[BIG]
Nature’s Glow with Marietta Smith

Lesson 1

Greetings

In this first lesson, we’ll set the tone for our journey together, get comfortable with the process, and prepare to enjoy the creative flow of watercolor.

Lesson 2

Materials

We'll explore the essential materials you’ll need for the course and see how each one will support your watercolor journey.

Lesson 3

Practicing the Lifting, Scrubbing and Sponging Techniques

In this lesson, we’ll explore simple ways to adjust and transform painted areas, making them softer, lighter, and richer in texture.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• plan an artistic painting from a reference photo;
• draw a cherry tree in pencil;
• apply masking fluid.

Lesson 2

Background washes

You will learn to:

• establish the background trees and path with a grassy foreground;
• use wet on wet to create atmosphere;
• use complementary colors.

Lesson 3

Middle Layers

You will learn to:

• use wet-on-dry along with wet-on-wet to create the effect of hanging branches;
• use transparent and opaque colors;
• suggest background trees without overdoing them.

Lesson 4

Details and accents

You will learn to:

• remove masking fluid;
• analyze progress and make decisions about values;
• use dark colors to draw the eye to the focal point, create texture, and add emphasis.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• use Black Gum trees and understand why you want to paint them;
• analyze the reference photo to determine compositional style;
• plan the color scheme for your painting;
• draw the leaves and branches of a Black Gum tree.

Lesson 2

Background washes

You will learn to:

• use partial wet-on-wet to achieve the look you want;
• mix and test pale colors;
• apply background washes;
• apply washes while leaving areas of white.

Lesson 3

Middle Layers

You will learn to:

• place base color on leaves;
• paint branches;
• mix grays and browns in middle tones;
• apply middle tones over dry pale colors without disturbing the first wash.

Lesson 4

Details and accents

You will learn to:

• study your painting to determine where and if to add details;
• mix super darks for details and accents;
• study your painting to decide whether to add more or if it is done.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• evaluate the reference photo of a sunlit waterfall and discuss “S” compositional style;
• draw the waterfall scene with pencil on 140lb watercolor paper;
• draw a seated figure on the hillside;
• use masking fluid to protect the white of the waterfall and figure.

Lesson 2

Background washes

You will learn to:

• create warm and cool color mixtures;
• apply grays and yellows to rocky areas and tree;
• apply a loose wash to create the feeling of movement in the water.

Lesson 3

Middle Layers

You will learn to:

• define boulders and underwater rocks;
• add blues and greens to complete the sunlit tree;
• remove masking fluid;
• apply colors to the figure using a small brush and bright tones.

Lesson 4

Details and accents

You will learn to:

• add dark tones and accents throughout the painting;
• evaluate values and add final touches.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• analyze your reference photo for the best compositional scheme;
• use a circle to lead the eye through your painting;
• draw a river landscape, deciding what to include and what to add later.

Lesson 2

Background washes

You will learn to:

• apply pale washes to establish the direction of light;
• find out where and how to use masking fluid;
• learn how to use a common household candle to create sparkle on water.

Lesson 3

Middle Layers

You will learn to:

• build Middle Layers to create the flow of water and suggest rapids;
• create the look of granite boulders in the distance and in the sunlit foreground;
• paint a river birch tree and its rough peeling bark;
• paint shallow water over river sand.

Lesson 4

Details and accents

You will learn to:

• add middle and deep tones to enhance your composition;
• add details such as a red boat and yellow flowers to give excitement and tell a story;
• use the “stare down” technique and the value of stepping away before final adjustments.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• look at a reference photo and decide what to change or emphasize to create an oval composition;
• preserve whites using masking fluid and candle wax;
• choose a color scheme that balances warm and cool tones;
• plan your paints to achieve harmony and balance in the final work.

Lesson 2

Background washes

You will learn to:

• begin the first wash of color in the background with confidence;
• paint rocks in water with shadows and reflections;
• use washes to establish the flow of water;
• indicate rocks below the surface with simple brushstrokes.

Lesson 3

Middle Layers

You will learn to:

• add middle tones and darks in stages to create depth and emphasis;
• paint branches and leaves while showing sunlit areas;
• enliven rushing water with multiple washes.

Lesson 4

Details and accents

You will learn to:

• use white gouache to enhance the rhythm of splashing water and reveal the surface;
• apply super darks to guide the viewer’s eye and show depth;
• step back from your work to see the painting as a whole.

Lesson 1

How I Find Subjects for My Paintings

In this lesson, I’ll share how I choose inspiring subjects from the world around me and turn them into ideas for watercolor paintings.

You will learn to:

• travel outdoors with Marietta to look for inspiration on a sunny morning;
• see beauty in simple things and use it to inspire your art;
• follow Marietta as sunlight reveals more than a dozen beautiful landscape scenes to paint;
• experience how nature can bring you happy surprises.

Lesson 2

Final

In this final lesson, we’ll bring everything together, reflect on what you’ve learned, and celebrate the progress you’ve made on your watercolor journey.