Watercolor 101 Skillshare Course

Hello, art friends!

This special page I've created for you holds all of the class videos (and downloadables) for my new Skillshare course, From Sketch to Painting: Mixed Media Italian Restaurant Facade.

*You'll hear me mention the 'Projects and Resources tab' in a couple of these videos, which is where students can share their work on Skillshare. On Patreon, you can share your work, ask questions, and connect with other community members via the Community Chats. I explain how to access the Community Chats in the How to Use Patreon video.

To watch the videos in full screen, click the "Watch on YouTube" icon in the bottom-right corner of the video. Once you're on YouTube, click the Full Screen icon in the bottom-right corner of the player.

If you have any questions or feedback of any kind, don't hesitate to reach out via a private Patreon message, or via email ([email protected]).

Join me as I take you through my complete mixed media process for a charming Italian restaurant facade using colored pencils and watercolor.

In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn how to combine these two mediums to create expressive artwork full of depth, texture, and personality.

We'll begin with a freehand pencil sketch in a sketchbook before transferring our drawing to watercolor paper. From there, we'll build our artwork step by step, first with colored pencil line work, then watercolor washes, and finally a second colored pencil layer to add rich textures and finishing details.

Along the way, I'll share the same techniques and workflow I personally use to create polished mixed media pieces while helping you strengthen your drawing and painting fundamentals.

*In this class, you'll learn how to:

Simplify buildings into basic shapes
Draw frontal building facades with improved proportions and perspective
Work from large shapes to small details for greater accuracy
Combine colored pencils and watercolor for balanced mixed media effects
Create clean watercolor washes, vibrant color mixtures, and convincing depth
Add texture, detail, and expressive mark-making with colored pencils
Use a reference photo while still making creative artistic decisions

Whether you're new to mixed media, enjoy urban sketching and architectural subjects, or simply want a relaxing project that strengthens both your drawing and watercolor skills, this class will give you practical techniques you can continue using in future artwork.

*Supplies:

Drawing Sketchbook *Suggested size: 9"x 12" (or larger)
Tracing paper, Carbon Paper or Lightboard
Drawing pencils *Suggested grades: HB, 2B
Soft graphite eraser
Kneaded eraser
Sharpener
Wax-Based Colored Pencils
Watercolor paper *Suggested type/weight: Hot Press, 140 lbs.
Watercolor paint set
Mixing palette
Brushes *Suggested type and sizes: Rounds (3, 10, 14)
1-2 Containers with clean water
Absorbent towel or kitchen paper towels
Masking tape or artist's tape (3/4's " or 1")
Backing board (to tape watercolor sheet onto for support)
Scrap pieces of watercolor paper

*Extra Resources:
What You Should Know About Watercolor Paper Sizing
How I Transfer Sketches with Tracing Paper
How I Use a Light Board to Transfer Drawings
Drawing Practice for Beginners Understanding 1 and 2 Point Perspective
Let's Draw Houses Together (Live Workshop Recording)

Hope you enjoy and get a lot from this course. :)

Downloadables: