Watercolor Jumpstart
Watercolor Jumpstart is a self-guided beginner watercolor course. Learn fundamental watercolor skills as you do six fun and easy projects.
This free course is offered as community service. There is no instructor support provided with this course.
You will find the course Table of Contents at the bottom of each lesson. You are free to move around the course as you wish. However, later lessons and projects build upon skills learned in earlier lessons and projects. If you are new to watercolor, or unsure of your skills, I recommend going through the lessons in order.
What will I learn?
- essential supplies to get started in watercolor (save money and learn faster by waiting to add other items later)
- basic watercolor terminology, to help you understand other books and videos you are using to learn about watercolor
- fundamental watercolor skills such as laying washes, blending and mixing colors, lifting and reserving lights and creating soft edges
- tips on how to work with watercolor to exploit the things it naturally does well
Is this the right course for me?
This course is for absolute beginners, plus anyone who wants a review of watercolor painting fundamentals.
Course Includes:
- list of recommended supplies for getting started in watercolor
- templates and reference photos for lessons and projects
Course Content
Getting Started
- Gqthering Your Supplies
- How to Tear Large Sheets of Watercolor Paper
- How to Properly Rinse and Care for Your Brushes
- How to Make a Painting Support Board
- How to Remove Masking Tape Without Tearing Your Paper
- How to Set Up Your Workspace
Project 1 — Spring Chickadee
- Project 1 Overview
- How to Transfer a Drawing to Watercolor Paper
- How to Make and Apply Vibrant, Juicy Color
- Exploring Brushmarks
- The Mechanics of Mixing Watercolors
- How to Spatter Watercolor Paint
- Project Lesson — Spring Chickadee
Project 2 — Marbles in the Sun
- Project 2 Overview
- Achieving Soft Edges in Watercolor
- Introduction to Shadows and Highlights
- Project Lesson — Marbles in the Sun
Project 3 — Rainbow Rose Window
Project 4 — Dawn and Dusk at the Lake
- Project 4 Overview
- Laying Flat and Graduated Washes
- Glazing Over a Previous Wash
- Five Techniques for Trees in Watercolor
- Project Lesson — Dawn and Dusk at the Lake
Project 5 — Daisies in a Jar
- Project 5 Overview
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 1 — Intentional Blooms
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 2 — Lifting Wet and Dry Paint
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 3 — Negative Painting
- Reserving Whites and Lights, Part 4 — Using Resists
- Project Lesson — Daisies in a Jar