What's this course about?

Our course is a unique chance for anyone who wants to master the multilayer watercolor technique and learn how to paint animals expressively.

The course covers all sorts of subjects and types of animals, starting with simple ones and gradually moving on to more complex ones. This way, you can pick up new methods and techniques smoothly, without feeling overwhelmed. We’ll pay special attention to developing your artistic vision and creative thinking.

By analyzing and interpreting images of animals and their surroundings, we’ll learn how to capture not just their appearance, but also their character and emotions. This course will help you unlock your artistic potential, broaden your creative view of nature, and get inspired by the world of living creatures.

Let’s go on this exciting journey through the taiga together and paint 8 amazing portraits of taiga animals!

Who will benefit from this course

This course is great for anyone who wantsto grow in watercolor.

The course structure is designed so that anyone, no matter their skill level, can tackle the tasks and succeed.

Each new lesson builds on the previous one, making it easy and smooth to learn everything step by step.

Course program

Lesson 1

Introduction. What the course is about

In the first lesson of our course, we'll get to know each other a bit better, and I'll tell you what you can expect during the learning process.

Lesson 2

List and overview of materials for the course

In this lesson, I will tell you about the materials we will use during the course and which ones we might need.

In this lesson, we:

  • will understand paper, brushes, and watercolor;
  • will find out where to buy all the materials for the course.

Lesson 3

«Construction Scheme» Exercise

We will start with a simple exercise. We will take a basic drawing scheme using a grid field. During the lesson, you will learn how to create a quality pencil sketch.

Lesson 4

Transferring the Drawing

The feature of watercolor paper is that it is best to apply a ready sketch directly onto it, while all construction and grid division should be done on a similar-sized paper for graphics. We will learn how to transfer a drawing from a rough sketch to a clean version.

Lesson 5

Working with Washes. «Watercolor Animals»

In this lesson, we will thoroughly explore how to work with washes.

Lesson 6

«Soft Touch» Exercise

In this session, we will learn how to create a soft stroke both on wet and dry paper.

Lesson 7

«Color Wheel» Exercise

In this lesson, we will thoroughly examine the working palette, discuss color theory, and the Itten color circle.

Lesson 8

«Wild Wolf»

Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes

So, we are starting our first full painting! We will create an atmospheric scene with a wild wolf!

In this lesson, we:

  • will study the main watercolor technique of the course - «soft touch»;
  • will explore options for constructing an animalistic scene;
  • will learn how to use paint application techniques on both wet and dry surfaces;
  • will understand how to control watercolor paint and possible ways to adjust it.

Lesson 9

«Learning to Work with Erasing»

In this lesson, we will learn how to work with erasing! We will explore how to create light spots on watercolor washes.

Lesson 10

«Wise Owl»

Duration - 3 hours

Did you know that thanks to the structure of owl feathers, their flight is almost silent? In this lesson, we will talk about their plumage and how to depict it in watercolor using various techniques.

In this lesson, we:

  • will learn to use classical watercolor techniques;
  • will work with erasing;
  • will learn to use brushes of different ranges to create textures and attractive details in the scene;
  • will learn to work within a limited color palette.

Lesson 11

«Mighty Bear»

Duration - 3 hours 20 minutes

The bear is a powerful and graceful animal with thick fur and impressive size. Let’s get acquainted with the largest of the predators!

In this lesson, we:

  • will work on the animal's fur on both wet and dry paper;
  • will understand how to create texture in a scene using artistic materials;
  • will use a limited palette that allows for deeper exploration of color mixing theory and practice.

Lesson 12

«Masking Fluid»

In this lesson, we will learn how to work with masking fluid.

We will use a pen, spray bottle, and splattering sticks. We will also explore alternatives to masking.

Lesson 13

«Proud Tiger»

Duration - 3 hours 20 minutes

In this lesson, we will create a portrait of an animal in the moment. We will depict a powerful, proud, and incredibly beautiful tiger!

