Create a beautiful watercolor mushroom painting with a dreamy bokeh background while practicing essential watercolor techniques that will strengthen your skills for future projects.

In this step-by-step class, I'll guide you through my entire process for creating a magical, fall-inspired mushroom scene using watercolor. Along the way, you'll learn how to create soft atmospheric effects, build depth through layering, and add glowing details that make your painting come to life.

Whether you're a beginner looking to gain confidence with watercolor or an intermediate artist wanting to expand your technique toolkit, this class will help you develop greater control over your washes while creating a finished piece you'll be proud of.

✱ What you'll learn:

• Tips for creating a successful preliminary pencil sketch

• How to create a soft, glowing bokeh effect for an ethereal background

• Essential masking fluid techniques and common mistakes to avoid

• How to use the wet-on-wet technique to create soft atmospheric effects

• How to tilt your painting surface and use gravity to create seamless gradients

• How to build depth, dimension, and realism through layering and glazing

• How to use watercolor and gouache splattering techniques to add texture and interest

• My complete process from sketch to finished painting

✱ Supplies you'll need:

Drawing pencil (HB recommended)
Soft graphite eraser
Kneaded eraser
Watercolor paper (100% cotton, cold press, 140 lb / 300 gsm recommended)
Watercolor paints
Watercolor brushes
- One large wash brush (large round, mop, or 1" flat)
- Round brushes in a variety of sizes (suggested: 2, 4, 8, and 16)
- Older or multimedia brushes for masking fluid and gouache
Mixing palette
One or two containers of clean water
Absorbent towel or paper towels
Masking tape or artist's tape
Masking fluid
Backing board for taping down your paper
Scrap watercolor paper for testing colors and techniques
White gouache (Permanent White or Titanium White)
Separate palette or mixing area for gouache
Tracing paper (optional)

Feel free to work with similar materials if you already have supplies on hand. The techniques taught in this class can be completed successfully with a variety of watercolor brands and tools.

You can also find Erika here:

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Melissa Townsend

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