Learn & paint a FRENCH scene, 6 FUN & EASY to follow steps.

Name: Learn & paint a FRENCH scene, 6 FUN & EASY to follow steps.
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

Just look over my shoulder and follow me as I take you step by step to plan, draw and paint this French village scene.

Created byNicola A Blakemore

Last updated 2/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand a planning process for a watercolour painting.
Learn to make a watercolour composition interesting
Understand the benefits of using a limited watercolour colour palette
Learn to manage a consistent light source
Learn how to paint an effective feeling of distance in watercolours

Course content

3 sections • 12 lectures • 1h 11m total length

A few welcoming and encouraging words from you tutor, Nicola1:53
In this short video I explain a little about the painting and the process I used from beginning to end. A process which will help you with any other painting you do.
How to find you way around the Udemy platform4:06
Take a quick look at this lecture to see how to work your way around 'Udemy', it's appearnce,and where to find what. It will save you time and frustration.

What you will need.3:17
In this short film I show you what you will need. If you have any questions, just send me a message and I will reply quickly. I'm always here to help.

I've kept it as simple as possible so you will soon be able to get on with the fun of painting.
Look at the subject, planning and composition4:58
Planning is 90 % of the job, or is it 99% ? What ever, it is very important and will save you a lot of trouble if you do your planning at the beginning and get into the habit for every painting.

Whether you are working from a photo or life, plan your composition, choose your colours and solve any problems before you even pick up a paint brush. I always recommend that as well as doing the overall sketch you might want to do some detail sketches of difficult areas. So even if you don't include quite so much detail, you know how to give the impression that it is there.
Explaining the colour palette5:28
I have kept the colour palette very simple and if you don't have any of the colours get as near as you can. I am not however using anything which is not in a standard paint box.

STEP ONE - let's start painting. The sky.5:07
It is always advisable when painting with watercolours, to start off using the colours very pale. By that I mean a little of the pigment colour with quite a bit of water.

I look at it like the first coat, or under painting. Then you can get a feeling how your colours are going to work.

So, set up your paints and make sure you have everything to hand before you start. And don't forget, if you are right handed, put everything one the right and vice versa.
STEP TWO - Basic layers and colour mixing.10:20
Added in response to a student's question.
A student pointed out to me that there seemed to be a leap between putting in the sky and starting the building. I have added this in response and I hope it 'bridges the gap'
STEP THREE - adding more colour10:44
It's alsways important to establish which the light is coming from and to be consistent,
STEP FOUR- adding some detail9:02
It's always good to walk away from a painting once in a while, so that you come back with a fresh eye. This especially true if there is something you are not sure about. Place it somewhere that you will pass now and then and suddenly you will see what needs to be done.

Use bits of card or an old mount to look at the picture afresh. It's a good way to check your colour values and make sure you are happy with everything while you can still make changes.
STEP FIVE - adding more details and shadows11:03
We are really starting to move on now by adding more detail and checking for shadows. Always keep looking at both what you are working from and the painting, making colour adjustments and adding more intense colours as you feel is needed to get a balance.
STEP SIX - finishing4:22
Here you are at the end.

Five simple steps to a completed painting. Go back over any of the videos if you think you have missed anything and don't be shy about asking questions and posting your picture for us all to enjoy.

Happy Painting, Nicola
A bit of fun.
NEW BONUS LECTURE - and special offers just for you.1:01
Some extra help and resources just for you.

Requirements

You will need a selection of watercolour paints, brushes and paper. This is all covered in the introductory section at the beginning.
Students will need to have used watercolour paints before.

Description

NEW BONUS lecture added July 2023

Atmospheric old French iron gate.

This is one from my 'pick a watercolour painting to paint' portfolio and is complete in itself. By that I mean it is unlikely I will add any further information, it is therefore priced accordingly. This portfolio of paintings gives you the opportunity to choose a picture you like and learn as you create it

If you like this picture and want to paint it, then that's exactly what you will do, effortlessly.

You will be able to follow my clear and friendly videos, looking over my shoulder as I paint every step of the way.

Each step has a video fully supported with any extra visual images or text that you might need to help you fully understand each painting process.

At the end, not only will you have painted a beautiful atmospheric painting but you will also have learned a number of valuable tips when working with watercolour paints.

Learn how to plan and mix your colours effectively. How to achieve a sense of warmth and shade and how to use enough detail painting to enhance the sense of distance in a landscape.

Each lecture stops at a natural break, as you would wait for you paint to dry and my relaxed and clear narration will help you fully understand the process. Enjoy it and don't forget to share your painting with us all.

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 painting workshop will help you master watercolours effectively
Anyone can do this if they have some basic painting skills
Learn how to feel more confident painting with watercolours
Learn how to effectively mix watercolour paint colours
Learn how to create sense of distance in a watercolour landscape

Learn & paint a FRENCH scene, 6 FUN & EASY to follow steps.

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

A brief introduction to this workshop2 lectures • 6min

Planning is the most important part of the process3 lectures • 14min

Now let's getting painting7 lectures • 52min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: