Today we’re painting an expressive cheetah in watercolour, a subject full of elegance, speed, and personality. Instead of chasing tight realism, this class focuses on capturing gesture, light, and character through a relaxed, playful approach.

We’ll suggest fur with broken edges and dry brush, let pools of colour bloom into soft transitions, and use bold darks for the distinctive tear lines and spots. Along the way, we’ll explore the timing of watercolour, from juicy wet-on-wet passages to crisp, confident finishing accents. By leaving purposeful whites, the paper itself becomes part of the painting, adding freshness and light.

This class is designed to help you enjoy the freedom of watercolor while building expressive techniques that feel both forgiving and fun.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

Simplify shapes to establish proportion and flow
Use warm earth tones and cool neutrals to balance mood and atmosphere
Build natural patterns by painting around spots and dropping color into wet washes
Shape shadows, reserve highlights, and add calligraphic marks for energy
Embrace minimal backgrounds and white space to let your subject shine

We will create a loose cheetah that feels alive and full of rhythm. The process is forgiving and playful, encouraging confidence rather than control. Follow along step by step, simplify where needed, and let the water create spontaneous surprises.

Grab your brushes and let us celebrate the freedom of watercolour.

Thank you so much for your interest in this class!

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Try this class to explore your creativity...

I’ve been painting for many years now, taken part in many exhibitions around the world and won awards from well respected organisations. As well as having my work feature in art magazines. After having success selling my originals and 1000s of prints around the world, I decided to start traveling with my brushes and paintings. My style is modern and attempts to grasp the essence of what I’m painting whilst allowing freedom and expression to come through. I simplify complicated subjects into easier shapes that encourages playfulness.

You'll Learn:

What materials and equipment to need to painting along
Basic technique to complete your first painting
How to avoid common mistakes
Choosing the right colours for your painting
How to blend colours and create textures for different effects
Making corrections and improvements
Finishing touches that make a big difference

When enrolled, I’ll include my complete ‘Watercolour Mixing Charts’. These are a huge aid for beginners and experts alike. They show what every colour on the palette looks like when mixed with each other. Indispensable when it comes to choosing which colour to mix.

Don’t forget to follow me on Skillshare. Click the “follow” button and you’ll be the first to know as soon as I launch a new course or have a big announcement to share with my students.

Additional Resources:

Here are the art supplies I recommend
Follow me on Instagram
Check out my website

Music by Audionautix.com

Kay Smith

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