Watercolor Animals
with Olga Manzhosova

  • Draw 13 bright representatives of the animal world. From cute creatures to dangerous predators, from conquerors of the sky to masters of the ocean depths
  • Animal painting from simple to complex
  • Train in silhouettes and close-ups, backgrounds and lighting, fabrics and textures

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Lifetime access to the course

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What is the course about?

If you have always thought that drawing animals is difficult, or tried to draw, but it turned out ugly, then this course will change your view of animal painting.

In this course, you will learn techniques for creating authentic graphic images of animals, as well as how to achieve maximum accuracy in silhouette and portrait similarity. A confident and well-structured drawing is the key to success in animalier painting.

Within the course you will cover important topics such as composition, transmission of light effects, nuances of work with color and tonal relationships. You will learn to work on details while maintaining the integrity of your picture.

The lessons have been designed to cover the maximum variety of textures, including wet dolphin skin, sea turtle shell, as well as different types of fur and more.

Who will benefit from the course?

The course will be useful for both beginners and those who seek to master and combine different watercolor techniques.

On the course, we will perform picturesque washes, and most importantly, you will be able to do it at a pace that you are comfortable with, thanks to effective techniques of managing the moisture content of the paper.

You will master the skill of watercolor painting without unnecessary haste, achieving excellent results!

 

«Watercolor Animals» course program

SECTION 1. Theoretical foundations

Lesson 1

«Acquaintance. Introduction to the topic»

In the lesson you'll:

  • Get to know the teacher;
  • How the animalier genre developed in painting;
  • What role animals play in the visual arts;
  • How animalier works are applied in the modern world.

Lesson 2

«The materials we will need:»

In the lesson you'll:

  • You will understand the textures of paper and find out which paper is suitable for this course.
  • You'll determine the required set of brushes, find out what you should pay attention to when choosing them.
  • You will get acquainted with the different types of watercolor paints and determine what palette you will need.

Lesson 3

«How to work with watercolor and color»

In the lesson you'll:

  • Learn watercolor techniques and learn different pouring techniques;
  • You'll figure out the color palette.

Lesson 4

«Determining Initial Drawing Skills»

In the fourth lesson, you will determine your point A, so that after the end of the course, you will be able to track your progress and skills development.

SECTION 2. Drawing a silhouette

Lesson 5

«Blue Swimming Crab»

Lesson duration: 1 h 04 m

Our first practical lesson is dedicated to the bright swimming crab. Its undeniably attractive shape will be our focus.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Learn how to form a pencil sketch based on simple shapes;
  • You'll convey the color of the character by plunging into this incredible play of colors and gradients.
  • You'll learn how to work with color spot contrasts and volume transfer.
  • You'll learn how to create a shiny effect on the shell.
  • You'll bring the crab to life with finishing details.

Lesson 6

«Kingfisher»

Lesson duration: 53 m

Next, we will meet an unusual guest, a miniature bright kingfisher. This little feathered creature has landed on a delicate flower, creating the perfect moment for our inspiration.

In the lesson you'll:

  • learn how to use simple shapes to draw birds;
  • You will learn an easy way to convey the texture of the plumage.
  • You will learn the botanical techniques for drawing a lotus as part of the central composition.
  • You will wash the bright space around the bird in such a way that it remained the main character.

Lesson 7

«Fennec»

Lesson duration: 1 h 03 m

Then we will meet a charming fox from the Sahara, it is like a kitten, with funny locator ears. Fennec fox lurked, as if waiting for something special... Maybe he already hears the call of adventure that awaits us on paper?

In the lesson you'll:

  • Perform a detailed formation of the animal's head;
  • You will draw a pencil sketch, observing the ratio of sizes.
  • You will master simple fur pouring.
  • You will perform artistic techniques to convey the fluffiness of the pile.
  • You will learn how to distinguish an animal from the background and make it more picturesque.

Lesson 8

«How to Say Goodbye to Your Fears and Doubts in Creativity?»

You will learn important practical exercises that will help in dealing with the fear of a blank slate, the fear of criticism and failure. I will also share a list of books that helped me and became a support in my work.

SECTION 3. Draw the background and
contrasting lighting

Lesson 9

«Lion's Mane Jellyfish»

Lesson duration: 59 m

We move on to a new stage of our creativity - creating a background and experimenting with contrasting lighting. This time our choice is a dangerous beauty from the depths of the sea, a giant jellyfish with tentacles. Are you ready to plunge into its mysterious world and create a story underwater?

