Confidently create loose abstract watercolor landscapes in
a playful and intuitive way
Explore the basics of watercolor and use them to make simple and effortless landscapes that will be a delight to create. Not only will you walk away with a library of watercolor techniques, but youโll also learn the exact tools and practices I use and the mindset shifts needed to avoid getting stuck in perfectionism.
This course is for you if..
- You donโt have any experience with watercolors, youโre just looking for a creative outlet and a fun way to spend an afternoon!
We start from the beginning and work toward more advanced techniques. The course is self paced so keep going when youโre ready for it!
- Youโve tried using watercolors before but youโre feeling a little overwhelmed by the process. The fear of failure is real and you never quite end up with the results you were hoping.
Iโve been there, trust me. In this course we work a lot on mindset around painting. Without practice we wonโt excel and this course is all about fearlessly getting painting milage and learning to trust ourselves in the process.
- Youโre an artist in need of deeper inspiration and a fresh perspective in your practice.
As artists weโre all individuals and tend to develop technical skills in our very own way. Learning from peers is a great way to boost motivation and getting a fresh spark of inspiration.
Figuring out where to start ..
..can be frustrating! What supplies do I need? What kind of paper should I be using? Do I need a #2 or a #20 size brush? And whatโs the difference between layering and washing anyway?
Even for an experienced painter watercolors can be extremely unforgiving and unpredictable. Itโs hard to control, mistakes are permanent and there are so many factors that can take your painting in a direction you...didnโt really have in mind.
If youโre anything like me - you might be avoiding painting altogether as it just leads to frustration. You want to be relaxed and carefree in your process, but how the heck do you get there?
After an embarrassing amount of hours in deep frustration I had to try a new way of approaching the watercolors. I had to stop making excuses, free my mind of the end result and let the paint show me the way.
In this course..
..we will walk step-by-step through the entire process. From choosing your supplies, going over the basic techniques, and then fearlessly exploring the watercolor medium together. Weโll experiment to understand how to work WITH the pigments, sitting back and letting the water do its thing and marvel at the results!
You will walk away with all the tools needed to paint confidently and effortlessly,
creating art that youโll be proud to share!
Imagine if you could:
Pick up a brush and make confident strokes without thinking twice about it
Mix a color palette with intention
Create watercolor landscapes that are loose, free or abstract in a fun and relaxed way
Establish a mindset that would end fear of failure
Introductions | Watercolors - what are they? We talk about mindsets and setting up our playground - How do you make room for painting in an already busy lifestyle?
Supplies and materials | There are A LOT of art supplies to choose from. I show the materials I use every day and share what I think are the best priorities at the art store.
First steps | Mixing colors / Brushwork / Values
Three basic techniques | Wet on wet / Wet on dry / Dry on dry
Diving a little deeper | Blending / Washes / Blooms / Layering
After having learned the basic watercolor techniques weโll start practicing them in a series of painting projects. These are designed to let you explore as you build landscapes beginning in three different ways.
Painting project 1 | In this painting session weโll create landscapes intuitively, with the blending technique as our starting point. By keeping it loose and abstract we train our ability to make decisions in the moment.
I N T R O D U C I N G
Creating Boldly with watercolor
Want a peek inside?
Painting project 2 | By laying down a rich wet-on-wet base, we have a soft, flowy background to create our landscapes on.
Painting project 3 | A sky can be the most dominant part of a landscape. In this painting session we make landscapes by beginning with the sky.
Creating from a reference photo of a landscape | Follow along as I translate and paint a landscape from a reference photo using bold brushstrokes to avoid getting stuck in details.
Creating from a reference photo of a seascape | We do the same thing with a seascape, building a painting from the lightest lights to the darkest darks
Final steps | Mistakes will happen but how do you fix them?
Youสผll learn the entire watercolor process from beginning to end. The techniques will be exactly the same regardless if you choose to paint in a looser or more detailed style. The mindset and approach will help your painting practice no matter what level your watercolor skills are on.
You have lifetime access to the course
You can work through the course at any time, from anywhere as long as you have internet access.
