BigWatercolor Summer GardenCourse with Elena Vavilina

Lesson 1. Meet the instructor

In this lesson I'll tell you a bit about myself and my watercolor journey, what inspires me when I work with color, light, and atmosphere. You'll learn what to expect from the course, which techniques we'll study, and which stories we'll create on paper.

Lesson 2. Materials Overview for Course

In this lesson we'll go through all the materials in detail so you can comfortably and effectively follow the course.

Lesson 3. Mistakes Are Part of Artist's Journey

In this lesson I'll share my most valuable mistakes — the ones that helped me grow, find my way, and gain confidence in watercolor. An honest talk about what really shapes an artist.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Sky: Light, Air and Clouds

In this lesson you'll learn to paint the sky in all its moods — from light clouds to vivid sunsets. We'll cover wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, how to blend cool and warm tones without making them muddy, and how to shape brushwork so the sky looks alive, voluminous, and filled with light.

Lesson 5. Let's draw a sketch

In this lesson we will:

• place objects on the page in a balanced, harmonious way;
• learn to convey proportions and perspective of simple objects;
• plan the light-and-shadow solution already at the sketch stage;
• start preparing the base for expressive watercolor washes.

Lesson 6. Washes

In this lesson we will:

• choose harmonious color combinations;
• convey texture and the character of objects with watercolor.

Lesson 7. Watercolor part

In this lesson we will:

• step-by-step paint the main objects — the wheelbarrow, geraniums, and watering can;
• learn to work with midtones and reflections to convey volume and material;
• add light accents that create the feeling of sun and air.

Lesson 8. Final accents

In this lesson we will:

• place the final strokes to strengthen the compositional center;
• emphasize contrasts of light and shadow to make the piece sing more;
• add small details and textures to give a sense of completion.

Lesson 9. Let's draw a sketch

In this lesson we will:

• cover composition and the rule of thirds;
• construct the bicycle form while keeping correct proportions.

Lesson 10. Washes

In this lesson we will:

• block in the background wet-on-wet and add soft shadows;
• establish the overall color mood of the scene — warm, with light playing on the wall and in the flowers.

Lesson 11. Watercolor part

In this lesson we will:

• define the bicycle's form, highlighting curves and metallic shine;
• detail the flowers, adding painterly accents of violet, pink, and green;
• work from general to specific, refining volume and texture.

Lesson 12. Final accents

In this lesson we will:

• add highlights and contrasts to emphasize depth and space;
• indicate veins, glints, and flower petals with light brush touches;
• balance the composition and place final accents.

Lesson 13. Let's draw a sketch

In this lesson we will:

• work out the scene layout on the page and the rule of thirds;
• study the basics of constructing the human figure in space.

Lesson 14. Washes

In this lesson we will:

• work wet-on-wet to convey aerial perspective and garden depth;
• set the overall tone and color mood of the scene — warm, golden, with soft autumn light.

Lesson 15. Watercolor part

In this lesson we will:

• develop the clothing and hair of the figure, adding soft light reflections;
• learn to make the main subject stand out using value and color contrasts.

Lesson 16. Final accents

In this lesson we will:

• refine silhouettes, enhance light and depth;
• add highlights to the apples and soft shadows under the basket;
• accent the mood of a quiet autumn day filled with warmth and light.

Lesson 17. Let's draw a sketch

In this lesson we will:

• construct objects with perspective in mind;
• learn to compose the scene on the page properly;
• find harmonious proportions and balance in the composition.

Lesson 18. Washes

In this lesson we will:

• create a soft background and the atmosphere of a sunny day using wet-on-wet techniques;
• establish the main areas of color and light, laying the tonal foundation for the whole composition;
• learn to keep colors clean and avoid muddy transitions in large washes.

Lesson 19. Watercolor part

In this lesson we will:

• work on the chair and table, conveying the texture of wood and fabric;
• add details — the bouquet on the table, the cage, and the play of glints and reflections.

Lesson 20. Final accents

In this lesson we will:

• strengthen compositional and color accents, highlighting the main point of the scene;
• add light strokes and textures to enliven the painting's space.

Lesson 21. Let's draw a sketch

In this lesson we will:

• determine the placement of the bridge, trees, and floral accents on the page;
• construct architectural forms with perspective and proportion in mind;
• create a light, expressive pencil sketch as the foundation for the future composition.

Lesson 22. Washes

In this lesson we will:

• build a background wet-on-wet, setting a soft sky and distant planes;
• learn to work with transparent layers to convey air and depth.

Lesson 23. Watercolor part

In this lesson we will:

• paint the main elements: the bridge, foliage, water, and flowers;
• combine wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques to convey light and texture;
• create smooth transitions and a convincing sense of space.

Lesson 24. Final accents

In this lesson we will:

• enhance contrasts and light reflections to add expressiveness to the composition;
• achieve cohesion and lightness while preserving the watercolor's transparency.

Lesson 25. Course finale

In our final class we'll summarize the course. We'll remember how far we've come — from the first strokes to complex, multi-layered scenes. We've learned to see light, color, texture, and mood in every landscape.