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Mastering Water Control: Harness the Power of Water in Watercolors
4.6(416)9k students
Water is both watercolor's greatest asset and its most mysterious element. Too much, and you lose control; too little, and you can't access the medium's unique transparency. This course breaks water management into concrete, learnable exercises.
You'll explore application techniques, practice flat and graded washes, master bloom prevention, and discover how water control directly affects value relationships. The capstone—a rhinoceros portrait—applies everything in a complete painting, showing how technical control serves expressive purpose.
Whether you're a beginner exploring basics or an experienced painter refining technique, you'll take away repeatable exercises that deepen your understanding. Water stops feeling mysterious and becomes a tool you command.
In this class, we will learn how to harness the power of water in watercolors. Often regarded as one of the most difficult concepts surrounding this medium, I will help you to breakdown the mysterious aspects of water control into concrete exercises.
In this class, we will:
• Explore various watercolor application techniques
• Practice painting flat and graded washes
• Learn how to create and prevent water blooms
• Discover how water control and value are related
• Paint a beautiful rhinoceros portrait
This class is intended for various skill levels, exploring both basic watercolor principals as well as applying those techniques to a completed painting. Beginners are welcome to simply try out the Class Exercises, but if they want something a little more challenging, they can join the more experienced painters in tackling the rhino painting for the Class Project!
Materials
Watercolor Paints
Watercolor Brushes
Watercolor Paper
Two Containers for Water
Reusable Rag or Paper Towels
Mounting Board & Masking Tape (optional)
Pencil, waterproof ink, eraser
Use what you have on hand, but if you need any recommendations, check out my "Skillshare: Water Control" list over on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/inliquidcolor
Music
"Night" by Ikson | https://www.soundcloud.com/ikson
Access
Skillshare membershipIncluded with a Skillshare subscription
This course is included with a Skillshare membership subscription.
Start your free month on Skillshare →30-day free trial, new members only.
Already a Skillshare member? Open the class
No coupon right now. We'll tell you when there is one.
Taught by Denise Soden — Watercolor Artist & Content Creator
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