WILDlife in Watercolor

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!