What the course is about

This course is all about capturing those magical moments of the day—sunrises and sunsets. We’ll dive into how to really show the vibe of these special times, using color palettes and light effects.

Each lesson will help you get better at creating light, airy pieces while still keeping all the detail and depth you need.

In this course, we’ll explore different watercolor techniques, painting both wet-on-wet and dry-on-dry. We’ll also be on the lookout for cool textures and effects that’ll give your artwork its own unique vibe and expressiveness.

Who this course is for

This course is for you if you're looking for inspiration to create your own series of artworks. New skills will help you capture the beauty of sunrises and sunsets and share the vibe of these special moments of the day.

You'll level up your art skills and also learn how to play around with textures and shades of light.

This course is perfect for both beginners and more experienced artists who want to dive deeper into their skills and pick up some new techniques.

Course program

Lesson 1

Getting to know your teacher

A little hello and getting to know your teacher.

Lesson 2

Materials List

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

Lesson 3

«Moscow Awakening»

Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes

We will start our course with a morning cityscape. Depict the sunrise in the capital and learn to convey the lightness of the morning.

You will learn:

  • to convey the thickness of the air and fog;
  • to select gentle colors for the dawn;
  • to choose different touches for various plans;
  • to convey reflection and slight ripples on the water.

Lesson 4

«Gondolier»

Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes

In this lesson, we will depict a romantic scene in a pearl-tone palette and learn to draw a sunbeam.

You will learn:

  • detailed work on the gondolier boat;
  • to simplify complex architecture;
  • to convey the silhouette of the sun with soft edges;
  • to depict different plans;
  • to work with water.

Lesson 5

«Prague Outlines in the Fog»

Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes

This lesson will focus on working with quite complex ancient architecture. We will create a vivid landscape using a limited palette.

You will learn:

  • to convey fog and bright sunlight;
  • to work with a small number of colors;
  • to build complex architecture;
  • not to overload the painting with details.

Lesson 6

Top 5 Mistakes in Urban Landscape

In this lesson, I will talk about the most common mistakes in working with urban landscapes. The focus will be on sunsets and sunrises.

Lesson 7

«Winter Silence»

Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

Let's convey the beauty of simple architecture and focus on the frosty air.

You will learn:

  • to convey the effect of glow;
  • to select colors for snowy roofs;
  • to build architecture from a bird's-eye view;
  • to find proportions;
  • to think ahead about your actions.

Lesson 8

«Bright Sunrise in Moscow»

Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes

In this work, we will face a quite complex sky. We will try to depict not only the sun disk but also the movement of clouds.

You will learn:

  • to compose the scene skillfully;
  • to work with plans;
  • to convey volume;
  • to layer the sky in several layers;
  • to depict different lighting conditions.

Lesson 9

«Misty Sunset»

Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes

In this work, we will practice drawing the city into the fog and depict a rich sunset sky.

You will learn:

  • to depict a bright orange-red sky and cold lilac fog;
  • to convey overexposed clouds;
  • to draw wires and streetlights;
  • to control brush pressure and line thickness.

Lesson 10

Workshop Overview

In this lesson, I will show you my studio, tell about my workspace, and share tips on how to organize it better.

Lesson 11

«Morning by the Kremlin Wall»

Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes

Let's learn to convey the atmosphere of early morning in Moscow. In this lesson, we will work on a detailed scene from a bird's-eye view.

You will learn:

  • to work on architecture, trees, and a large crowd;
  • to convey morning mist, soft light, and transparent shadows;
  • to create a sense of light in the work;
  • to work with aerial perspective.

Lesson 12

«San Marco Square»

Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

The final scene of our course will be a Venice square illuminated by a lantern and a gentle sunset.

You will learn:

  • to draw complex architecture;
  • to depict a gentle sunset;
  • to choose the right colors and touches;
  • to convey the texture of the wet embankment.

Lesson 13

«Course Conclusions»

Our course has come to an end. Let's summarize it and listen to some words of encouragement for further creative development!

Course instructor Olga Kabaeva

Course Expert Olga Kabaeva

Watercolor artist

I've been teaching watercolor since 2016

Graduated from Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Art and Industry Academy and the Repin Academy of Arts with a degree in architecture

Took part in lots of exhibitions

I work in my own studio and run workshops

Materials

1. Watercolor paints, a standard palette of 24-36 colors (I use the Nevskaya Palette, but you can go with any professional set);

2. Big round squirrel brush with a sharp tip (main one);

3. A fine brush for details (weasel/squirrel/synthetic);

4. A big flat weasel brush (optional);

5. Small flat synthetic brush;

6. Titanium white (gouache/tempera);

7. Masking fluid;

8. Paper: cotton, 70-100%

9. Drawing board;

10. Masking tape;

11. Pencil H-B;

12. Eraser.

Tariffs

«I Draw It Myself»
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 8 stunning landscapes
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials with no time limits
  • We'll check your artworks and answer your questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
200 $
$
«With Support»
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 8 stunning landscapes
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials with no time limits
  • We'll check your artworks and answer your questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
250 $
$
«VIP»
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 8 stunning landscapes
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
  • Access to course materials with no time limits
  • We'll check your artworks and answer your questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course.
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
500 $
$

Frequently Asked Questions

«I have no drawing skills at all. Should I take the course?»

«Absolutely! The course is designed so that it starts with simple paintings and gradually moves to more complex ones, so you'll be able to immerse yourself in the process and achieve high results!»

«The course will also be beneficial for experienced artists. You can further refine your technique and expand your visual experience.»

«At the end of each lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will have the opportunity to leave a text, graphic (notes on the drawing), or audio comment.»

«Below each lesson, there will be a comments section where you can ask any questions related to the course.»

«If you have a plan without feedback, everything depends on your personal pace as you go through the lessons.»

«For plans with feedback, we actively go through 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.»

«It's never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they happily draw, develop their skills, enhance their creative thinking, and feel younger in soul and mind!»

Do you have any questions about the course?

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