Online Class: Watercolor Painting

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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11Lessons
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30Exams &
Assignments -
4,709Students
have taken this course -
9Hours
average time -
0.9CEUs
Course Description
Step into a world where art breathes life into paper, where colors dance with emotion, and where every brushstroke tells a story. Welcome to Mastering the Mesmerizing World of Watercolor--a course designed not just to teach you the technique, but to ignite a passion, spark creativity, and uncover the artist within you. This course is not merely an instructional guide; it's an invitation to experience something transformative.
Watercolor painting is more than a skill--it's an art form that has captured the imagination of generations. From the delicate beauty of the Renaissance to the dynamic strokes of modern expressionists, watercolor is a medium that flows effortlessly through time. It speaks to the freedom of creation and the poetry of subtlety. Yet, for many aspiring artists, it's a world shrouded in mystery, holding both allure and challenge.
This course is the key to unlocking that mystery. If you've ever felt the urge to capture the fleeting light of dawn, the lush vibrance of a wild garden, or the serenity of a quiet lake, you are in the right place. And if you're unsure where to begin, worried about which brushes to use, or feeling daunted by the thought of blending delicate washes--breathe easy. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Our approach is unique, carefully crafted to go beyond traditional lessons and immerse you in an experience that builds both your confidence and your craft. This course not only equips you with fundamental skills but also deepens your appreciation for the medium, empowering you to approach your canvas with purpose and vision.
Why This Course Is Different
Imagine a class where history, technique, and inspiration merge seamlessly. We journey back to the origins of watercolor, not just to explore its roots, but to draw timeless lessons from its evolution. Discover the techniques of the old masters while developing your own modern voice. We believe that understanding the past is the best way to master the present.
In this course, you'll gain clarity and confidence in selecting your tools and materials. You won't just learn what to buy--you'll understand why certain papers, pigments, and brushes matter, and how to wield them with precision. Through engaging hands-on projects, you'll start by mastering the basics like wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques. As you progress, you'll be challenged to tackle more complex compositions and explore the expressive capabilities of the medium.
We recognize that art is personal, and your journey should be too. This course is built with flexibility, so you can learn at your own pace while feeling connected to a vibrant community of fellow learners. You won't be just following along; you'll be actively creating, experimenting, and growing. And with personalized guidance and insights from experienced artists, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what makes your work unique.
Our course doesn't stop at technique--it dives into the soul of painting. Learn how to tell stories through color, express emotion through texture, and evoke powerful moods through composition. By the end of this course, you won't just know how to paint--you'll know why you paint.
The Invitation to Begin Your Creative Adventure
Mastering the Mesmerizing World of Watercolor is more than a course; it's a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced painter seeking a fresh perspective, you'll find yourself supported, encouraged, and inspired to explore new possibilities. This is your chance to create something beautiful, something deeply personal, and something that speaks to the world in your voice.
So why wait? Your canvas awaits, and your story is ready to unfold. Join us on this adventure, and discover the joy of watercolor painting--an art form that not only reflects beauty but transforms the artist in the process.
