Between reality and abstraction with Prasad Beaven

Lesson 1

Getting to know your teacher

In this lesson, we will spend some time getting to know each other, and I will also provide you with some basic information about what to expect from the course.

Lesson 2

List of materials

In this lesson, I will introduce you to the materials you will need for the course.

Lesson 3

«Street Scene with Long Shadows»

Duration: 1 hours

In our first painting lesson, you will learn to simplify the cityscape and use light and shadow to create a strong focal point as you paint a sunlit street scene with figures and shadows.

You will learn to:

• simplify shapes for clarity;
• control values to create depth;
• use light direction and contrast for interest.

Lesson 4

«Market Street with Canopies and People»

Duration: 1 hours 15 minutes

In this lesson, we will paint a cosy market street with bold shadows and soft light, making a red figure the focal point. Learn how to simplify shapes and capture the mood through confident brushwork.

You will learn to:

• avoid overcrowding scenes;
• lead the eye using figures and structures;
• use bold shadows to build form.

Lesson 5

Colour Mixing

In this lesson, we will learn how to mix watercolours in order to create pure, expressive shades.

Lesson 6

«Mountain Village Alley – Light, Texture & Depth»

Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes

In this lesson, we will paint an atmospheric street scene in a mountain village, with light playing on the walls and mountains dissolving into the mist. We will learn to use a palette knife and washing techniques to create depth and mood in our painting, as well as how to balance warm and cool tones.

You will learn to:

• сreate atmospheric layers;
• add textures using palette knife and lifting;
• balance warm and cool tones for depth.

Lesson 7

«Sunset over Suburban Rooftops»

Duration: 1 hours

In this lesson, we will paint a watercolour landscape featuring a sunset sky. Soft colour transitions, light silhouettes of trees and illuminated windows evoke a sense of comfort and tranquillity, while the delicate shades of the sky imbue the painting with the essence of a warm evening.

You will learn to:

• plan light early on;
• simplify details for strong composition;
• use silhouettes and soft trees for mood.

Lesson 8

The history of my creative journey

In this lesson, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better. I will also talk about my creative journey.

Lesson 9

«Spring Blossoms and Architecture»

Duration: 1 hours

In this lesson, we will paint a watercolour of a cityscape with a white building visible through the treetops. The contrast between the light walls and the dark foliage gives the scene a hazy, lively feel.

You will learn to:

• suggest blossoms with splatters;
• frame focal point with branches;
• keep buildings light against dark foreground.

Lesson 10

«Coastal Path with Overlook»

Duration: 1 hours

In this lesson, we will create a seashore landscape. The transparent blue of the water, the soft contours of the mountains and the warm greenery will create an atmosphere of lightness and freshness.

You will learn to:

• use perspective lines to guide viewer;
• balance cool and warm greens;
• add texture to rocks with a dry brush.

Lesson 11

«Mountain Peaks and Blossoming Shrubs»

Duration: 40 minutes

In this lesson, we will paint a landscape featuring snow-capped mountain peaks and flowering shrubs in the foreground. The contrast between the cool tones of the sky and mountains, and the vibrant greenery and bright accents, evokes the freshness of mountain air and the vibrancy of nature.

You will learn to:

• reserve whites for snow;
• use bold washes for mountain masses;
• add pops of color for focal points.

Lesson 12

«Misty Mountains and Green Fields»

Duration: 1 hours

In this lesson, we will paint a watercolour landscape featuring lush green fields in the foreground and misty mountains in the distance. The contrast between the bright grass and the soft haze will create a sense of space and freshness, as if there were a light breeze blowing.

You will learn to:

• create mist with soft washes;
• divide fields with value changes;
• imply distant mountains with negative space.

Lesson 13

Course conclusion

Our course has now finished. Let's summarise what we've learnt and hear some advice for further creative development!