In this class, you’ll learn how to create a lively illustration of an old Coffee Pot and Cup using a simple three-stage technique: pencil, watercolor, and ink. It is suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, and it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys loose, expressive sketchbook work.

We’ll begin with a loose pencil outline to establish the main shapes. Next, we’ll apply fresh watercolor washes to build color and atmosphere. Finally, we’ll use black waterproof pens with different nib sizes to add expressive line work, texture, and definition.

This approach is not only enjoyable but also very practical. Adding pen and ink at the final stage is a wonderful way to strengthen and revive watercolor paintings that may feel unfinished or unsuccessful.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a charming pen-and-wash illustration and a versatile technique you can apply to many other subjects.

You’ll learn how to:

Sketch subjects loosely without overworking them
Keep watercolor washes fresh, luminous, and slightly unpredictable
Add scratchy black ink lines to create texture and character
Add depth with different hatching techniques and line variation

This class is perfect for:

Beginners wanting to loosen up
Sketchbook artists exploring pen and wash
Watercolor painters who tend to overwork details
Anyone who loves expressive still life illustration

By the end of the class, you’ll have a vibrant painting that feels spontaneous, joyful, and full of character — plus a repeatable process you can use for endless subject variations.

If you love the look of lively ink lines paired with bright colour, this class will help you create it with confidence.

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 verbally explain 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.

This class is part of a Pen & Wash/Watercolor Series exploring expressive pen and ink illustration combined with loose watercolor techniques. Each lesson focuses on a different subject — from florals and figures to wildlife — while following a simple and enjoyable creative process. As the series progresses, you'll experiment with different tools, textures, and subjects while developing confidence in expressive drawing and painting. You can take the classes in any order, or just pick out the ones that appeal the most.

H P

--

4