The project for this class is to create a painting using two or more watercolor blocks.

This just means putting two blocks of watercolor paper together and painting across the middle. If you want to go bigger, and use more blocks, go for it! As you let go of fear and relax into the process, you might just find that your painting grows of its own accord. (Warning: this can become addictive!)

Why do the project?

By the end of the class you will have a solid process to follow to create trend-inspired and industry-relevant work. You will never again have that "what shall I paint?" question.

And you will have a two-or-more panel painting which you can either frame as a diptych or use for part 2 of this class where I’ll show you how to sew the painting together in Photoshop, and create a repeating pattern.

You will also, hopefully, have experienced the freedom that painting in this method offers - when you’re less afraid of messing things up, and can be more adventurous with your watercolors.

You can work alongside me as you watch the class, following my step-by-step process.

Process:

1. Gather motifs that YOU like (anything goes! have fun finding weird and wonderful motifs!). Useful websites: pexels or pixabay or unsplash

2. Create a secret Pinterest board

3. Do a quick bit of trend and color research

4. Decide on a color palette

5. Do some sketching to explore which motifs you want to work with

6. Think through your composition using thumbnails and color mapping

7. Paint! Woop woop!

8. Check your composition and repeat using Photoshop

9. Make any final touches to your painting (if needed)

You don't have to remember all this!

In the class resources you will find a downloadable sheet showing the step-by-step process.

On the sheet there is also a link to my secret Pinterest board - you’re welcome to work from my motifs if you want to. (Share the panda love!)

Finished Project

The finished project should be a quick photograph showing your two-or-more panel painting, or a small section of your painting, or any part of the process that you want to share. I love seeing sketches, thumbnails - anything that shows your thought process would be a good thing to share!

It's not about the finished piece...

The aim of the class is to get you to loosen up with your watercolor, and this involves taking risks, so don't aim for a stunning multi-panel painting... rather aim for a feeling of freedom, a letting go of fear and tension, a playfulness as you use your paint. If you get that feeling, then no matter what your painting looks like, your project is a success. Because the aim is Watercolor Without Fear. It's a process. And it's about the experience of painting, not the product. If, in the course of painting without fear, you created some small beautiful moments of watercolor magic, then share a quick snap of that. Concentrate on letting go of perfection, allowing yourself to paint freely.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Once you've finished your project for Part 1, click on the link below to watch Part 2 of this class: "Watercolor Without Fear: Painting for Pattern Design Part 2".

It shows you how to join your painted panels together in Photoshop, to create your repeating pattern. I hope you enjoy it!.

Richa Sirohi

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