
Learn to transform coastal photograph into captivating atmospheric watercolor landscape by mastering loose yet precise techniques, scene composition, light and shadow layering, and final details under real-time guidance.
Discover essential watercolor materials for coastal scenes. Work with textured cold press 100% cotton watercolor paper, a few brushes, and a primary palette of yellow, ultramarine blue, and red.
Sketch a coastal boat scene by establishing a centered horizon, drawing yachts and boats with careful scale and reflections, and prep for gouache painting.
Master coastal watercolor by layering cerulean sky washes with neutral tint and ultramarine to form moody clouds and a seamless water transition, then darken boat areas after drying.
Paint a coastal boats scene with a dark ultramarine back wash in a single stroke, yellow ochre foreground, and blue-gray boat silhouettes. Add reflections and white gouache sails for contrast.
Apply white gouache to brighten and sharpen small details on boats, rope, and water, adding reflections and light; then adjust the sky with gouache and ultramarine-cerulean blues to suggest clouds.
Divide the coastal scene with a horizon line, sketch foreground boats and a water walkway, then simplify distant buildings and add shadows to convey depth.
Use a light Naples yellow and quinacridone gold wash to build distant buildings and water in coastal watercolor painting, then cut around boats with ultramarine and greens for depth.
Block in bold greens and grays to establish the coastal scene, then paint boats, reflections, windows, and shadows with darker tones and light highlights to enhance contrast.
Practice drawing boats to create depth with overlapping shapes, water and land separation, left side light, and shading, while planning foreground and distant elements for coastal watercolor scenes.
Create light-filled coastal scenes by applying buff titanium and warm yellows to boats and buildings, while using ultramarine with orange for muted blues and gradients.
Master painting buildings and boats by building dark values and shadows with a gray derived from primaries, balancing light from the left, and adding reflections and window details.
Block in a coastal scene with sand, boats, and water, add distant rocks and people with a dog, and emphasize light from above left with shadows.
Learn to create a coastal watercolor by layering warm yellows (yellow ochre, quinacridone gold) for rocks, using ultramarine for gray, and finishing with turquoise water and light washes.
Create coast shadows by darkening the background behind boats and rocks with ultramarine blue and brown ochre, then add foreground details and highlights with gouache.
Welcome to the enchanting world of watercolor painting! Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, mastering loose yet precise watercolor techniques can be exciting and challenging. But where do you begin? Which techniques should you focus on? How do you bring your creative vision to life on paper?
Coastal landscapes offer a mesmerizing array of subjects – from shimmering waters and bustling boats to majestic mountains and charming buildings. In my course, "Create Stunning Coastal Watercolor Paintings," you’ll uncover the essential techniques and processes to transform any coastal photograph into a captivating, atmospheric painting. Under my guidance, you'll learn to create masterpieces that capture the scene's essence and reflect your unique artistic style.
Throughout this course, I'll walk you through my entire process in real time. From the initial drawing and scene composition to the delicate layering of light and shadows, and finally, the intricate addition of details and highlights.
Join me on this exciting adventure into the vibrant world of watercolors. You'll discover how to create stunning landscape paintings with confidence and precision. Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this class will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to unlock your full creative potential. I can't wait to get started – let's unleash your inner artist together!
*Course references and materials available under the 'materials required' lecture*
Assignment:
Your class project is to draw and paint your coastal watercolor landscape! This can be a scene featured in this class, or based on one of your photographs or scenes you have observed outside.
You can also refer to the scanned drawing/painting templates attached below which will allow you to trace the drawing if you choose to do so. I recommend drawing each scene freehand. Drawing is an important step in improving your painting skills. This provides you with an opportunity to compose and plan your painting. Once you've finished the drawing, use the watercolor steps and processes included in the class demonstrations to complete your painting.
Materials:
Use any watercolour paints, pencil, watercolour paper, and brushes you have available. I recommend:
0.5mm mechanical pencil
Artist grade watercolour paints - blue, yellow and red
100% cotton watercolour paper or sketchbook
Watercolour Brushes - mop brush and a variety of round brushes for detailing.
Getting Started:
Review the class demonstration videos first. You can also download the tracing templates to transfer over your drawing if you wish.
Looking to sketch and paint another scene? Research some free reference photo websites, pick one of your reference photos, or simply find an outdoor location where you can sit and paint. Using the steps and processes included in this class, create your own unique painting.