The Art of Creative Watercolor: Joy of Composition
Danielle Donaldson
Class Preview
0:59
- In-depth Instruction; over 86 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Supplies
2:44
Meet Danielle and learn more about the class, including the supplies you'll need.
Study
6:14
Danielle discusses composition and how to train your eye to look at it, including elements such as size and scale, color choices and how to lead the viewer's eye around your work.
Prepare
8:06
Focus on creating a series of snow globes, useful as a repetitive practice and beautiful as a series. Brainstorm along with Danielle on what elements to include in your composition.
Project "Recipe Cards"
6:20
Create a "recipe card" for your composition so you can play with the different elements available and open up your imagination.
Begin Drawing
15:03
It's time to start creating the series of snow globes, working on all four of them together to create a flow in the overall composition. Learn to work with a flexible ruler to create similar shapes.
Play With Color
15:54
Begin adding layers of paint to each of your snow globes, playing with colors to represent the four seasons. Practice with different types of brushes as you add details and washes.
Visual Tension
6:02
Review how the colors define each snow globe, then explore ways to add depth and dimension to your paintings with pencil.
Refining Colors & Details
12:07
Danielle shares some troubleshooting tips, then goes over the refinement of the details and colors as you near the completion of your snow globe series.
Final Details
13:29
Finish your series with a white ink pen. Use it to create details and clean up edges. Your snow globes are now suitable for framing!
In this class from our partners at Peak Media, join artist Danielle Donaldson to learn how to create stronger compositions as you use essential watercolor techniques to paint a series of seasonal snow globes.
Danielle Donaldson
Danielle Donaldson has walked a creative path for as long as she can remember. With a degree in graphic design, she became a regular participant in the scrapbook industry, publishing her art in magazines and how-to books, creating products for several companies and teaching at a national level. More recently, she has rediscovered a love of watercolors and graphite work, and the act of combining them with other mediums and techniques. Danielle shares her process through social media, online classes and in-person workshops. You can learn more about Danielle at danielledonaldson.com.