Master DARK WASHES. Build your confidence with simple steps.

Name: Master DARK WASHES. Build your confidence with simple steps.
Rating: 4.7 (20 reviews)

Learn as you watch me paint this dramatic watercolor. Easy to follow, full of techniques challenges & rewards. Fun too

Created byNicola A Blakemore

Last updated 7/2025

English

What you'll learn

How to plan a watercolour painting with confidence
Learn how to identify possible problem areas and solve them in advance
Fully understand the need for practice
Use a wax resit and a spattering technique for added drama
Feel confident when using very dark watercolour paints
Use masking fluid to help create difficult shapes
Understand the extremely beneficial of negative space

Course content

3 sections • 20 lectures • 1h 29m total length

Where to find your downloads, ask questions etc4:06
Make sure you read the helpful information you can find in the Student Support section on Udemy. Below is the link to take you there. I have also added a simple guide to get you started.

https://support.udemy.com/?b_id=10797&t=636902
My Introduction to this painting workshop1:37
In this introductory video, I explain a little more about what you can expect from the 'painting adventure'.

A would also like to thank one of my students Graham Thompson for sharing his photograph with us and letting me use it for a painting. Thanks
RESOURCES
A picture of my finished painting
A drawing before the painting which you can use as a tracing
Explaining the picture subject6:32
Here I will be talking about the picture we are going to paint.

I will be explaining what attracted me to it and the various challenges that we will deal with during the painting process
Selecting the background colour6:16
Here I will explain how I decided to do the background, the colours I chose and the method of applying them.
I encourage you to do the same, taking a small piece of the same watercolour paper you will paint the picture on, and test out colours and methods.
The colour palette1:58
In this short video I go through the colours I used to paint the picture.

I also decided later on to add Ultramarine blue to the palette.

Painting the background4:58
Having made the decision about the colours to use, I now demonstrate how to apply the paint for the backgorund.
Checking the background2:43
In this section I encourage you to do as I advise and that is to practice each item before you paint it in the picture.

It is better to solve any problems at this stage before you risk spoiling your work.

Practice after all makes perfect.
Blue flowers -part one7:10
I believe the flower to be the most callenging part of the painting, so it's worth taking some time to make sure you have come up with the best method of tackling the subject.
Blue flowers - part two5:02
Working on the next stage of the flowers.
Pear - part one2:04
Now lets look at how we are going to paint the pears.
Pear - part two2:59
Now bring the pears to life. This is where you can really have some fun.
Watering can4:22
How do you think we should paint the watering can, what colours and what special techique can we employ to make it look great.
Special effect on the watering can and more work on the pears10:34
I changed my mind about which technique to use on the watering can.

In this video I show you how I used the splattering or spattering effect using a runny colour mix and a tooth brush.

REMEMBER - practise first.

Applying some paint4:15
Starting to add more colour to all the items.

REMEMBER : Always start pale, you can always go darker.
Applying more paint and working on the pears9:05
Gradually building up the depth of colour.
Tackling the flowers - working with negative space3:34
Noticing and making use of negative space can really help you see things more clearly.

Here you will look at the gaps and spaces between the objects. Next time you look at a group of objects look at the spaces between and it will help you define the shapes more easily.
More work on the flowers - using masking fluid7:23
Using masking fluid will make things easier as you progress with the flowers. Take your time and remember to practise and keep testing you ideas.
Masking fluid removed - darkening the flowers1:43
Always be careful when you remove masking fluid. Make sure the paint is absolutely dry, you fingerds dry and rub carefully so you don't lift the paper. If I have left the fluid on for a few days it can sometimes be difficult to remove.

The flowers have been the most challenging part of this painting.

What colour to use, how to get the shape right and getting to grips with the benefits of working with negative space.

I'm really looking forward to seeing some of your flowers. I be they'll be better than mine !
Finishing2:19
Finally at the end.

What an adventure, one which has challenged me and I hope you have enjoyed and also learnt a lot from it.

In particular the need to spend time planning a painting and problem solving before you get on with the 'masterpiece.'

I'd love to see your work, even if it's just parts of the overall picture. So don't be shy and share it with us all within this course and I hope you have enjoyed it enough to leave me a kind review.

Happy Painting and see you again soon, Nicola
NEW BONUS LECTURE and special offers just for you.1:01

Requirements

How to use watercolour paints
How to mix dark colours in watercolour.
How to use a small watercolour brush confidently
The colours listed in the course are readily available in most paint boxes
A heavy watercolour paper 140 lbs or 300 grammes at least will be needed

Description

NEW BONUS LECTURE added July 2023

So who's afraid of using strong and DARK colours? You won't be after you've done this course.

The trick, as always id to take it one step at a time.

Why you might choose this picture

*If you want to feel more confident using strong dark pigments in watercolour paints, get started now.
*If you are looking to take your watercolour painting to the next level, this is for you.

*If you want to challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone and add impact to your watercolour painting then look no further.

*If you want to work more loosely, use more water, use stronger pigments, you'll love this.

Let your watercolour painting talent blossom as you enjoy two hours of LIVE ART that you can watch again, and again, and again. Just stand next to me as we chat about the picture, the colours and the techniques. It's all here.

Take what you learn here to other projects and expand your new-found skills and excitement, letting your energy show in your work. AND you may find you are no longer afraid of 'the dark'

Each lecture explains simply every step of the way. I'm there to help you solve problems before you get to them and to help you discover more dynamic ways to paint with watercolours.

Why choose one of my courses?
Because, as a self taught artist I understand how a lot of people feel about their creative work, sometimes anxious, sometimes overwhelmed and often that it's not 'good enough'. I will hold your hand as you overcome these fears as I offer a friendly, relaxed and sensitive teaching style.
I also have years of experience of teaching people of all levels both in-person and via the internet.
Do one of my courses and you will feel as if I am in the room with you every step of the way.

Enjoy your painting, love Nicola

Who this course is for:

This course will suit someone who is familiar with how watercolour paints work
It may be too challenging for the complete beginner
It will help those who want to add more drama to their watercolour painting
It will take the experienced painter to a new level
It will certainly build confidence when working with strong pigments in watercolour.

Master DARK WASHES. Build your confidence with simple steps.

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction, explanations and some information before you start5 lectures • 20min

Experiment and practice - Copy then experiment8 lectures • 40min

Now you have solved all your problems and practiced, lets GET PAINTING7 lectures • 29min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: