[BIG]
Poured watercolor landscapeswith Leslie Lambert

Lesson 1

Greetings / Introduction

Basic information about the course, greeting from the teacher.

Lesson 2

List of materials

In this lesson I will show you the materials that we will need in the course.

Lesson 3

Let the Water Lead: A Creative Watercolor Exploration

A playful, creativity-first watercolor lesson where I guide you to let go of control, explore spontaneous techniques, and discover how to "find the painting" within colorful, abstract washes.

Lesson 4

Art tools I can’t live without

In this tutorial, I'll show you the unique watercolor tools I can't live without, from worn-out brushes to unusual favorites like airbrushes and masking fluid that fuel my creative process every day.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• use a colored pen to trace only the most important lines on the photocopy;
• pour each color individually, allowing them to flow and mix on the page;
• gently tilt the paper to encourage soft blends and smooth transitions;
• mix colors correctly.

Lesson 2

First & Second Pours – Glowing Light and Early Layers

You will learn to:

• mix colors;
• pour each color individually,
• tilt the paper to encourage soft blends and smooth transitions.

Lesson 3

Pours 3 & 4 – Midtones and Structure

You will learn to:

• mask out the next level of values;
• mask out darker shadow shapes and areas of depth in the pottery and background;
• wet and pour with intentionality, focusing on adding contrast and form.

Lesson 4

Final Pour & Finishing Touches

You will learn to:

• create rich violets and deep shadows;
• carefully remove all masking;
• use a brush for final highlights or texture details.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• trace the main shapes and outlines directly on top of the photocopy;
• place a piece of graphite transfer paper between your photocopy and your watercolor paper;
• use a ballpoint pen or stylus to trace over the colored lines.

Lesson 2

Painting the Sky & Beginning the Pour

You will learn to:

• paint a soft sky;
• mask out the lightest values—these are the highlights you want to preserve in the final painting;
• keep the transitions fluid while being mindful of color placement.

Lesson 3

Mid to Dark Pours – Pour 3 & 4

You will learn to:

• allow the colors to blend naturally but intentionally;
• identify and mask out the darker midtones;
• mix an even deeper and more concentrated batch of your colors.

Lesson 4

Final Pour & Finishing Touches

You will learn to:

• remove all masking fluid;
• add texture to driftwood or foliage;
• define tree trunks or shoreline details.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• trace the key shapes of the scene onto a photocopy using a colored pen;
• use graphite transfer paper or a lightbox to carefully transfer your drawing onto watercolor paper;
• focus on the main shapes of trees, shoreline, reflections, and the ripples in the water;
• simplify complex areas into broader shapes of value.

Lesson 2

Masking & the First Two Pours

You will learn to:

• use multiple masking application methods;
• mix a light-value wash using your three primary colors;
• encourage flow and blend while maintaining vibrancy;
• control transparency and avoid muddiness.

Lesson 3

Deeper Values – The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Pours

You will learn to:

• identify the midtones and darker shapes;
• pour with intention—tilt, guide, or gently finger-paint to move pigment into key areas;
• maintain transparency and clarity by working slowly and cleanly.

Lesson 4

Final Pour, Reveal & Refinement

You will learn to:

• enhance depth, contrast, and focal points
• evaluate the overall image;
• correct or enhance problem areas.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• use a colored pen to trace the major shapes and contours directly onto the photocopy of the reference image;
• refine the drawing with a pencil;
• keep the drawing clean and light.

Lesson 2

Sky & First Two Pours

You will learn to:

• paint the sky using a brush;
• mix the three primary colors;
• allow colors to flow and blend naturally across the paper.

Lesson 3

Pours 3, 4 – Building Depth and Contrast

You will learn to:

• mask out the next lightest values;
• mix colors more concentrated than before;
• let the colors flow together while preserving harmony.

Lesson 4

Final Pour & Finishing Touches

You will learn to:

• increase the saturation and depth of your color mixtures slightly;
• wet and pour with control;
• keep warm colors concentrated around the focal point.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• choose your preferred transfer method;
• trace the main shapes;
• use a colored pen to keep the drawing visible after each pour;
• simplify details and focus on large, value-based shapes that will guide your masking.

Lesson 2

Painting the Sky and First Two Pours

You will learn to:

• paint the sky using a brush;
• pour the lightest values across the paper;
• use masking fluid to preserve the lightest shapes from the first pour;
• tilt and rotate the board to encourage organic mixing and flow.

Lesson 3

Mid to Dark Pours – Building Depth and Focus

You will learn to:

• mask out the mid-values;
• keep warm reds and oranges concentrated around the barn;
• mask out additional highlights and details in the bushes, trees, and foliage;
• go darker and bolder with each layer.

Lesson 4

Final Pour & Finishing Touches

You will learn to:

• lift all masking fluid;
• add small touches of color to increase richness;
• strengthen shadows or bring cohesion to key shapes.
• add final details or textures with a brush.

Lesson 1

Sketch

You will learn to:

• use a colored pen to trace the essential lines and shapes on the photocopy;
• make a drawing of bisons;
• transfer the image onto the watercolor paper;
• review your drawing.

Lesson 2

First & Second Pours – Establishing Light and Form

You will learn to:

• pour each color separately;
• lift the color gently from the horns of the bison using a brush, tissue, or cotton swab;
• pour the darker mixes.

Lesson 3

Pours 3 & 4 – Deepening the Landscape, Defining the Bison

You will learn to:

• mask out additional shapes;
• add depth and vibrancy, especially in greens and darks;
• preserve and emphasize the warm reds in the bison.

Lesson 4

Final Pour & Finishing Touches – Bringing the Bison to Life

You will learn to:

• create rich shadows throughout the composition;
• carefully remove all masking fluid;
• evaluate the painting and make any necessary touch-ups.