In the lesson you'll:

  • Paint the details of the jellyfish and its tentacles using masking;
  • You will learn to depict the transparent structure of the body in the water element.
  • You will learn what techniques are used to create the illusion of luminescent glow in watercolor.
  • You will elaborate the edges of the washes, giving your painting a delicate and complete look.

Lesson 10

«Flamingo»

Lesson duration: 51 m

A painting with an elegant and bright flamingo is waiting for you! These birds seem to be created for art and have an amazing feature: their feathers are initially white, but thanks to the nutritious food rich in carotene, they acquire a characteristic pink color. Flamingos are a real embodiment of beauty and exploring their world through drawing will bring you joy and inspiration.

In the lesson you'll:

  • You will master the formation of birds with an accurate reproduction of their characteristic shapes.
  • Consider the color wheel and learn how to choose contrasting options for subjects.
  • With the help of soft washes, you will create a voluminous color of the feathered body plumage.
  • By scrubbing some feathers and selectively darkening others, you will highlight the main visual center.
  • You will inscribe a bright flamingo into the environment, conveying the freshness of the sea breeze.

Lesson 11

«Lion»

Lesson duration: 1 hour 01 minutes

The lion is a symbol of greatness, pride and courage. The lion invites you to the eleventh lesson, where you can embody its power on paper and give this magnificent animal life through watercolor.

In the lesson you'll:

  • learn the anatomical structure of the cat family depicted in profile.
  • learn to draw a shaggy mane with an emphasis on the contrast of lighting.
  • learn the features of painting contoured lighting
  • do a large background pouring with a gradient.

Lesson 12

«Animal anatomy»

  • You will learn why you need to study anatomy and whether it is possible to draw without delving into its details.
  • You will master the basic knowledge of anatomy that will be useful to you.
  • You will consider important features when forming an animal's silhouette, including the overall structure, and learn what is important to pay attention to.
SECTION 4. Drawing textures

Lesson 13

«Dolphin»

Lesson duration: 55 m

In the world of the ocean, we will meet one of the most beloved inhabitants of all peoples — the dolphin. These intelligent and friendly creatures always bring joy. Our cheerful dolphin is ready to pose - take out your brushes!

In the lesson you'll:

  • perform a dolphin formation based on a simple shape;
  • learn how to depict the shine of the wet surface of the skin.
  • You will learn to draw a waterfowl surrounded by water background.

Lesson 14

«Macaw the Parrot»

Lesson duration: 1 h 28 m

Let's add even more bright colors to our lives. We will meet the macaw parrot, one of the most beautiful and intelligent birds. These birds are able to enliven any space with their colors, and this is exactly what we will do in the lesson - create a magnificent watercolor painting!

In the lesson you'll:

  • Learn how to choose a reference that captures the viewer's attention;
  • You will analyze the step-by-step transfer of the bird sketch, observing the proportions and all the subtleties of the plumage.
  • You will learn to convey bright frontal lighting with its features.
  • Paint a spectacular background with splashes.

Lesson 15

«Panda»

Lesson duration: 59 m

Fun and joy await you with the black and white panda bear. It's a bit clunky, but so funny! Lesson 15 is dedicated to this bear cub and its love for reeds. We will create a picturesque portrait of a panda in its natural environment.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Make a formation of the panda.
  • Learn how to make different mixtures of black shades without using black paint.
  • Depict white fur in a colored environment.
  • You'll make pouring in wet-on-wet technique to convey the softness of the fur.
  • You'll make a light background with the environment details added.

Lesson 16

«Deer Cub»

Lesson duration: 1 h 15 m

It's time to go to North America to draw the shy and charming inhabitant of these places. In the 16th lesson, we will draw a deer, which has become known all over the world as baby Bambi. Yes, this is exactly the type of deer that embodies cute tenderness and natural beauty.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Master the skills of drawing cubs;
  • You will learn the main differences in proportions between adult animals and cubs.
  • You'll master the skills of depicting the texture of white spots without masking fluid.
  • You'll delicately fit the deer into the environment.

Lesson 17

«Where can an animal artist look for inspiration?»

We are all different, with our own temperament and mood, so there are different ways to find inspiration that are suitable for each of us.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Find out what actions can help you "catch" the inspiration;
  • You'll get recommendations on what to do if ideas don't appear on their own.
  • You'll consider new non-standard approaches to find inspiration.
SECTION 5. Drawing a close-up

Lesson 18

«Sea Turtle»

Lesson duration: 1 h 40 m

Ready to try your hand at creating a close-up? And in lesson 18, a giant sea turtle will come to life on your piece of paper. We will learn to convey the texture of a turtle's body to embody all its natural beauty and individuality.

