What the course is about

This architectural drawing and painting course is based on the best-selling book «Atmospheric Buildings in Watercolour» by Nicholas Poullis.

The course covers essential topics such as pure watercolor technique, materials, perspective, simplification, painting order, working with light, and developing finished paintings.

Each lesson also includes practical hints and tips to support students throughout their learning process.

Who will find this course useful

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to draw and paint architecture, regardless of age or experience level.

It is ideal for those interested in painting buildings in watercolor while capturing light, atmosphere, and a sense of place.

Course program

Lesson 1

Introduction

In this lesson the artist introduces himself and provides an overview of the course.

Lesson 2

List of materials

In this lesson we will discuss the materials needed for the course.

Lesson 3

«Medieval Arch Porte de Faugeres Pézenas»

Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes

In this lesson we explore stone, shadow, and texture, capturing the quiet strength of historic architecture through subtle techniques.

You will learn to:

  • create texture using flocking and granulation
  • organise the painting process
  • build form through shadow

Lesson 4

Tour of artist's plein air studio

Discover the outdoor locations where the artist paints his art.

Lesson 5

«The Church of Nezignan l'Êvêque»

Duration: 1 hour 7 minutes

In this lesson, we paint the old church and its surroundings.

You will learn to:

  • paint the sky
  • simplify using abstract forms
  • use silhouette shapes for clarity
  • capture light
  • apply a direct painting method to create form

Lesson 6

«Moulin de Julian Neffies»

Duration: 1 hour 16 minutes

In this lesson, we paint a quiet, sunlit scene: a mill nestled in the landscape.

You will learn to:

  • create contrast
  • draw and paint arches
  • mix greens
  • select a viewpoint
  • develop composition
  • observe and interpret the scene

Lesson 7

«The Cityscape Scene of St Pons de Mauchiens»

Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes

In this lesson, we paint a cityscape and revisit the foundations of perspective.

You will learn to:

  • paint perspective
  • paint light and shadow
  • depict architectural elements

Lesson 8

«The Bridge of Beziers»

Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes

In this lesson, we paint a historic bridge, a hillside town, strong shadows, and glowing walls.

You will learn to:

  • analyse and paint complex forms
  • create depth
  • create composition through simplification
  • edit the scene
  • choose an effective point of view

Lesson 9

Troubleshooting — fixing common watercolor problems

Avoiding problems is better than correcting them. This lesson addresses common issues, including composition and technical challenges.

Lesson 10

«Durham Cathedral»

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

In this lesson, we paint the dramatic architecture of Durham Cathedral.

You will learn to:

  • create impact through simplification
  • use direct painting to explain complex architectural forms
  • use perspective to add drama
  • explore light and reflected light
  • keep your painting fresh
  • select and edit details

Lesson 11

«Street scene Pézenas»

Duration: 1 hour 8 minutes

This lesson is dedicated to the town of Pezenas, where we draw and paint a street scene.

You will learn to:

  • explore light and reflected light
  • keep your painting fresh
  • select and edit details
  • choose light and shadow to create form
  • select detail and organize the painting
  • identify painting stages and structure a watercolor

Lesson 12

«Gothic Barcelona»

Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes

In this lesson, we paint the atmosphere of Gothic Barcelona, focusing on its beautiful architecture.

You will learn to:

  • create volumes to establish light and atmosphere
  • simplify complex architectural forms while maintaining balance and depth
  • use a limited palette to achieve harmony

Lesson 13

Course conclusion

In this final lesson, we reflect on what we have learned about composition and construction in painting. Thank you for taking part in the course — we look forward to seeing you again.

Nicholas

Poullis

Watercolor artist

  • I've been teaching art since 2012
  • My work is held in the collections of St John's College, University of Cambridge, Baker Tilly Association of Chartered Accountants, Royal Automobile Club, Pézenas Tourist Office, and numerous private collections
  • I am the winner of the Baker Tilly Award of the Royal Watercolor Society
  • I am the author of the best-selling book «Atmospheric Buildings in Watercolour», published by Search Press

Instructor's
Works

Course materials

1. Paper:

  • 140lb Bockingford or any watercolor paper 6 x 9 inches

2. Brushes:

  • natural fibre round 8 and 6
  • riggers 4 and 2
  • large round for larger washes

3. 2B pencil

4. Sketch pad

5. Soft rubber

6. Water pot

7. Colors:

  • cadmium red light
  • light red
  • potters pink
  • cadmium or chrome yellow
  • raw sienna
  • naples yellow
  • French ultramarine blue
  • cobalt blue deep
  • cobalt blue
  • viridian
  • brown madder
  • ivory black

Prices

Standard
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 Architectural Paintings
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
200 $
$ €
SIGN UP!
Plus
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 Architectural Paintings
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
250 $
$ €
SIGN UP!
Premium
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 Architectural Paintings
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
500 $
$ €
SIGN UP!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I can't draw at all. Should I take the course?

Of course you should! The course is designed so that it starts with simple paintings and then progresses to more complex ones, allowing you to smoothly integrate into the process and achieve high results!

The course will also be beneficial for experienced artists. You will further refine your technique and enhance your visual understanding.

At the end of the lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The teacher will have the opportunity to leave textual, graphic (annotations on the drawing), as well as audio comments on your work.

At the bottom of each lesson, there will be a comment section where you can ask any questions related to the learning process.

If you have a plan without feedback, it will depend on your personal pace at which you complete the lessons.

With plans that include feedback, we actively conduct lessons for two months from the moment you “unfreeze” the course.

Overall, I recommend taking the course at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the process more!

It's never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. They enjoy drawing, developing their skills, creative thinking, and rejuvenating their spirit and mind!

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