World Architecture
in Watercolor course with Achintya Hazra

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

How to match colors in any medium

Discover the art of flawless color matching with a simple yet powerful tool - the Color Matching Card, designed to train your eye and help you mix the perfect shade every time.

Lesson 4

«India»

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

In this lesson, we’ll travel to Pushkar, India - a city of vibrant colors, traditions, and sacred riversides.

You will learn to:

• compose steps and perspective along the ghats;
• paint moving water reflections to create rhythm and life;
• suggest figures with minimal, expressive brushstrokes;
• balance warm and cool tones to capture early morning light;
• enhance storytelling with cultural elements such as flags, birds, and domes.

Lesson 5

«Nepal»

Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

Today, our artist takes us to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple - we’ll learn to capture its majestic beauty and timeless atmosphere in watercolor.

You will learn to:

• capture height and depth in multi-level temple structures;
• mix earthy tones to depict natural stone and wood;
• paint fluttering prayer flags and Himalayan architecture with elegance;
• use soft shadows and cool tones to create a tranquil mood;
• preserve details with minimal, controlled washes;
• develop both technical skill and meditative expression through watercolor.

Lesson 6

«China»

Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes

In this lesson, we’ll capture the magical shift from day to night in a Chinese city - glowing lanterns, neon lights, and the quiet harmony of tradition and modern life.

You will learn to:

• capture the soft, fading light of evening in a Chinese urban setting;
• balance glowing modern signs with traditional architecture;
• apply vertical composition to emphasize depth and structure;
• use light washes to suggest atmosphere while maintaining clarity;
• contrast historical rooftops with the energy of modern lights;
• create natural glow effects while keeping the painting fresh and not overworked.

Lesson 7

«Turkey»

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Join us on a watercolor journey through Istanbul, capturing its iconic skyline, vibrant streets, and timeless atmosphere.

You will learn to:

• capture the cultural richness of Istanbul through its mosques, rooftops, and lively streets;
• simplify Islamic architecture while preserving its essential character;
• add depth to domes and minarets using watercolor techniques;
• create dynamic compositions to convey movement in a static cityscape;
• paint crowds without over-detailing individual figures;
• use warm–cool contrasts to highlight traditional architectural forms.

Lesson 8

How to Find Inspiration for Your Paintings

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to find inspiration everywhere - from everyday moments to photo references, master artworks, and your own sketches.

Lesson 9

«Russia»

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

We’ll capture the quiet poetry of a Russian winter cityscape - soft colors, long blue shadows, and the stillness of snow-covered streets.

You will learn to:

• create a sense of cold light with cool, desaturated tones;
• paint snow using negative space and soft edges;
• convey silence, distance, and atmosphere through layered washes and minimal detail;
• practice restraint — saying more with less in a winter cityscape.

Lesson 10

«Greece»

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Perched above the Aegean Sea, Santorini reveals its iconic charm - whitewashed walls, blue domes, and sunlit steps captured with light, freshness, and simplicity.

You will learn to:

• use white paper as a design element, not just a background;
• balance warm and cool shadows for a sunlit effect;
• simplify architectural elements such as domes and stairs without losing character;
• create a fresh, clean look with minimal, intentional brushwork.

Lesson 11

«Spain»

Duration: 1 hour

Madrid pulses with sunlight and rhythm - plazas, warm ochre tones, and bold shadows brought to life with dynamic brushwork and vibrant color.

You will learn to:

• use vibrant, warm palettes to evoke cultural atmosphere;
• paint bold, sunlit shadows with confidence;
• create energy and a sense of movement through rhythmic brushstrokes;
• balance structure and spontaneity in urban compositions.

Lesson 12

«Italy»

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

In this lesson, we’ll paint the romantic charm of Venice at dusk - gondolas, glowing windows, and shimmering reflections along the canals.

You will learn to:

• enhance spatial understanding by observing perspective from bridges, buildings, and canals;
• control the balance between soft and strong shadows;
• paint realistic water reflections with soft blends, vertical pulls, and distorted mirror images;
• keep reflections loose yet believable, especially from lamps, boats, and architecture;
• explore how color harmony sets the emotional tone, from evening glow to misty air and subtle background light.

Lesson 13

Conclusion

We’ve reached the finale of our creative journey - a chance to reflect on what we’ve learned, celebrate the artworks we’ve created, and gather inspiration for future adventures.