BIG

Winter Sea course with Natalia Nesterova

Lesson 1. Introduction to the Instructor

In this lesson, I’ll tell you a bit about myself and give you the main info about the course.

Lesson 2. Materials List and Overview

In this lesson, we’ll go over all the materials you’ll need to make your course experience comfy and enjoyable. I’ll show you which paints, brushes, and paper I use for my own work — and which ones I recommend for this course.

Lesson 3. Composition in Seascape Painting: Rules and Common Mistakes.

In this lesson, we’ll get to know the main principles and concepts of composition, and we’ll talk about common mistakes that often pop up in artworks.

Lesson 1. Theory + Practice

This lesson is all about the rule of thirds and/or the golden ratio.

Lesson 2. Tonal Sketch

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to:

• get the gradations right between light, half-tone, and shadow;
• find the focal points of your composition and place your accents;
• get yourself ready to paint confidently with watercolors — the tonal decisions are already made;
• save time on the final piece — we work on the painting right away, not just the tonal values.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson:

• let’s consciously use the rule of thirds or the golden ratio — when to break the rules and when to stick to them;
• we’re studying the shape of the fishing boat, pausing to double-check our painting before adding color;
• let’s plan out where the waves will go.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson:

• we’re building up color and richness in the sky with two layers of watercolor;
• we’re painting waves without a pencil, just using a brush;
• let’s add a unifying glaze to the sea, leaving out the light areas.

Lesson 1. Theory + Practice

In this lesson, we’ll talk about composition and how to show movement in a seascape.

Lesson 2. Tonal Sketch

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to:

• tell the difference and show light and shadow — where the water is lighter and where it’s darker;
• highlight the main volume of the wave and shape it using values;
• plan out where your light and dark spots will go so your painting really pops;
• work with the tone of reflections mindfully.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson:

• let’s capture the shape of the wave from the reference by comparing the shapes of the spots;
• Keep an eye on the direction of your lines, and don’t forget about adding some movement to your composition;
• let’s use some controlled splatter for masking;
• let's use masking as a stop line and plan out where we'll need to paint around it.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson:

• let’s show the movement and energy of the waves using smooth transitions and thin layers of paint;
• We'll show depth and perspective in the seascape using light and shadow.
• we’ll get that water looking clear and fresh using different watercolor tricks;
• Let's blend cool and warm shades together in our seascapes for a harmonious look.

Lesson 1. Theory + Practice

In this lesson, we’ll talk about what an «entry point» in a composition is, and we’ll go over different types of light in painting.

Lesson 2. Tonal Sketch

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to:

• show the volume and shape of stones using tonal contrast;
• show the difference between hard and soft textures;
• distribute light and shadow to create a sense of light in your landscape;
• work with the tonal values of different planes.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson:

• we're creating an "entryway into the painting" by using foreground stones and taking out anything extra;
• we’ll show the volume and planes of the stones using hatching;
• let’s keep the distant shoreline simple and push it further away from the viewer;
• We'll build the shape of the wave and lock it in with masking.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson:

• we’re working with an extended color palette;
• we’re showing how light passes through the wave, creating that awesome see-through effect and a sunny glow in the water;
• let’s pick out some blue and green shades to make our wave look deep and vibrant;
• let's practice showing the texture and volume of stones.

Lesson 1. Theory and Composition

In this lesson, we’ll:

• find out what landscape composition is all about;
• figure out what’s main and what’s secondary in composition, plus the key concepts and tricks

Lesson 2. Studies

In this lesson:

• let’s change up the foreground and create a new way into the painting;
• let’s place some water spots in the foreground for our composition;
• we’re working with light and shadow in color, keeping our tonal sketch in mind;
• let’s work with warm and cool tones.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson:

• we’re treating the breakwater stones like they’re truncated prisms;
• when working on the foreground, we'll rely on our own sketches;
• We’re putting on the masking fluid and using it as a stop-line for those bold, contrasting touches.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson:

• we’re making gray from brown, and getting brownish shades from the bright colors of the palette;
• let’s show the wet surface of the stones using tone and color;
• let’s create some texture using sea salt;
• we’re working with glazing.

Lesson 1. Exploratory Studies. Theory

In this lesson, we’ll find out why we need exploratory sketches and what the rule of three planes in composition is all about.

Lesson 2. Studies

In this lesson, we’ll do 1–3 quick tonal studies and 1–2 color ones on our own.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson:

• we’re sketching with a pencil, using both a reference and our own study;
• We're practicing splattering and creating a lively stop-line using masking.
• Keep an eye on the composition in your sketch — use foreground, middle, and background, and play with different shapes and sizes.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson:

• let’s paint the sky and the foreground, using our own study or studies as a reference;
• let’s show the churning water in the wave;
• we’re connecting the sky and water with color;
• We’ll use different techniques to show the churning in the wave and the foam.

Lesson 1. Theory + Practice

In this lesson, we’ll find out what contrast and emphasis mean in a composition and why they matter.

Lesson 2. Dramatic Study

In this lesson, we’ll:

• figure out how to come up with your own landscape;
• capture a dramatic mood using color, tone, shape, and light;
• learn how to analyze tonal values;
• make 1–2 tonal and 1–2 color exploratory studies.

Lesson 3. Pencil Drawing

In this lesson, we’ll:

• get our pencil drawing ready, using our own sketches as a guide.
• work out the details of the house since it’s our main subject;
• pick the areas we want to cover with masking fluid.

Lesson 4. Watercolor Part

In this lesson, we’ll work on the watercolor part of our main course project, so feel free to use your own studies as a reference.

Lesson 1. Choosing References for Independent Practice.

Let's talk about how to spot the potential even in not-so-perfect photos and how to tweak them to fit your own vision.

Lesson 2. Independent Practice.

You'll use what you've learned about composition, light, and tone to create your own piece.

Lesson 3. Wrapping Up the Course

In this lesson, we’ll wrap things up, go over the main discoveries, and revisit the key principles of working with a seascape. It’s an inspiring finish, and after this you’ll be able to create your own scenes with confidence — thoughtfully, expressively, and with your own personal touch.