The Watercolorist's Mindset a course with Olga Ovtina

In this lesson we'll learn:

• work with just three colors and get rich, varied hues from them;
• mix colors so they stay "alive" rather than muddy;
• see which complementary colors strengthen the atmosphere;
• choose color combinations to match the mood of a landscape;
• create two different landscapes through color, not detail.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• think through your painting before you start;
• convey the transparency of glass using tones and contrast;
• paint flowers in a single layer, keeping the color fresh and vibrant;
• work with hints and suggestion, preserving the lightness of the image;
• create a feeling of fragility, light, and air.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• plan the stages of your work and choose a palette for the still life;
• understand what reflected light is and how it affects the color of objects;
• find the right shadow tones on white dishes in sunlight;
• convey colorful reflections while keeping the objects white;
• create the feeling of a calm, sunny morning.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• build your work in layers, starting with the dark areas;
• convey the volume and transparency of berries through varying paint density;
• keep the red color saturated at every stage of the painting;
• simplify a complex scene using color and value;
• convey the sense of transparent glass, light, and highlights.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• determine the sequence of washes in a complex seascape;
• plan ahead which areas need to be left white;
• work with large areas of light and shadow;
• convey sunlight, the transparency of water, and depth of space;
• bring all the elements together into a unified composition.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• plan the sequence of steps for a winter landscape;
• reposition elements to strengthen the composition;
• use the white of the paper to convey freshly fallen snow;
• create a winter-day atmosphere with wet-on-wet washes;
• add details with a dry brush without losing the lightness of the piece.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• plan the stages of work on a complex landscape;
• map out the main color masses before starting to paint;
• work with large washes while keeping the lightness of watercolor;
• convey sunlight and aerial perspective;
• convey depth of space through color and tone.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• see the composition through large color masses;
• build the work from general to specific;
• create a solid foundation for the painting with large washes;
• add details in a way that strengthens the narrative while keeping the image light;
• convey the atmosphere of a cozy café while preserving the lightness of watercolor.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• think through the stages of work and choose a palette for a sun-filled interior;
• create a sense of light and air with wet-on-wet washes;
• build a sense of space using large color masses;
• add details wet-on-dry while keeping the freshness of the watercolor;
• combine free, expressive painting with precise accents.

In this lesson we'll learn:

• work with complex interior compositions;
• combine wet-on-wet washes with dry-brush work in a single painting;
• simplify complex shapes while keeping the scene expressive;
• convey sunlight, shadows, and the atmosphere of a home interior;
• place accents so the viewer's eye is guided through the composition.