Rhythms of Nature
in Watercolor
Course with Patrick Visser

Lesson 1

Greetings

Basic course overview and introduction to your teacher.

Lesson 2

Materials

Overview of the essential materials you'll need to get started with the course.

Lesson 3

Four compositions you need to know as a beginner

In this lesson, you'll explore four fundamental composition types and learn how to use them consciously in your own work.

You will learn to:

• understand four fundamental composition types;
• identify composition types in other artists' work;
• apply composition types to your own paintings.

Lesson 4

"Seascape Studies"

Duration: 1 hour

In this lesson, we'll create three light watercolor sketches inspired by the sea, air, and open horizons.

You will learn to:

• use small, unusual paper sizes;
• simplify compositions using five big shapes;
• create a mini collection.

Lesson 5

"Dry Hill"

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

This lesson focuses on creating a quiet, light-filled landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a sense of calm open space.

You will learn to:

• use the "high line" composition;
• paint shadows into white clouds;
• paint trees with the dry brush technique.

Lesson 6

"Cloudy Morning"

Duration: 50 minutes

In this lesson, we'll capture the feeling of early morning, with transparent light, fresh air, and the quiet awakening of nature.

You will learn to:

• interpret a photo reference and add missing elements;
• use a very limited palette to create a harmonious mood;
• paint a cloudy wet-on-wet sky.

Lesson 7

"Forest Light"

Duration: 55 minutes

In this lesson, we'll paint a forest scene filled with soft light, gentle shadows, and the calm mood of a quiet walk beneath the trees.

You will learn to:

• paint a strong and convincing light source;
• apply the big, medium, small approach to organize details;
• create texture using splatter techniques.

Lesson 8

Things I wish I knew sooner

In this video, Patrick shares five personal lessons learned through experience and mistakes — things he truly wishes he had known at the very beginning.

Lesson 9

"White Windmill"

Duration: 40 minutes

You'll paint a bright, peaceful landscape featuring a windmill, green meadows, and the warmth of a sunny day.

You will learn to:

• preserve white areas without using masking fluid;
• use negative painting techniques;
• use strong shadows as a compositional device.

Lesson 10

"Emerald Beach"

Duration: 55 minutes

You'll create an evening seascape with soft sunset light, shimmering reflections on the water, and a sense of quiet calm.

You will learn to:

• create a warm afternoon glow for sunset moods;
• balance the composition using repeating elements;
• add life to landscapes with birds.

Lesson 11

"Walk on the Beach"

Duration: 45 minutes

Light, openness, and the breath of the ocean take center stage in this seascape with soft shoreline and water lines.

You will learn to:

• modify a photo reference to better suit your painting;
• identify large shapes to simplify the landscape;
• use leading lines to direct the viewer's eye.

Lesson 12

"Bluff Lookout"

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

You'll paint a landscape from a scenic viewpoint, with a winding river, green hills, and figures that convey a sense of space, calm, and contemplation.

You will learn to:

• create depth using aerial perspective;
• mix warm and cool greens;
• transfer an image accurately using a grid.

Lesson 13

Conclusion

This lesson marks a moment of completion — a pause to reflect on the journey, experience, and impressions gathered throughout the course.