In the lesson you'll:

  • In the lesson, you will analyze the formation of a sea turtle in detail and create a pencil sketch with all the characteristic details.
  • You will learn to depict the texture of a turtle, its skin, shell using different watercolor techniques.
  • You'll get familiar with the features of underwater lighting.

Lesson 19

«Golden Eagle»

Lesson duration: 60 m

Just look at this gaze - strong, predatory, unshakable! The golden eagle is the largest of the eagles. We will embark on a journey into the world of the majestic bird to try to capture its character and grandeur through watercolor.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Study the anatomical structure of the bird's head and learn its features in the three-quarter position;
  • Learn to convey the character with the help of the peculiarities of the structure of the eyes.
  • Depict the plumage in such a way that the gaze remained the main accent in the image of the portrait.
  • You'll create a contrasting background and wash the rich background evenly.

Lesson 20

«Jaguar»

Lesson duration: 1 h 33 m

In lesson 20, you will have an exciting journey into the world of the most mysterious jaguar hunter. This majestic and amazing cat has become a symbol of indomitable wildlife and power. Let's create a portrait of this elusive predator.

In the lesson you'll:

  • Learn two new ways to transfer a pattern more accurately, ensuring symmetry and correct proportions.
  • Do the classic full-face formation.
  • Learn how to draw a close-up of an animal by practicing your big cat head formation skills.
  • Consolidate your knowledge of how to convey the characteristic look of an animal.
  • Hone the skills of depicting the spotted fur texture.

Lesson 21

«Summing Up»

Our bright course into the incredible world of animals has come to an end.

Well? We'll listen to the parting words for further creative development.

 
 

Course teacher Olga Manzhosova

  • Member of the Professional Union of Artists of Russia.
  • Member of the Union of Watercolor Painters of Russia.
  • Participant of exhibitions
  • I illustrated a children's book for a private order from the USA.
  • My illustrations regularly participated in exhibitions with designers of embroidery patterns. And also my illustrations were published in the magazine "Handicraft Formula"
  • Participant of the International Competition-Festival "Russian Art Week" and winner in the category "Fauna and Wildlife"

Course materials:

 

Tariffs

I Draw It Myself
  • 13 paintings with bright representatives of the animal world
  • 21 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • «Unfreezing the course» — opportunity to start training at a convenient time
  • An opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' paintings
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Analysis of your drawings for 60 days
  • Face-to-face one-hour online consultation with a course expert
200 $
$
With Support
  • 13 paintings with bright representatives of the animal world
  • 21 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • «Unfreezing the course» — opportunity to start training at a convenient time
  • An opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' paintings
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Analysis of your drawings for 60 days
  • Face-to-face one-hour online consultation with a course expert
250 $
$
VIP
  • 13 paintings with bright representatives of the animal world
  • 21 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
  • NEW! Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • «Unfreezing the course» — opportunity to start training at a convenient time
  • An opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' paintings
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Analysis of your drawings for 60 days
  • Face-to-face one-hour online consultation with a course expert
500 $
$
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course, you will! In each lesson, we will go through the basics of animal painting together, and create a bright realistic drawing using the simplest techniques!

In our work, the following are very important: perseverance, accuracy, patience. And most importantly - a great desire to draw and love for animals!

Believe in yourself, follow me step by step, and you will see how the picture comes to life in front of you!

If you have a no-feedback tariff, it will all depend on your personal pace at which you take the lessons.

On feedback tariffs, we are actively engaged in lessons during two months from the moment you "unfreeze" the course.

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

At the end of the lesson, you upload a photo of your work. The teacher will have an opportunity to leave textual, graphic (notes on the drawing), as well as audio comments to your work.

At the bottom of each lesson, there will be a comment section, where you can ask any questions about learning.

It's never too late to learn painting. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they are happy to draw, develop their skills, creative thinking and rejuvenate their soul and mind!

The course is suitable for junior artists from 13 years old, with the support of an adult and at a leisurely pace. Illustrations with animals will be very useful for children, they expand their horizons and cheer up :)

The course will give you an excellent base in animal painting. You will practice a lot together with the teacher and receive valuable advice. You will understand where to start drawing, how to correctly convey color and texture, learn to convey the character of the animal you have chosen. By applying what you've learned, you'll be able to create your own illustrations over time. Remember, time and practice allow you to achieve any results.

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