What the course is about

This course is mostly about the “alla prima” technique; we’ll dive into its special features along with my own tips and tricks, so your watercolor paintings will look lively, light, free, and not overloaded. Every subject and every piece we do will show us different sides of this technique.

In this course, we’ll figure out how cotton paper works, what paint consistency to go for, and which brushes to use for different things. We’ll learn how to feel and mix colors, use both simple and complex shades, and get the hang of balancing warm and cool tones to set the right mood—whether it’s foggy or sunny.

Let's also focus on developing our sense of tonal value: it's the difference between light and dark that makes your artwork expressive, gives it depth and clarity, and really brings it to life.

Who is this for
the course is helpful

This course is just right for anyone who's already familiar with watercolor: intermediate level and up, as well as for those who’ve only recently started painting with watercolor.

The lessons are pretty concise, not overloaded, and perfect for anyone who wants to learn the alla prima technique and use it confidently and freely.

Of course, first and foremost, this course is for anyone who wants to learn how to paint mountains in a lively and expressive way!

In practice, we'll learn how to paint mountain ranges in different ways, show reflections in the water, and draw trees and little houses so they fit nicely into the landscape. We'll find the right balance between details and simplicity, so your painting looks complete and harmonious.

Course program:

Lesson 1

Introduction

Welcome to the first lesson of the watercolor course! I’ll tell you a little about myself and share the main recommendations for taking the course.

Lesson 2

List and overview of materials for the course

In this lesson we’ll get acquainted with the materials we’ll need for the course.

Lesson 3

«Altai»

Duration - 1 hour

In this lesson we’ll go to Altai — majestic and inaccessible! We’ll paint the reflection of snowy peaks in the calm surface of a mountain lake and try to convey the character of the ancient mountains and silence.

In this lesson we’ll learn to:

  • use simple techniques to show the volume of mountains in two steps;
  • use a simple technique for depicting reflections in calm water;
  • apply the laws of aerial perspective to convey depth of space;
  • depict contrasting lighting.

Lesson 4

«Alps»

Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes

We meet autumn in the Swiss Alps! We’ll paint a scene with clear, slightly frosty air in a cozy village with a stunning view of snowy, characteristic and expressive mountain peaks.

In this lesson we’ll learn to:

  • depict mountain ranges in three steps;
  • use a technique to show autumn trees;
  • work with the balance of detail and generalization.

Lesson 5

«Caucasus»

Duration - 1 hour 20 minutes

In this lesson our mountain journey takes us to the Caucasus. The Caucasus Mountains are young, very dynamic, high and wild. We’ll try to convey their atmosphere and paint a scene of a village lost in the mountains!

In this lesson we’ll learn to:

  • analyze the tonality of mountain ridges, valleys, peaks;
  • use simple techniques to show the volume of mountains;
  • draw houses in perspective and depict them concisely, keeping the balance between detail and generalization.

Lesson 6

«Himalayas»

Duration - 1 hour 10 minutes

The first rays of the sun are just touching the snowy peak, tinting it with a gentle blush. Soon the whole world will be filled with sunlight, but for now the village still sleeps, softly wrapped in the pre-dawn haze. With this romantic and touching scene we’ll finish our course!

In this lesson we’ll learn to:

  • depict mountain ranges in three steps;
  • use simple techniques to convey the volume of mountains and their diverse textures and colors in the rising sun;
  • use techniques for painting a mountain village: where the horizon line is in the mountains, how to see the vanishing point for buildings.

Lesson 7

Conclusion

Our journey has come to an end! During this time we’ve learned to paint different mountains of our world, mastered techniques and methods of correctly constructing mountain ridges, valleys, villages, and also learned to convey mood with watercolor. I wish you creative success! Love the mountains, admire them and until we meet again creatively!

Course instructor Elena Vlasova

Course Expert Elena Vlasova

Professional watercolor artist

Graduated from Lenin Moscow State Pedagogical University and the S. Andriyaka School of Watercolor

I've been teaching watercolor since 2013

Participant and prize-winner of many Russian and international exhibitions and competitions

In fall 2023, I'm releasing a series of books with MIF Publishing, all about different seasons

Materials for the course:

Tariffs

I Draw It Myself
  • 4 watercolor landscapes
  • 7 lessons: theory + practice
  • 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
  • Lifetime access to materials
  • Without a curator’s support
  • > +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
200 $
$

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the training take?

It will all depend on your personal pace at which you go through the lessons.

In general, I recommend taking the course slowly. Enjoy the process more.

It’s never too late to learn to draw. At our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they draw with pleasure, develop their skills, creative thinking, and stay young at heart and mind!

Any questions about the course?

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