Voices from previous students
โDear Maria, just wanted to say - thank you! I enjoyed your fun and insightful easy- to -follow course even more than I anticipated. And the value is real; I feel boosted with skills and confidence and am looking forward to continuing my journey.โ
Tanja
โWhat a fabulous teacher you are! This is really helping me to loosen up and enjoy the experience. Not so focused on getting it right, but seeing what emerges and learning from what happens. Gentle and joyful!! THANK YOU.โ
Sarri
โIโve taken a few watercolor classes in the last 2 years, but yours is the first to make me feel relaxed and confident while painting! Love the step by step loose approach!โ
Christine
โI'm very new to watercolor, but this course has transformed my practice. My brushwork and color mixing are much freer, and I feel more comfortable with composition and eliminating details. Thank you, Maria!โ
Mary
โI was painting this morning and thinking how incredibly intuitive and flowy my work has become and Iโm finally getting the results I have always dreamed of! Thank you for a course that lets us find our own way and encourages us to play with different techniques. I have taken so many online watercolour courses and never end up with the abstract ethereal work I love.
Now I am painting exactly that!
Thank youโฆthank you. Your course changed the way I paint in the best way.โ
Judy
โWonderful series of lessons that I keep returning to again and again. I love studying with Maria.โ
Ellen B
โI feel much more confident in using larger brushes with light washes of color and lots of water. I also love the looseness and freedom (not thinking too hard) that comes with this style of painting. I am hooked! The final paintings are beautiful and calm.โ
Karen Depew
โI've taken quite a few watercolor classes. But what I really love about this one is Maria's beautiful process. You do learn great techniques but my favorite part was finding the joy in the process of working with watercolors. It's enabled me to create more boldly and with more excitement!โ
Mathilda Lundin
โI absolutely loved this course! Even though Iโve been painting with watercolor for over 5 years now, I felt totally full of fresh ideas and inspiration after watching the course. The techniques that Maria shares are so approachable and simple yet provide endless possibilities. I was able to try so many new combinations of colors and strokes and it led to a lot of unique and beautiful landscapes unlike anything Iโd ever painted before. I highly recommend this course whether youโre a beginner or seasoned watercolorist, you will love it!โ
Whitney Rainsdon
Hi there, Iยดm Maria!
As a Fine Artist and Art Educator, I know a thing or two about what itโs like to feel so flooded that the only alternative is to freeze your creative intentions.
Iโm on a mission to help you find moments to create,
observe, and appreciate art so you can surrender to your
creative journey.
What if I donโt have time to watch this right now?
As you will have lifetime access to the course you are free to go at your own pace, and return to the course whenever you wish.
Will I be able to complete a landscape painting by the end?
Definitely! While the course is focused on being free to paint without an end goal in mind, youโll have the tools and techniques you need to continue building watercolor landscapes, as loose or detailed as you like.
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to the course and you get access to any future updates or added content.
Didnโt see your question?
Email me here and Iโll be happy to answer!
Are there subtitles in the videos?
Yes, the videos will offer subtitles in several languages apart from English (including Spanish, French, Swedish, German etc.) but the written content is all in English.
How long is the course?
The recorded videos add up to about 2 hours in total but the real value will be found in your creative space when you start practicing these techniques with a new mindset. And that journey will last a lifetime.
Are all videos/lessons available right from purchase?
Yes, you can start the course immediately! It's a completely self-paced course so you can jump into the content you need most right away.
What materials do I need?
While I share what tools and materials I use, I want you to use what you already have! When youโre ready to upgrade anything, Iโve shared recommendations for art supplies that I think will make the biggest difference for your watercolor practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still undecided?
Youสผre ready to start creating inside Creating Boldly with watercolor ifโฆ
Youโre done with feeling frustration when picking up a brush
Youโre ready to invest in yourself, giving your creativity the space to thrive
Youโve spent enough time on YouTube figuring out bits and pieces yourself
Youโre a total beginner and have no idea where to start
Youโre a seasoned artist looking for a fresh take on watercolors
Youโre ready to take your painting to the next level!
