In this class I will guide you through painting an atmospheric scene of chefs at the stove in watercolour, a perfect subject for learning how suggestion beats description. Rather than chasing every utensil and detail, we will focus on light, steam and silhouettes to capture the energy of a busy kitchen.

We will use a limited palette of warm and cool contrasts, letting steam dissolve edges and light flare against white aprons. Most shapes will stay loose and slightly ambiguous, while a few crisp accents carry the character. This approach shows how you can create the illusion of detail without labour, and how fewer marks, better placed, often say far more.

Think of the scene as rhythm and glow: chefs emerging from vapour, metal catching sparks, shapes linking into a few clear value groups. The background will stay dark and unified, with plates, burners and cables kept abstract so the focus remains on the figures and the light.

In this class you will learn:

How to use suggestion rather than description to paint lively scenes
How to design with clear silhouettes and value groups
How to let steam and soft edges merge forms and create atmosphere
How to place a few crisp notes on features, hands and pans to direct attention
How a limited warm and cool palette can still feel rich and expressive
How to keep marks loose and economical, aiming for mood over literal detail

If you enjoy expressive watercolour and want to push your use of light, edges and abstraction, this class is for you. Join me and let us paint chefs in the glow of the kitchen, where atmosphere tells the story.

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

Jan Squillace

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