Course Outline Week 1 — Materials Overview: Paper & Preparation • Exploring different types of watercolor paper and how texture, weight, and finish affect the result • How to select the right paper for different techniques and styles • Preparing paper for wet and dry methods • Practical exercises: basic washes and water control Week 2 — Brushes: Types, Uses & Techniques • In-depth look at watercolor brushes: shapes, sizes, and materials • Selecting the right brush for specific techniques and effects • Practical exercises: experimenting with washes, textures, and linework using various brushes Week 3 — Core Watercolor Techniques: Washes & Special Effects • Mastering flat washes, gradient washes, and layered glazing • Introduction to watercolor “special effects”: • Using salt for texture • Creating patterns with plastic wrap • Wax resist techniques • Scratch techniques for fine details • Hands-on practice with each method Week 4 — Wet-on-Wet, Dry Brush & Lifting Techniques • Wet-on-wet: creating soft blends and atmospheric effects • Dry brush: adding texture and sharp detail • Lifting: removing pigment for highlights and corrections • Additional special effects: • Masking fluid • Tape for sharp edges • Alcohol for organic patterns Week 5 — Pigments & Color Theory • Understanding watercolor pigments: granulation, transparency, and pigment separation • How different pigments behave on paper • Creating basic watercolor mixes • Core principles of color theory and how to apply them in painting Week 6 — Building Your Personal Palette • Developing a custom palette tailored to your style • Choosing harmonious color combinations • Exploring complex color mixtures • Practical exercise: painting a simple landscape using a limited color palette Week 7 — Combining Techniques: Layered Still Life • Applying multiple techniques in a single composition• Working with transparent layers and creating depth • Using negative space for compositional strength • Final project preparation: experimenting with special effects in a still life Week 8 — Final Project: Detailed Landscape • Creating a complete, detailed landscape using all the techniques learned • Focus on depth, light, and composition • Final group critique and individual feedback from the instructor By the end of the course, you will: • Gain a solid understanding of watercolor materials and their possibilities • Confidently mix colors and use complex layering techniques • Create textures, highlights, and special effects with precision • Complete a final project that showcases your new skills Master the fluid beauty of watercolor and turn every brushstroke into a form of expression.