Let's paint dreams, let's weave magic. Your watercolor journey begins here.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Unleashing Creativity: Mastering Watercolor's Timeless Charm
Participants will learn to draw inspiration from historical masters while developing their own distinctive styles, transforming each watercolor piece into a storytelling medium that reflects personal experiences. Known for fostering supportive artistic connections, the course encourages collaborative learning and inspiration, providing a transformative journey guided by constructive feedback and creative exploration.Lesson 2. Connecting Art Legacies: Brands, History, and Your Creative Journey
Preliminary sketches guide watercolor compositions, allowing artists to refine their ideas before filling them with color. Simple pencil outlines ensure smooth transitions while retaining the spontaneity of the watercolor medium.Lesson 3. Essential Tools for Watercolor Artists
Watercolor painting essentials like brushes, paint, and paper are the key tools every artist should master for limitless creative expression. By carefully selecting the right types and qualities within these categories, artists can explore styles from delicate details to broad washes.Lesson 4. Exploring Color Dynamics in Watercolor
Watercolor painting is an intricate dance of brushstrokes and color mastery, where understanding color interactions can elevate the authenticity of your work. Techniques like using a blow-dryer or blending pigments either on the palette or directly on paper offer artists the tools to harness or embrace the medium's natural unpredictability.Lesson 5. Master the Core Skills of Watercolor Painting
This lesson underscores the importance of foundational watercolor techniques, teaching artists how to prepare their paper and refine their brushwork for optimal results. Through methods like the flat wash and wet-on-wet application, artists learn to seamlessly blend colors for intricate artwork.Lesson 6. Exploring the Core of Artistic Composition
Exploring the interplay between design elements and principles, the lesson provides insight into crafting balanced and engaging compositions that resonate with viewers. It advocates for a thoughtful approach to art, where each stroke and color choice contributes to a unified narrative.Lesson 7. Mastering the Harmony of Sketching and Painting
The allure of watercolor lies in its spontaneous fluidity, encouraging artists to release control and find beauty in unpredictability. By using sketching, graded washes, and reserving whites with masking fluid, artists can create vibrant scenes rich in depth and detail.Lesson 8. Watercolor Mastery: Principles and Elements Unified
Explore the creative process of watercolor painting—where design elements and principles merge—by analyzing an image and using techniques like masking fluid and washes to bring your composition to life. This lesson on painting the Tulum ruins offers insights into planning, executing, and refining a visually cohesive and expressive watercolor piece.Lesson 9. Techniques in Watercolor: Navigating Landscapes, Seascapes, and Portraits
Animal watercolor paintings bring dynamic poses and intricate textures to life, requiring careful attention to color variation and emotional expression. Capturing the essence of an animal through vibrant transitions and expressive features conveys their vibrant presence.Lesson 10. Art: A Path of Continuous Growth
Enhance your art with strong sketching foundations, thoughtful shading, and varied subjects, all while building discipline by completing every piece. Maintain a positive approach to fuel your creativity and embrace the artist's journey of self-discovery.Lesson 11. Unlocking the Secrets to Powerful Artistic Composition
Composition blends artistic intuition with structured principles, guiding the viewer's eye and amplifying emotional depth. Mastering this craft requires thoughtful planning, experimentation, and a keen sense for visual harmony and balance.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate foundational watercolor techniques and experiment with creating personal art pieces that capture observation and artistic expression.
- Recognize the historical significance and cultural impact of watercolor as an art form throughout various civilizations.
- Recognize the differences between student-grade and professional-grade watercolors based on pigment quality and performance.
- Select the appropriate brush for specific techniques by examining the characteristics of brush types and sizes.
- Define the key characteristics and functions of different types of watercolor brushes, including round, flat, and specialty brushes, for precise artistic applications.
- Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate watercolor paper based on its texture and intended artistic effect, applying knowledge of hot-press, cold-press, and rough paper types.
- Demonstrate the use of a blow-dryer technique to control color lightening during the drying process in watercolor painting.
- Define how capillary action affects the absorption of pigment and water in watercolor painting, leading to different visual effects.
- Apply the flat wash technique to create an even layer of color across large areas without visible streaks or lines.
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare watercolor paper and brushes by achieving the optimal dampness level for a smooth application of paint.
- Demonstrate the ability to construct a balanced composition by applying elements and principles of design effectively.
- Identify and explain how different principles of design contribute to creating visual harmony in a painting.
- Identify the role of unpredictability in watercolor painting by demonstrating at least two techniques that leverage this characteristic to create dynamic artwork.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Includes CEUs | X |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I thought this instructor was excellent! I learned so much from her and she presents things easily understandable and she communicates better than any other instructor I've had." -- Michele P.
- "This was a good course that I've already recommended to family." -- Barbara W.
- "She is awesome. She helped me a lot. Thank you very much." -- Saritha P.
- "Nancy you do a great job, thank you." -- Maria P.
- "Nancy Fillip was an excellent instructor." -- Lorne W.
- "I love taking the course and I've learned a lot." -- Jane L.