In this lesson, we:

  • will learn to use masking fluid to preserve white areas in the work;
  • will learn to depict fur;
  • will learn to work with a bright contrasting background;
  • will learn to use dark paint to maintain the atmosphere in the scene.

Lesson 14

«White Hare»

Duration - 2 hours 10 minutes

The hare is known for its long ears and powerful hind legs, which allow it to escape predators quickly. In this lesson, we will create an atmospheric scene with a cute hare in winter.

In this lesson, we:

  • will explore the potential of using whites and white paints to achieve greater realism in the scene;
  • will learn to depict a complex light-colored object on a light background;
  • will consider various combinations for depicting light fur.

Lesson 15

«Pied Pigeon»

Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes

The woodpecker is a bird known for its characteristic tapping on trees. It inhabits forests and parks, where it searches for insects under the bark. Let's draw this interesting and bright bird!

In this lesson, we:

  • will combine two main objects and examine how one influences the other;
  • will use both classical watercolor techniques and additional tricks;
  • will use masking fluid and synthetic brushes for maximum control of paint on paper.

Lesson 16

«Fun Otter»

Duration - 3 hours

In this lesson, I will tell you how to harmoniously incorporate a playful otter into the surrounding atmosphere. We will create an amazing portrait of a fun animal.

In this lesson, we:

  • will learn to work with multiple planes in the painting;
  • will discover how to harmoniously integrate the main character into the surrounding environment;
  • will learn to use «erasing», masking fluid, gouache titanium whites.

Lesson 17

How to Prepare Your Work for Social Media Publishing

In this lesson, I will tell you the main techniques for preparing your work for publication on social media.

Lesson 18

«Noble Deer»

Duration - 3 hours

Let's visit the mysterious deer and see how the noble animal lives in its natural habitat!

In this lesson, we:

  • will learn how to create realistic textures of the deer's antlers using watercolor pencils;
  • will create a mysterious image of the animal with a limited palette;
  • will examine how the environment influences the object.

Lesson 19

Final Course

And so, our exciting journey through the taiga has come to an end! Let's summarize and recall what we have learned!

Course instructorAnna Parshenko

Course instructorAnna Parshenko

Watercolor artist with a degree in education

Winner of international watercolor competitions

Member of the Professional Union of Artists of Russia

Animal paintings are in private collections in Russia, Belarus, the USA, Portugal, Germany, and Poland.

I've been teaching since 2019

Materials

1.Watercolor paints

2.100% Cotton paper, medium grain (Baohong 300 g, A4)

3.Plastic palette

4.Painter's masking tape for fixing the drawing

5.Acrylic glass board

6.Water bucket

7.Dry wipes

8.Graphite pencil, eraser, kneaded eraser

9.A4 tracing paper

10.Hairdryer

11.Masking fluid Pebeo, calligraphy pen with metal tip

12.Brushes

Tariffs

«I Draw It Myself»
  • 8 portraits of taiga animals
  • 19 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 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 materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
200 $
$
«With Support»
  • 8 portraits of taiga animals
  • 19 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 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 materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
250 $
$
«VIP»
  • 8 portraits of taiga animals
  • 19 lessons: theory + practice + skill-building exercises
  • 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 materials
  • Artworks analysis for 60 days
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
500 $
$

Frequently Asked Questions

I have no drawing skills at all. I always thought I was not talented. Should I take the course?

Even if you believe you have no talent and have never drawn before, the course will be beneficial for you. It’s important to remember that talent is not something people are born with. Drawing is a skill that can be developed and improved through practice and learning.

The course is designed considering different levels of preparation, including beginners.

If you choose a plan without feedback, everything will depend on your personal pace as you go through the lessons.

With feedback plans, 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!

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), and audio commentaries on your work.

There will be a comment block at the bottom of each lesson where you can ask any questions related to the training.

Do you have any questions about the course?

Contact us on Telegram

Telegram

Contact us on WhatsApp

WhatsApp