What the course is about

This course is all about winter impressions. I picked out some scenes that will get you inspired by the winter vibe and help you level up your watercolor skills. The program includes not just favorite still lifes, but also some landscape and animal art elements. We’ll be using the whole range of watercolor techniques: working wet-on-wet, closed transparent washes, creating textures, and playing around with salt effects.

We’ll pay special attention to composition: I’ll walk you through exactly how and why I change references, what I add, and why I do it. This will help you feel more confident when choosing and interpreting your source images.

The main theme of the course is all about those special moments that only winter can give you: squinting at the snow on a sunny, frosty day, admiring the blue shadows, skating and sledding, sitting by a campfire in a snowy forest, or just watching the snow-covered rooftops from a warm, cozy room.

Who this course is for

For anyone who wants to level up their watercolor skills and try out some new techniques

For artists who want to feel more confident choosing and interpreting references

For everyone who loves winter and wants to capture its vibe in their art

For anyone who wants to learn how to create harmonious compositions and work with different textures

For artists looking for inspiration and the joy of creating beautiful scenes

Course program

Lesson 1

Introduction

Introduction to the teacher. General course information.

Lesson 2

Overview of course materials

In this lesson, you will learn which materials are needed for successful course completion.

Lesson 3

«Winter Melody with a Vintage Touch»

Lesson duration ~ 2 hours

We learn to create a winter composition with vintage charm: drawing old skates that hold memories of frosty evenings. This lesson will be an opportunity to experiment with details, textures, and compositional solutions.

In the lesson you will:

  • analyze the compositional solution of the work;
  • learn to convey the texture and color of firewood;
  • paint galvanized buckets using smooth washes;
  • understand how to convey the shape and features of skates;
  • master the wet-on-wet technique.

Lesson 4

«Sunny Walk of the Fox»

Lesson duration ~ 2 hours

In this scene we will draw a fox gracefully walking across endless snowy fields. In the lesson, you will learn to convey the sense of space, the play of light and shadow, as well as emphasize color harmony typical of a sunny winter day.

In the lesson you will:

  • learn about lighting features;
  • learn to paint the fox’s bright fur;
  • master wash and glazing techniques;
  • paint a light snowy landscape and create the feeling of a sunny winter day.

Lesson 5

«A Window into Snowy Silence»

Lesson duration ~ 1 hour 50 minutes

In this lesson, we will paint a window overlooking an endless snowy world. Through the glass, you can see the snow-covered roof of a village house, fluffy snowdrifts, and thin frosty air filled with winter silence.

In the lesson you will:

  • learn how to work with a reference, modify and supplement it to create a complete composition;
  • learn to build plans in your work and use techniques: wet-on-wet, closed washes, and wiping method;
  • master painting glass and objects in backlighting;
  • study the subtleties of composition building and various watercolor techniques for depicting a window.

Lesson 6

«Winter Pause by the Fire»

Lesson duration ~ 1 hour 50 minutes

This scene reminds of winter trips to nature, when frosty air mixes with the smell of smoke and hot tea, and the crackle of the fire warms not only your hands but also your soul.

In the lesson you will:

  • pay special attention to composition and learn how to combine two references into one harmonious and impressive picture;
  • learn to paint light and fire flames, convey the texture of firewood and the color of a burning fire;
  • master the use of a wet background to highlight the middle ground;
  • consolidate wash techniques and wet-on-wet painting.

Lesson 7

Course conclusions

Our course has come to an end. Let’s summarize and hear some guidance for further creative development!

Course instructorNina Orlova

Course expertNina Orlova

I've painted over 400 pictures

I've taught over 2,000 students

I've been teaching drawing classes since 2015

Graduated from the Faculty of Applied Arts at the A. N. Kosygin Textile University

Worked with Faber Castell as an artist and a teacher for kids’ workshops

Took part in lots of exhibitions

Teacher's
artworks

Expert's
artworks

Materials for the course

1.Watercolor paper 100% cotton, 300gsm, size A3 (I use Baohong).

2.Professional watercolor paints, set of 36 colors.

Additional colors

May also be needed (if not included in the set or use their analogs):

  • Opera pink (neon pink);
  • Violet-pink (quinacridone pink can be used);
  • Cerulean;
  • Payne’s gray;
  • Grass green.

3.Various brushes, whichever you usually use.

Recommended brushes
  • Round squirrel imitation brushes No. 3, 6, 9 or calligraphy brushes from goat, wolf (large, medium and with a fine tip for details)
  • Flat goat brushes 3 mm, 5 mm (optional)
  • A simple large flat brush 7 cm for wetting the sheet (bristle is also fine)
  • Eraser brush: stiff synthetic brush 1 cm (important: the bristles must be very firm)

4.Plastic board for A3 sheet

5.Any white palette convenient for you. A ceramic plate can be used.

6.Tape

7.Paper towels

8.Jars for water

9.Medium-grain salt.

Tariffs

«I Draw It Myself»
  • 4 Winter Impressions artworks
  • 7 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
200 $
$ €
SIGN UP
«With Support»
  • 4 Winter Impressions artworks
  • 7 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
250 $
$ €
SIGN UP
«VIP»
  • 4 Winter Impressions artworks
  • 7 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
500 $
$ €
SIGN UP

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t draw at all. I always thought I wasn’t capable. No talent. Should I still join the course?

Of course! Everyone can draw! It’s just a skill that develops with practice.

Our course is built from simple to complex so that anyone can take it, even with no prior experience.

During the course, you will gradually, through practice while creating the course paintings, get the hang of it and learn how to draw.

At the end of the lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The teacher will be able to leave text, graphic (marks on the drawing), and audio comments on your work.

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

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

On plans with feedback, we actively go through the 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.

This training is different from traditional school — the lessons will always be available in recordings, and you can schedule your learning 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 enjoy drawing! So we also welcome you to our course, especially if you already have some basic watercolor painting skills.

Didn't find the answer to your question?

Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram.

Telegram
WhatsApp