Rain transforms a city, turning pavements into mirrors and streetlights into glowing beacons. In this class, I’ll guide you through painting an atmospheric rainy street scene that captures not just the look, but the feeling of rain.

We’ll simplify busy architecture into bold, readable shapes and focus on how watercolour naturally lends itself to atmosphere. Using a limited palette, you’ll learn how to balance cool dusk tones with warm window lights, and how to let reflections stretch across wet streets with fluid brushwork.

This is a relaxed, expressive approach that prioritises mood and movement over precision. Expect flowing washes, soft lost edges, and just a few decisive accents to suggest cars, figures, and lampposts without overworking the painting.

What you will learn

Thinking in broad value masses to capture weather and light
Wet on wet washes for glow, haze and soft edges
Simple methods for clean reflections on wet streets
When to lift, spatter and embrace blooms and backruns as part of the weather
Placing small, warm notes for windows, headlights and life
Designing figures as hints that balance the composition and guide the eye
Using a restrained palette for unity and mood

We will paint a rainy cityscape that focuses on feeling rather than facts. We will allow edges to soften and wander, let reflections carry colour down the page, and finish with a few crisp marks to anchor the scene. These ideas translate beautifully to night scenes, harbours and any subject where mood matters more than detail.

So let us get started and bring this rainy city to life with confident, fluid colour!

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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

Michael Graziano

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