European Citieswith Vladimir Ivanov
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You can start learning right after you pay
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You get lifetime access to the course
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5 paintings22 hours of painting
What the course is about
This course is all about realism in the little details and tiny things. Building on the classic painting school, we’ll be creating pieces that really stand out from the usual watercolor style. By trying out different tricks, extra materials, and techniques, we’ll learn not just how to capture a mood, but also how to make paintings that look as close to real life as possible.
In this course, we’ll cover the basics of painting: color and tone relationships, perspective, and composition. We’ll learn how to use references the right way or even create our own scenes based on them.
Who is this course for:
This course is mainly for those of you who already know a bit about watercolor and have at least some experience. It’s especially great if you want to get the hang of multilayer watercolor: we’ll start with the first wet-on-wet layers, and then add details with dry techniques. We’ll be using masking fluid a lot, which lets you mix watercolor and oil painting tricks that you’d think just don’t go together. Your paintings will look realistic, but not like photos.
Course program
Block 1. Theory
In this block you will meet the instructor, learn which materials are needed for the course, and review the principles and sequence of working in watercolor painting.
Lesson 1. Greeting
In this lesson we will get acquainted, and I will tell you what awaits you in the course.
Lesson 2. Recommended materials
We will talk about the materials you will need to work on the course.
Lesson 3. Principles of working with watercolor
In this lesson I will talk about the principles of working in watercolor painting, as well as the features of my works and how my approach differs from the classical one.
Lesson 4. The artist’s path
In this lesson you will get to know my personal style better, and I will explain why I chose the style of realism.
Block 2. «Parisian Balcony»
You open the door and see a cozy table on a balcony with flowers. Here you are going to enjoy a cup of tea while watching the lively street of Paris. This moment is filled with a special mood and romance that we will learn to convey on paper.
Duration ~ 3 hours 40 minutes
Pencil drawing
In this lesson we will make a pencil construction based on a reference to prepare the foundation for further work with color.
Applying mask and preparing the paper for further work
We will apply masking fluid to small details. Then, working wet-on-wet, we will prepare the paper for subsequent layers of paint. Again we will use masking fluid to protect the glossy surfaces.
Painting the background
In this lesson you will learn:
- to create a tonal base for the entire watercolor work;
- to create atmospheric perspective in landscapes with a pronounced foreground.
Painting the foreground and working out the details
In this lesson you will learn:
- to softly integrate the foreground into the surrounding background so that it harmonizes with the background;
- to paint light cool reflections on a warm dense background, using the example of the table surface.
Block 3. «Spring Hills of Zurich»
In this lesson we will go on an exciting journey through the hills of Zurich. You will see majestic peaks, mysterious forests, and secluded houses scattered along a winding road. We will learn to create a landscape filled with depth and space.
Duration ~ 3 hours 50 minutes
Pencil drawing
In this lesson we will analyze the reference and create a pencil construction based on it. You will learn to improve and complement the reference by changing details to create a more expressive composition.
Preparing the paper for further work
We will prepare the paper wet-on-wet and dry for further work and apply masking fluid.
Painting the background
In this lesson you will learn to paint atmospheric perspective and how to create the effect of a distant background to give depth to the painting.
Painting the middle and foreground
In this lesson you will learn to paint grass, trees, and shadows, giving them realism and volume.
Block 4. «Evening Amsterdam»
We go on a picturesque journey along a Dutch canal at sunset. The lanterns are already lit, and the evening sky is reflected in the calm water, creating a charming atmosphere.
Duration ~ 4 hours 10 minutes
Pencil drawing
In this lesson we will create a pencil construction based on the reference for further work with color. We will also apply masking fluid to some details of the sketch.
Preparing the paper for further work
We will prepare the paper, working both wet-on-wet and dry, to convey twilight through halftones. Then we will apply masking fluid again to protect certain areas.
Painting the background
In this lesson you will learn:
- to create tree crowns with a special technique;
- to work with atmospheric perspective, paint the building facade and other details;
- to convey the glow of lanterns, creating a magical evening feeling.
Painting the middle and foreground
In this lesson you will learn:
- to properly depict the reflections of objects in the water;
- to create soft waves, giving your work a subtle sense of motion.
