cardinal in watercolor rebecca rhodes

How to Paint a Cardinal in Watercolor


Step by step video instruction from drawing to finished painting. Learn to paint vibrant reds in watercolor!

Self-paced course

Approximate Length: 6 - 7 hours

This tutorial is included in the Membership or may be purchased as a single course.

Membership is only $20./month!

Welcome!

In this course, you will learn how to create this realistic cardinal in watercolor, using techniques that you can apply to your own paintings!

  • Throughout this course, I encourage you to make decisions based on what you would like to achieve. Use as much or as little of the lessons and drawing as you wish to create your vision.
  • I hope you will find these techniques useful in creating your own paintings!

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.

Paint at your own pace. Enjoy the process.

You will learn so much!

  • How to create vibrant reds
  • How to create the rich black around the beak
  • How to create the colors and textures of a stump

Included in this Course:

  • Materials list, reference photo, and drawing
  • Successive video lessons of entire painting in real time
  • Step-by-step formula that you can apply to your own paintings
  • Mixing colors
  • Working with value – darks, lights, mid-tones
  • Adjusting errors and troubleshooting
  • Making final refinements
  • Narration by Rebecca Rhodes

If you are not happy with the course, contact Rebecca Rhodes ([email protected]) within the first 30 days of purchase, and you will receive a full refund.

Courses are hosted on the School website and are not available for download. Videos are for streaming. A high-speed internet connection is recommended


Learn More about Realistic Watercolor Painting

Get a Taste of the Course!

This is a time-lapse version of the painting from Rebecca's Youtube channel.

Hi! I'm Rebecca Rhodes, watercolor artist and your instructor in this school.

I'm here to help you to learn to paint realistic subjects in watercolor - for you to use these techniques to create your own paintings.

I hope you enjoy and learn from these courses, and always feel free to contact me if you have questions or suggestions.

Thanks for joining us in this adventure!

Learn more about Rebecca here


Rebecca Rhodes, watercolor artist

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start?

The course starts as soon as you enroll. It is a completely self-paced online course.

What if I Can't Keep Up with the Courses?

All courses are self-paced and there really is no way of getting behind. Complete the videos at your own speed and comfort level.

Will I be Good Enough to Complete these Paintings?

The courses in the school are suitable for all levels of experience. You will be shown everything you need to get started and will be taken through the entire process. Allow yourself to learn from the experience and develop your own unique style!

What if I am Unhappy with a Course or the Membership?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact Rebecca Rhodes ([email protected]) within the first 30 days of purchase, and you will receive a full refund.

How Long Will I Have Access to the Course?

If you purchase an individual course, you have access for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. With the monthly and annual membership, you have access for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own, until you cancel the subscription.

Can I download the videos to my own computer?

The videos are not available for download. All courses are hosted on the School website and as long as you have a high-speed internet connection you can watch them as many times as you like during the length of your membership.

Is the Site Secure?

Our website is SSL certified and your information is safe.

Can I Sell or Exhibit my Painted Images from the Tutorials?

The tutorials are designed to teach you the technique to develop your skills, and should make up a portfolio for your own records. Copyright of the actual course images remain with Rebecca Rhodes, therefore the paintings should not be exhibited, sold, or reproduced as original work by the student without written consent; they can, however, be gifted to friends or family and should be labelled in the title as taken from a Rebecca Rhodes tutorial.

Should you find similar subjects, live or from photographs, you can use the techniques shown in the course to create an original piece for exhibition sale or reproduction. Following these guidelines should avoid any accusation of breach of copyright by the gallery or art exhibition curator.

It is advised that painters always credit Rebecca Rhodes when sharing any work derived from this site. See "Terms of Purchase" for more information.

What if I Need Help?

If you ever have a problem of any kind, Rebecca Rhodes will be happy to assist! Email at [email protected]


Come in and join us in our watercolor adventure!