final lesson, there will be a comments block where you can ask any questions about the training.

If you have a plan without feedback, everything will depend on your personal pace at which you go through the lessons.

For plans with feedback, we actively go through lessons within two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.

Overall, I recommend taking the course at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the process more.

Of course, you should! The course is designed to suit both beginners and experienced artists. We start with simple compositions, gradually moving to more complex ones, so you will have time to get comfortable, practice, and see your progress.

If you already have experience, the course will help deepen your skills, refine your technique, and develop your visual literacy, opening new artistic techniques and possibilities.

This training differs from the traditional school — lessons will always be available in recordings, and you can set your learning schedule as it suits you.

It’s never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they happily draw, develop their skills, creative thinking, and feel younger in soul and mind!

Any questions about the course?

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