Step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a full supply list — all professionally designed with helpful imagery, plus space to reflect and take notes as you go.
Course Structure
Loosen Up, Layer In, and Let Go
From warmups to finished landscapes, these lessons are made to help you relax into the unexpected beauty of watercolor.
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Lesson 1: Warmup + Materials
Begin your watercolor journey by exploring the foundational tools and techniques that set the stage for expressive painting. In this lesson, you’ll learn about paper types, brush shapes, and paint behavior. Using just one color, you’ll walk through essential brushwork techniques to get a feel for control, movement, and water flow — setting you up with the confidence to dive into more complex projects.![Lesson 2]()
Lesson 2: Wet-in-Wet Technique – Sky Scape & Intuitive Roses
You’ll explore wet-in-wet techniques by painting dreamy skies and expressive roses from your imagination. Learn how to build transparent layers without overworking, and use soft transitions and lost edges to create an intuitive, flowing composition.![Lesson 3]()
Lesson 3: Still Life – Layering & Contrast
This lesson focuses on painting from life, with strong form and structure. You’ll explore layering techniques, using a fruit still life and sea shells (or any objects of your choice) refine your values, and practice layering from light to dark.
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Lesson 4: Portrait – Expressive Layers & Likeness
Build a watercolor portrait using soft transitions, color layering, and brush-driven expression. You’ll explore features, facial structure, and tone — learning how to balance realism with a loose, emotive painting style.![Lesson 5]()
Lesson 5: Watercolor Abstract
Learn how to embrace spontaneity and paint from intuition. You’ll explore color relationships, contrast, composition, and visual rhythm through bold gestures and transparency. This project helps you let go of the outcome and paint from emotion.![Lesson 6]()
Lesson 6: Watercolor Bird
This fun and vibrant study explores bird anatomy through expressive sketching and underpainting. You’ll build color and texture in the feathers and add a soft background wash to support a clear focal point.
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Lesson 7: Abstract Landscape
Combine expressive freedom with natural form. In this experimental piece, you’ll work across multiple papers, then choose which one to take to completion. You’ll use techniques like salt, plastic wrap, and bold washes to create dynamic textures and abstract natural beauty.
PLUS 5 Exclusive Supporting Materials
Essential resources for your artist toolbox. (Limited time offer—don't wait!)
The Perfect Video CompanionPrintable Textbook
Master Your StrokesBrushwork Technique Guide
Learn essential brushes, key strokes & blending methods for watercolor.
Ebb & Flow like a ProColor Mixing Guide
A simple, printable guide to help you mix expressive neutrals, glowing hues, and unexpected color combos — perfect for landscapes, florals, abstracts, and everything in between.
Create with ConfidenceReference Images
Practice numerous times and perfect the process.
Learn with OthersGet Access to a Thriving Artist Community
Stay inspired, get feedback and connect with our incredible worldwide artist community.
Testimonials
Our Students Say It Best
"The Milan Art Watercolour Foundations was a real eye-opener for me. Watercolour art has always appealed to me a lot, I love the crisp and fresh feel of it. But I always thought it was not for me, being bold and impatient (D/I). But when I did this course, something clicked. I just followed the steps that were explained in a very practical manner and voilà! It worked wonders! I even made a beautiful portrait! I am completely in love with watercolour now, I find it very calming and relaxing. And because you can work so 'clean', you can always find an hour of time to make art this way. Do this course and find out, you really don't want to miss it!"
Bianca Lever
"The Milan Art Watercolour foundations is such a great package of lessons especially if you aren't as familiar with this medium. It has some great tips and advice for not only the more experienced but for beginners as well. As a lover of flowers I really enjoyed the lesson on how to paint flowers with watercolours and the still life was also a really great lesson. I highly recommend the watercolour foundations, so check it out!"
Ellie B
Meet Your Instructors
By age 16, Dimitra sold $1,000,000 in artwork while working with a publishing company, thanks to the painting skills that she gained while studying with her parents at Milan Art Institute. With 400,000+ social media followers, she's a leading artist influencer, pioneering a new era for artists online and inspiring them to change the world with their art.
As one of the leaders at Milan Art Institute, Alannah blends years of experience in brand design and visual storytelling with her deep passion for fine art. Her paintings often combine structure with spontaneity, inviting viewers into a space where clarity and abstraction coexist. In this course, she steps into a new role—sharing her unique perspective on watercolor as a medium for creative freedom, growth, and personal discovery.
As the founding owner of Milan Art Institute, Elli has been a professional artist for three decades. Elli sold more than 10,000 pieces of art throughout her thriving career. She has transformed the lives of thousands of artists from around the world—helping them find their voice and turn their passion for art into a profession. With her online drawing and painting classes, Elli is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.