Block 5. «Fairy Tale Castles of Edinburgh»
It’s time to go to the heart of ancient Edinburgh. Among the majestic buildings resembling fairy-tale castles and the calm body of water in front of them, we will learn to convey the mood of the place and the feeling of time captured in these ancient walls.In this lesson you will learn to convey the unique spirit of architecture, creating paintings that transport the viewer to the past.
Duration ~ 5 hours 20 minutes
Pencil drawing
In the lesson you will make a sketch using several references. You will not simply copy them, but create your own story based on them. We will also apply masking fluid to some elements of the sketch.
Painting the background
We will create a blue sky with clouds. You will learn to work with cool and warm tones to convey warm sunlight on the buildings.
Painting the middle ground
In the lesson you will lay the color base dry, starting with large color spots. Then continue working with cool and warm tones to convey lighting and create brick texture on building facades.
Painting the foreground and adding details
In this lesson you will learn:
- to use masking fluid in several layers to create realistic grass texture;
- to add shadows and illuminated areas of greenery to enhance depth and realism.
Block 6. «Romance of the Port City»
Today we go to the picturesque city of Porto to create a painting of a bright sunny day. Everything around is bathed in warm sunlight, and we will learn to convey this atmosphere on paper.
Duration ~ 4 hours 20 minutes
Pencil drawing
In the lesson you will make a sketch, highlight the main elements of the composition, softly integrate secondary elements and apply masking fluid to some details of the sketch.
Painting the background
We will paint the sky wet-on-wet, set the general tone of our work, draw the silhouette of the mountain, and apply masking fluid to some elements of the drawing.
Painting the middle ground
In this lesson we will detail the water, the pier, the silhouettes of people and ships, working dry, and add the necessary details.
Painting the foreground and adding details
In this lesson you will learn:
- to create warm lighting by combining warm and cool tones;
- to depict glowing leaves and the texture of stones using correct light and tonal relationships.
Block 7. «Course Summary»
We have completed all the works and now we will discuss the results, summarize the path we have taken, and outline the next steps.
«Closing Words»
Here we are at the finish line! I want to thank everyone for your diligence and give you some parting words for your further creative journey, as well as discuss the main results and discoveries of the course.
Course instructorVladimir Ivanov
- I've been teaching painting since 2015 and running workshops since 2019
- Since 2017, I've been honing my skills at Mikhail Satarov's painting school
- Took part in lots of exhibitions
Teacher's artworks
Materials for the course:
- Paper, 100% cotton, 300 g, 180/130, preferably (but not critically) smooth-textured paper, I do not recommend coarse-grained paper (I use smooth Saunders Waterford paper in the course).
- Paints professional, 24–36 colors(in the course I use Sennelier and Van Gogh paints)
- Brushes
- Masking silicone fluid (preferably not white, but tinted in some shade)
- Ruling pen
- Pencil, eraser (or kneaded eraser)
- Drawing board, painter’s tape
- Paper towels
- Jar for water
Tariffs
- 5 European landscapes with detailed rendering
- 15 lessons: theory + practice + art 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
- 5 European landscapes with detailed rendering
- 15 lessons: theory + practice + art 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
- 5 European landscapes with detailed rendering
- 15 lessons: theory + practice + art 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
Frequently Asked Questions
- I can’t draw at all. I’ve always thought I have no talent. Should I take the course?
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This course is more suitable for those who already have watercolor painting skills. The course paintings are quite long and detailed, and the instructor carefully explains each stage so the student can master the material and practice it.
So if you are ready to work with watercolor in layers, and want to improve your artistic skills to feel watercolor more deeply — welcome to the course!
- How does the feedback work?
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At the end of the lesson you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will be able to leave a text comment, graphical notes (marks on the drawing), and also an audio comment.
At the bottom of each lesson there is a comment block where you can ask any questions about the training.
- How long does the training take?
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If you have a plan without feedback, it all depends on your own pace at which you go through the lessons.
On plans with feedback we actively go through the lessons for two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.
In general, I recommend taking the course slowly. Enjoy the process more.
- What if I miss a lesson?
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This training is different from a classic school — the lessons will always be available as recordings, and you can create your own schedule as you like.
- I’m already over 60. Can I still learn to paint like this?
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It’s never too late to learn to paint. In our school, 30% of the students are over 50. And they enjoy painting! So we also welcome you to our course if you have some basic watercolor painting skills.
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