🎨 Watercolor Week is June 5th-8th! LEARN MORE >>
WILDlife in Watercolor
$29.00
Learn to create wildly colorful animal portraits in watercolor with artist and author Shaunna Russell.
Please Note: This class was included in the Watercolor Summit 2.0: Gouache Edition.
Description
MODULES 1-2: Introduction & Supplies
Meet artist and author Shaunna Russell and discover the tools she uses every day, from paint and paper to brushes and palettes.
MODULE 3: Basic Color Theory
Shaunna shares her tricks for keeping her colors bright and pure, without getting muddy on the page or in the palette. You’ll learn what colors look good as “neighbors,” but that don’t necessarily mix well together.
MODULE 4: Value Study
Shaunna’s animal portraits look realistic despite her use of wild colors because she has mastered the concept of “value” — or, the lightness or darkness of a paint. In this module, you’ll complete a value study exercise that will show you how to convey real-life objects using unconventional colors.
MODULE 5: Using a Reference Photo
In this module, you’ll learn how Shaunna sources reference photos, what to look for, and how to translate that to the page.
MODULE 6: Painting the First Layer
You’ll get started with the base layer of our class project, a bright and colorful leopard! Shaunna shows you what colors to use, where to put them, and how to keep them from turning into “mud.”
MODULE 7: Depth and Shadows
In the next layer, you’ll learn how to add depth and shadows to your art, taking clues from your reference photo.
MODULE 8: Eyes and Nose
Things start coming together in this module — the eyes, in particular, give life to any painting! Shaunna shares her proven recipe for creating gorgeous eyes with depth and soul.
MODULES 9-10: Final Details
Many would be tempted to stop after the last module… but Shaunna has done this hundreds of times and is a pro at knowing what final details to add to make your artwork pop. You’ll be surprised at how much time is dedicated to final details, but it really makes a big difference.
See what our students have made!
Additional information
Medium | |
---|---|
Level | |
Length | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Instructor | |
Audio | English |
Subtitles | English |
Frequently Asked Questions
Video so good, it's better than being there in person.
With multiple camera angles and the ability to pause and rewind, our classes get you up close to the action so you don't miss a step.


You were made to create.
We believe anyone can be an artist... even if they never went to art school. The need to be creative is built right into our DNA, and sometimes it just takes the right medium and a little practice to light that creative fire!