Why take this class: In this class, you’ll learn how to paint a dramatic winter night scene inspired by the Northern Lights, using expressive watercolour techniques to create atmosphere, glow and depth.

We’ll begin with a simple drawing and composition, then build the painting in layers — from a loose, flowing sky to crisp snow and warm, glowing windows. I’ll guide you through wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, lifting light, layering dark values, and adding final highlights to bring the scene to life.

This class is suitable for confident beginners and intermediate painters who want to develop their skills in painting night skies, snow, and atmospheric light while keeping a loose, painterly style.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a finished winter landscape painting and a deeper understanding of how to use watercolour to suggest light, contrast and mood.

This class is suitable for all levels, including beginners, who want to develop their skills in painting night skies, snow and atmospheric light while keeping a painterly, expressive approach.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

plan a simple composition and use masking effectively
paint a glowing night sky using wet-on-wet techniques
lift paint and use salt to create light and texture
paint convincing snow using tonal values rather than white paint
layer dark colours to build depth and atmosphere
add final highlights and details to enhance contrast and mood

By the end of the class, you’ll have a finished winter landscape painting and a stronger understanding of how to use watercolour to suggest light, depth and atmosphere.

A warm welcome to my class! Watercolour is an enchanting, magical medium, and by the end of this class, you will have the skills needed to create this enchanting light-filled snow-scene This watercolour painting course is packed with exciting ideas and techniques. I will show you exactly how to paint this beautiful scene of the Northern Lights from start to finish - you’ll get a real glimpse of what goes into my painting as you work alongside of me up-close and personal. I will remove the mystery of watercolour and show you how to discover new ways to unleash your creativity as you join me on this inspirational journey of start-to-finish demonstrations and techniques. As the video unfolds, you will see how colours work together, how to step into impressionism and push colour to capture the mood and essence of your subject. This class will inspire you to use watercolour in a range of different ways. Best of all, you’ll gain a real sense of accomplishment by creating your own beautiful, evocative Aurora Borealis painting.

Is this class for me? Absolutely, 100% yes! Absolutely, 100% yes! Watercolour basics are very simple to learn - like everything else it just takes practice to master, whilst also allowing the watercolour to ‘do its own thing’ and not trying to overly-control those ‘happy accidents’. All are welcome. If you are a complete beginner, then this course is for you. There are also techniques and ideas for those who already have some experience but want to loosen up a bit, become more expressive, and enhance their watercolour skills. You don't need to know how to draw, as I provide a template of the drawing for you to download and trace - so you can just concentrate on the fun of painting.

What will we explore? This course is packed with:

* Start-to-finish demonstrations so you can see first-hand how to build up the painting every step of the way I have verbally explained the entire process in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

* I’m a big believer in ‘learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture, so you will paint right alongside me, up close and personal and learn the skills in a practical way.

* Step-by-step guidance and best practice for a range of creative watercolour techniques - I'll be guiding you gently through the whole thing (eg, simplify a subject, add shadows, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering colour, blending and softening, adding depth and contrast with tonal values, using masking fluid to preserve white paper, to name but a few!)

* Some of my favourite studio tips and tricks for successful working practices and saving time (eg, use twisted paper towel to create abstract texture by 'rag-rolling', layer colour, avoid washed out paintings, paint snow, use white gouache or acrylic paint to add snowflakes)

* You will be ‘learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture (you can paint right alongside me, up close and personal)

What do I need? A selection of watercolour paints (at least one red, blue and yellow): a few watercolour brushes, paper, palette, water sprayer, paper towel, pencil, rubber, water pot - you'll probably already have some of these items in a cupboard somewhere.

Alright, let's do it! Come join me for a fun, creative class! Let's get going. Just follow the video boldly along, and you’ll soon have the knowledge and confidence to produce your very own gorgeous Northern Lights painting that zings with colour and energy.

I can't wait to see what you create!

My Artwork: I’ve been teaching people how to paint with watercolour for many years - you can see more examples of my artwork on my website: http://www.carriemckenzieart.co.uk

Susan Paul

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