Botanyand Fairy Tale Characterswith Elizaveta Volgina
- 7 magical watercolor illustrations inspired by Slavic culture
- Botany with elements of national fairy tale style
- Wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques, soft gradients, and tiny brush hatching
Material: watercolor
Number of paintings: 7
Course length: 18 hours
Access: lifetime
What the course is about
This course is dedicated to the beauty of Russian traditional culture with elements of botanical illustration, as well as mythology and fairy tales. In this course we will get to know magical creatures closely, painting them on a white sheet of paper armed with a brush and paints.
The watercolor technique is capable of a lot, and I try to push the boundaries of this amazing medium. Since my experience is based on academic knowledge, my teaching method also includes all the most important basic aspects of understanding watercolor. On the course, you will also master complex technical techniques and my own methods that I have refined over years of working with the medium.
Step by step you will learn more about botanical illustration, Russian culture, and its amazing mythological heroes.
On the course we will get acquainted with such a material as tempera white paint. We will also learn to combine the techniques «wet-on-wet» and «dry-on-dry», work with soft gradients and miniature brush hatching.
Who this course is for:
The course will be useful for absolutely any creative person regardless of level and skills. Beginners will feel like real professionals, and those already familiar with the technique will discover many new approaches.
In the course we will master the basic skills of the watercolor technique, as well as study interesting author’s methods and techniques that will help make your work individual and inspiring.
The course is for you if you want to immerse yourself in the world of fairy-tale creatures and learn to depict them in detail and effectively.
Course program:
Lesson 1
Introduction to the teacher
In this lesson I will tell you a little about myself, and you will also learn in more detail what awaits you in the course.
Lesson 2
Materials list
In this lesson I will tell you about the materials we will use in the course and those we might need.
Lesson 3
Soft wash techniques
In this lesson we will examine the main techniques of painting soft washes.
Lesson 4
«Amanita Mushrooms»
Duration – 2 hours 20 minutes
In the depths of a dense forest grew amanita mushrooms — red caps covered with white stars. They stood on snow-white stalks, like little fairy hats glowing in the shade of the trees. These unusual mushrooms will become the first work in our fairy-tale course.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to choose the format of the composition and color palette;
- to create the overall composition with further refinement in pencil;
- to work with paints;
- to work on the details.
Lesson 5
«Sirin»
Duration – 3 hours 10 minutes
In ancient forests, where time seems to have stopped, dwells a mysterious creature — the bird Sirin. Her feathers shimmer with all shades of emerald and gold, giving the impression that she herself radiates light. In Russian legends, Sirin, descending from paradise to earth, enchants people with her singing. In this lesson we will depict the bird-maiden from mythology.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to outline the general composition;
- to render the texture of feathers;
- to paint the headdress and embroidery;
- to draw in pencil with a general tone;
- to gradually refine the details.
Lesson 6
«Leshy»
Duration – 2 hours 25 minutes
Leshy — a mysterious forest spirit, his eyes sparkle like emeralds, full of ancient wisdom and playful danger. His beard is gray and thick, and a cap of leaves and branches blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature. In this lesson we will depict this enigmatic guardian of the forest.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to find a compositional spot;
- to create a face in watercolor;
- to select harmonious shades and use an overall color palette;
- to think through some costume details;
- to work with details and create a finished image.
Lesson 7
How to unleash your imagination and free the artist within
In this lesson I will tell you about lifehacks that will help you overcome creative blocks and develop creative thinking. I will also share methods that will inspire you to create unique works of art — whether it be painting, drawing, or other forms of self-expression.
Lesson 8
«Mermaid»
Duration – 2 hours 35 minutes
The mermaid is a mysterious creature that emerged from the depths of the ocean. Her long hair flows like seaweed when she appears on the surface, and her fish tail sparkles in the sunlight. In this lesson we will draw the mermaid — the keeper of sea secrets, whose beauty is both captivating and dangerous.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to invent a fairy-tale character and find a pose;
- to create an overall composition with further refinement in pencil;
- to work with different textures and create all sorts of details;
- to retouch the illustration and add accents;
- to add botanical decorative elements.
Lesson 9
«Tsarevna»
Duration – 3 hours 35 minutes
In this lesson of our fairy-tale course we will draw the profile of the tsarevna. She embodies dreams and hopes, bringing those around her a sense of magic and beauty.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to outline the general composition with further refinement in pencil;
- to create a profile and design a beautiful headdress;
- to work with skin texture and create details (freckles, blush, moles);
- to create various fabric textures;
- to add flowers and grasses to decorate the composition.
Lesson 10
«Gooseberries and Lilac»
Duration – 2 hours 10 minutes
In this lesson we will create a magical bouquet — of bright gooseberries and delicate lilac blossoms, surrounded by the gentle dance of a butterfly.
In this lesson you will learn:
- to choose the format of the composition;
- to create the overall composition with further refinement in pencil;
- to work on the details of the berries and leaves.
Lesson 11
«Wreath»
Duration – 1 hour 40 minutes
In this lesson, together with this brave little mouse, we will draw a wonderful wreath woven of delicate flowers. Let’s dive into this creative process together and create a wreath that sparkles like the morning sun, reminding us of the beauty of every moment!
In this lesson you will learn:
- to choose a color palette by testing different shades in search of the right one;
- to wet along the contour of the image and gradually introduce tone;
- to work with the plant surroundings starting from the space around the mouse.
Lesson 12
Final of the course
Our creative journey has come to an end! Let’s recall what we have learned and listen to some parting words for future creative victories!
Teacher Elizaveta Volgina
- Member of the Botanical Artists Communities of Russia and England
- Graduated from the Repin Academy of Arts
- Exhibited at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art in London at Kew Gardens
- Representative of the Sennelier art supplies brand
Teacher's artworks
Materials for the course:
- Pencil
- Kneaded eraser or rubber
- Drawing board or foam board or cardboard
- Paper tape
- Paper «Hahnemuhle William Turner» or any other cotton watercolor paper
- Paper «Nevskaya Palitra» 300 g 100% cotton, medium grain round format or any other cotton watercolor paper
- Paper «Ladoga» 100% cotton 300g or any other cotton paper
- Paints
- Brushes
Tariffs
- 7 magical illustrations
- 12 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
- 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 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
- 7 magical illustrations
- 12 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
- 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 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
- 7 magical illustrations
- 12 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
- 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 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. Should I take the course?
-
Of course you should! The course is designed so that you start with simple paintings and then move on to more complex ones, so you’ll have time to ease into the process and achieve great results!
For experienced artists the course will also be useful. You’ll be able to refine your technique even more and broaden your artistic vision.
- How does feedback work?
-
At the end of the lesson you’ll upload a photo of your work. The instructor will be able to leave a text, graphic (marks on the drawing), or audio comment on your work.
At the bottom of each lesson there will be a comments block where you can ask any questions about the training.
- How much time will the course take?
-
If you’re on the plan without feedback, it all depends on your personal pace at which you go through the lessons.
On plans with feedback we actively go through the lessons over the course of two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.
In general, I recommend taking the course without rushing. Enjoy the process more.
- I’m 67 years old, will I be able to learn to draw such illustrations in the course?
-
It’s never too late to learn to draw. In our school 30% of students are over 50. And they joyfully paint, develop their skills, creative thinking, and stay young in heart and mind!
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