[BIG]

4Summer Sea Stories

with Natalia Nesterova
  • BIG is a course format with long and detailed paintings. We paint each picture for 4-6 hours
  • We're painting summer sea landscapes using a multilayer watercolor technique.
  • We'll learn how to capture the beauty of the water's surface, depict the dynamics of water, realistic reflections, azure shores, and stormy conditions

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Training starts right after payment

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Access to the course is lifetime

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Draw online from anywhere in the world

 

What the course is about

This course is made for those who want to extend summer and capture the beauty of sunny sea landscapes with watercolor. We'll be working with a multilayer technique: first, we'll quickly create a base with wet-on-wet, and then we'll dive into details with glazing. The course features long, multilayered works, each taking 4-6 hours.

Who will benefit from the course:

This course is perfect for those who have already mastered the basics of drawing and want to dive deeper into watercolor techniques. Watercolor takes time to practice, which is often hard to achieve in regular training sessions, and that's why this course was created.

The course is perfect for those who want to dedicate time to detailed work on multi-layered landscapes and mastering complex techniques.

 

Course program

Block 1. Introduction

In this block, you will get to know the teacher and prepare the necessary materials for the course.

Lesson 1. Welcome

In this lesson, I will provide the main information about the course.

Lesson 2. Necessary Materials

In this lesson, I will provide a list of materials needed to complete the course.

Block 2. «Yacht»

The snow-white sailboat glides swiftly across the seas, reflections dance on the waves, a light breeze flutters the sails, and soft clouds drift lazily in the sky. The first theme of our course invites creativity—it is filled with movement, freshness, and light.

Lesson duration ~ 3 hours 50 minutes

Creating a Sketch and Applying Masking Fluid

At this stage, we will analyze the reference, create a sketch of the sailboat, and apply masking fluid to specific details of the drawing.

Color Scheme

We will immerse ourselves in the color palette of the scene and determine what shades we need to achieve for this storyline.

Wet-on-Wet Technique

In this lesson, we will start working with watercolor using the wet-on-wet technique.

In the lesson, you will:

  • create a cloudy sky;
  • work on waves using the wet-on-wet technique.

Finalization and Detail Work

We will complete our work on the sailboat and perform final detailing to give our watercolor piece a finished look.

Block 3. «Sunny Storm»

In this lesson, we will be painting an exciting storm under bright sunlight. Waves crashing against rocks, foamy crests, and glimmers of sunlight on the churning water create a dynamic and picturesque scene that will captivate you at first glance.

Lesson duration ~ 5 hours 10 minutes

Creating a Sketch and Applying Masking Fluid

In this lesson, we will analyze the reference, build the composition of the coastline, and apply masking fluid to the necessary areas—both to white sections and colored ones.

Color Palette

We will discuss how to convey a sunny storm using familiar shades by adding light and contrasts.

Wet-on-Wet Technique

We will thoroughly discuss how to create dynamic waves in the background and convey the warmth of sunlight combined with the cold power of the raging sea.

Finalization and Detail Work

Feel how the elements come alive on your sheet and create a work filled with energy. You will embody the full power of a stormy day under the sun.

In the lesson, you will:

  • work in detail on the waves in the background;
  • add texture to the rocks, creating the effect of realistic rocky terrain.

Block 4. «Bounty Bay»

An extraordinary scene awaits you—a turquoise bay near Sevastopol, lovingly referred to by locals as «Bounty Bay» due to its indescribable beauty. Turquoise water, yachts, green slopes, and a steep descent to the sea create a mesmerizing picture filled with sunlight and summer mood. This place seems made to inspire creativity!

Lesson duration ~ 6 hours 10 minutes

Creating a Sketch and Applying Masking Fluid

At this stage, we will analyze the reference, build the composition of the bay, and apply masking fluid to the necessary details of the drawing.

Color Palette

We will determine the suitable shades for creating an expressive watercolor piece.

Painting the Background Wet-on-Wet

Get ready to create your perfect bay! In this lesson, you will learn how to convey the brightness of the water while unveiling the secrets of depicting the sea surface and selecting the right shades.

Finalization and Detail Work

You will immerse yourself in the magic of the Crimean nature and complete the composition with details of the picturesque shore.

In the lesson, you will:

  • create a multi-layered scene taking into account aerial perspective;
  • work on the greenery both wet-on-wet and dry;
  • create one of the brightest bays of Sevastopol.

Block 5. «Summer on the Azov Sea»

In this lesson, you will find a quiet shoreline of the Azov Sea, where, after a storm, the transparent water has left a mirror-like reflection on the sand. You will have a wonderful opportunity to try your hand at creating a complex landscape, where each element complements the atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty.

Lesson duration ~ 4 hours 10 minutes

Creating a Sketch and Applying Masking Fluid

At this stage, we will analyze the reference, build a composition with the shoreline, and apply masking fluid to key details of the drawing.

Color Palette

For this scene, we will use my favorite summer color palettes.

Painting the Background

We will create the effect of light, wispy clouds, and work on the shoreline and greenery in the background.

Finalization and Detail Work

At this stage, we will improve the skill of conveying depth and space.

In the lesson, you will:

  • consolidate the technique of creating complex reflections;
  • convey the state of summer and sunlight.

Block 6. Conclusion

Conclusion

Our sea journey has come to an end, so let’s summarize and consolidate everything you have learned.

 

Instructor

  • Honored Art Worker of Europe, Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Contemporary Arts
  • Membership:
    • Union of Artists of Russia
    • Creative Union of Artists of Russia
    • Union of Watercolorists of Russia
    • Professional Artists' Union
    • International Watercolor Federation
    • Eurasian Art Union
  • I actively participate in competitions and exhibitions: prize-winner and participant of over 100 exhibitions
  • 14 personal exhibitions (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Sevastopol, Simferopol, Krasnodar)
  • Works in private collections in Russia and abroad, in the A.N. Beketov House-Museum (Alushta), Simferopol Art Museum
  • I've been teaching watercolor since 2020.
Natalia Nesterova
 
 

Materials

  • Paper 100% cotton: among the available grades in Russia, I can only recommend Baohong paper, it is optimal to complete the course on Saunders Waterford, Lana, or Arches paper.
  • Paints
  • Brushes  
  • Two water containers (preferably at least 1 liter each)
  • Sennelier masking fluid (or another, fluid enough for applying fine lines)
  • Gauze (or cheesecloth) in 2 layers the size of the pad (if the pad is 30x40, then gauze 60x40 or 30x80)
  • Acrylic sheet board (minimum thickness 3 mm, optimum 4-6 mm).
  • Simple HB pencil for sketching and H for clarifications (the latter is better if it’s automatic).
  • Kneaded eraser, regular eraser.
  • Ruler.
  • Masking tape (preferably 15-17 mm).
  • Utility knife-scalpel.
  • Paper towels.
  • Hair dryer.
 

Tariff

I Draw It Myself

  • 4 large sea paintings
  • 6 blocks: theory + practice + art life hacks
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • "Course Unfreeze" - a chance to start learning at a convenient time
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Without curator support
200 $
$
 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

This course is designed as the third level of difficulty after my courses «I Want to Go to the Sea» and «The Sea in Watercolor».

Since some aspects may be difficult for beginners, I recommend first completing «I Want to Go to the Sea», then «The Sea in Watercolor», and after that continue exploring seascapes in watercolor in this course.

It is never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. They enjoy drawing, developing their skills, creative thinking, and feeling younger in spirit and mind!

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