What’s this course about?

You'll discover the secrets of watercolor that breathes with light and captures the subtlest moods of the city atmosphere. You'll learn to see the city not just as a bunch of buildings, but as a living, breathing place full of shifting light, shadows, and feeling.

You'll pick up some unique watercolor tricks and learn how to capture those fleeting moods of nature and architecture—like the golden glow of the setting sun on wet pavement or that crisp, fresh feeling in the air after a morning rain.

You’ll not only get the hang of watercolor as a tool, but you’ll also learn how to use it confidently to create expressive, painterly pieces. You’ll stop being afraid of a blank page and start creating, sharing your feelings and impressions through the transparency and lightness of watercolor paints.

Who will benefit from this course

For anyone who dreams of capturing the fleeting beauty of a cityscape on paper, for those who want to learn how to catch the light and show it through watercolor layers. If you’re up for experimenting and eager to create pieces full of atmosphere and life, this course is just for you.

Let yourself see the city in a whole new way, feel its rhythm, and capture its soul through the magic of watercolor. Are you ready to spark your inner light and bring it to the canvas?

Course Program

Lesson 1

Getting to Know Your Instructor

In this lesson, we'll get to know each other a bit, and I'll also tell you more about what you can expect from the course.

Lesson 2

List and overview of materials for the course

In this lesson, we will get acquainted with the materials we will need in the course.

Lesson 3

«Sunny corner on the balcony»

Duration - 2 hours

On a sunny day, lush greenery and flowers create a cozy corner on a small balcony. Sunbeams play on the leaves, filling the space with soft light. Everything feels fresh and harmonious. In this lesson, we will immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of peace.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint architectural elements;
  • depict a window with a balcony and flowers;
  • paint shadows both colored and transparent.

Lesson 4

«Old porch»

Duration - 2 hours

An old porch entwined with ivy and a stone staircase bearing the marks of generations invites us into a story of the past. Small windows peer into the world. In this lesson, we will create an atmosphere of warmth and coziness.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint a porch lit by the sun and a door in shadow;
  • work on transparency and detailing of shadows;
  • paint illuminated surfaces by alternating warm and cool shades.

Lesson 5

«Cozy café»

Duration - 1 hour 50 minutes

An evening in a cozy café between houses is an island of calm. Lanterns gently illuminate the space, casting shadows on the walls. The dark sky adds mystery. In this lesson, we will paint this café, where one can forget the city bustle and sink into serenity.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint a late evening and a small café illuminated by lanterns;
  • convey lantern light using contrasts of light and color;
  • alternate different watercolor techniques.

Lesson 6

«Evening in Milan»

Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes

Evening in Milan: lanterns fill the city with soft light, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Historic buildings with rich facades preserve history. In this lesson, we will paint a pedestrian street with lanterns, where details become expressive.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint an evening city after rain;
  • paint lantern light, building illumination, and wet asphalt with reflections of light and figures of people.

Lesson 7

Where do you start when working on an architectural landscape?

In this lesson, I will explain where it is better to start your work in an architectural landscape. With the sky or with the architecture? Let’s figure it out together.

Lesson 8

«City by Lake Como»

Duration - 1 hour 37 minutes

Lake Como is a picturesque place with yacht piers, sun reflections, and greenery. Houses with orange roofs add warmth. A historic tower rises above the city, and a mountain on the horizon reminds us of the power of nature. Let’s create this amazing place.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint a small town on the shore of a lake;
  • work with sunlight and shadows;
  • paint a group of houses with spots of light and shadow, uniting details into a more general and complete impression;
  • practice one of the methods of depicting a water surface.

Lesson 9

«Road to the sea»

Duration - 1 hour 25 minutes

A narrow cobbled street invites for a walk. On both sides are houses with flowers. The street descends to the sea. In this lesson, we will dive into a world of peace and harmony.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint a street leading to the sea;
  • work with a high horizon line;
  • use one of the most effective techniques for depicting sunlight — showing the foreground in shadow.

Lesson 10

«Ancient bridge in Rome»

Duration - 1 hour 50 minutes

In the heart of Rome stands an ancient bridge with arches holding the secrets of the past. On both sides of the bridge, statues stand frozen in eternal watch. In this lesson, we will travel to the amazing city of Rome.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • draw and paint a bridge;
  • distribute light and shadow on the bridge;
  • paint reflections in water.

Lesson 11

Tips from the artist

In this lesson, I will share useful tips that will help you when painting.

Lesson 12

«Sunny morning in Paris»

Duration - 1 hour 20 minutes

A sunny morning in Paris: majestic facades, elegant balconies, and the aroma of coffee and desserts. People stroll unhurriedly, creating a cozy atmosphere. The cityscape is a symphony of feelings and impressions.

In this lesson we will learn to:

  • paint the light in the scene;
  • depict silhouettes of buildings against the sky;
  • paint light gliding across facades and the light morning mist in the city.

Lesson 13

Course finale

Our creative journey has come to an end! During this time, we created eight landscapes with interesting architecture. We explored engaging techniques and learned to convey the atmosphere of urban architecture.

I wish you creative success! Don’t be afraid to be bold and original in your work. See you again!

Course instructor Igor Khaikov

Course Expert Igor Khaikov

Watercolor artist

I’ve been teaching since 2018

I've been drawing for 35 years

Participant in more than 20 national and international exhibitions

Paintings in private and corporate collections in Russia, Europe, Asia, America, New Zealand, and Australia

Teacher’s
artworks

Expert’s artworks

Materials for the course

1. Brushes

list of brushes
  • Flat brush 2.5 cm goat
  • Flat brush 3.5 cm goat
  • Squirrel mix Pinax
  • Calligraphy brush
  • Liner synthetic

2.Paper 26x36. Preferably cotton, 300 gsm. Baohong

3. Paints «White Nights»

list of paints
  • Cadmium Lemon
  • Cadmium Yellow
  • Cadmium Orange
  • Umber
  • Sepia
  • Indigo
  • Sky Blue
  • Cerulean
  • Royal Blue
  • Lavender
  • Mint
  • Ultramarine
  • Green
  • Naples Light Yellow
  • Golden
  • Peach
  • Yellow Ochre
  • Coral
  • Scarlet
  • Purple
  • May Green

4.Masking tape

5.Paper towel

6.White gouache

7.Pencil and eraser

8.Plastic sheet for fixing the paper

9.Two containers of water

10.A hairdryer and masking fluid may come in handy

These are just recommendations, you don’t have to use exactly the same!

Plans

«I Draw It Myself»
  • 8 urban landscapes
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – 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
  • A 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»
  • 8 urban landscapes
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – 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
  • A 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»
  • 8 urban landscapes
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze – 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
  • A 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

I can’t draw at all. I’ve always thought that it’s not for me. I have no talent. Should I take this course?

Even if you think you have no talent and have never drawn before, the course will still be useful for you. It’s important to remember that talent is something all people are born with. Drawing is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and learning.

The course is designed for different levels of preparation, including beginners.

If you have a plan without feedback, it will depend entirely on your personal pace of going through the lessons.

With feedback plans, we actively go through the lessons for two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.

Overall, I recommend taking the course slowly. Enjoy the process more.

It’s never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. They happily draw, develop their skills and creative thinking, and stay young at heart and in mind!

At the end of the lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The teacher will be able to leave a text comment, a graphic comment (notes on the drawing), as well as an audio comment on your work.

At the bottom of each lesson, there will be a comment section where you can ask any questions about the training.

Feedback

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