Introduction, Resources, Overview

Welcome!

In this course, you will learn how to paint this raccoon in watercolor! Whether you create this painting or a similar subject, I hope you find these techniques and steps useful.

  • Scroll lower for an overview of the lessons and resources.
  • Throughout this course, I encourage you to make decisions based on your vision for your painting. Use as much or as little of the lessons and drawing as you need. If you lose focus, take a break. You will return with fresh eyes!
  • Creating a detailed and realistic painting like this does take time, but when you enjoy the process it's inspiring and a lot of fun. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and learn from your experiences, because that's how we grow. You can do this!


I’d love to hear how it goes and invite you to share your painting along with challenges, solutions, and suggestions.

  • Take a photo and share in the Community.
  • Share your painting in our Facebook Group, Realistic Animals in Watercolor.
  • In addition, upload your painting to your Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter - all of your favorite places with the hashtag #rebeccarhodesart. By sharing, you are inspiring others to get started!

I hope you enjoy the course!

OVERVIEW OF LESSONS

It's helpful to see an overview of the process - the big picture! We'll break this dog down into smaller, manageable steps. There will be "uncomfortable" stages. Persevere!

Lessons 1, 2: Eyes and Nose

Lesson 3: Pale Map of what will be Dark Shapes

Lessons 4, 5: First Layers of Dark Fur

Lesson 6: Darkest Parts

Lesson 7: Ears

Lesson 8: Refine the Leg

Lessons 9, 10: Refine Fur, Color

Lesson 11: Tree Trunk


Lesson 13: Preparation for Whiskers

Lesson 14: Final Refinements, Whiskers

PREPARATION VIDEOS

Below, you will find 4 videos that may be helpful as you prepare for your painting. Scroll lower to watch the videos.

  1. Getting Started: Materials, Set up
  2. How to prepare the paper, how to transfer drawing to watercolor paper
  3. Consistency and Value - What is it and Why?
  4. How to Mix Black, Gray, Browns

Additional Resource Videos from my Youtube Channel


Video 1: Getting Started: Materials, Set up

In this video, you will learn about simple materials for getting started. I encourage you to use what you have on hand! The materials list, drawing, and reference photo for this cat are found in the next lesson.

Resources:

  • This link will take you to the materials used in our watercolor school.
  • This link will take you to a lesson on setting up your color palette.
  1. Simple list of supplies
  2. Palette (0:38)
  3. Paints - Brands, tubes, pans (0:55)
  4. Brushes (2:03)
  5. Watercolor paper (4:05)
  6. Additional supplies, set-up (5:55)

Video 2: Prepare your Paper, Transfer the Drawing

This video demonstrates the following items, helpful in preparing for your painting:

  1. What size paper to use
  2. What side of the watercolor paper to paint on
  3. How to transfer the drawing to the watercolor paper
    1. Method 1: Graphite from a pencil
    2. Method 2: Transfer paper

Resources:

Transfer Paper: To transfer the drawing to the watercolor paper, I use graphite paper or Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper.

Gatorfoam: For paintings 8 x 10 inches and larger, I like to staple my paper to Gatorfoam Board to keep it flat during the painting. Gatorfoam is a lightweight, rigid display board that has a dense, firm core and a water resistant surface. I use the 1/2 inch thickness. The board comes in different sizes. I have the 16" x 23" - my paintings are usually no larger than this.

Watercolor Paper: I use Arches Natural White 140 lb. watercolor paper for all courses in the school, mostly Cold Press. You can purchase the paper in blocks, single large sheets that you can cut to size, and sometimes in packs of sheets.

Video 3: CONSISTENCY AND VALUE

You will constantly hear the terms "consistency" and "value." The video below provides an explanation as well as practice exercises for you to hone your skills.

Video 4: How to Mix Grays, Blacks, Browns

In this video, I will share my favorite method for creating all kinds of gray, black, and brown using a mix of French Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Umber (or Burnt Sienna.)

Note: This method is optional. Feel free to use your favorite grays and blacks or any mix that you prefer. You can also experiment with mixing Payne's Gray with brown.

Links

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Where can I find the materials, drawing and reference photo? These items are found in the next lesson.

I don't have all of the materials included in the lists - what do I do? It's ok if you don't have the same materials as listed. Use what you have on hand. The most important thing is to allow yourself to learn and enjoy the process!

NEED HELP?


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