Painting with Water-Based Media

Explore the vibrant possibilities of water-based media painting in this engaging 6-week course. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an intermediate artist aiming to refine your skills, this class offers a step-by-step approach to mastering acrylic paint, gouache, and watercolor.

Each medium has unique qualities: acrylic is versatile, gouache has a rich matte finish, and watercolor delivers luminous transparency. You can focus on one or experiment with all three—even combining some of them for unexpected effects. All are quick-drying and easy to clean up.

The course covers fundamental painting techniques such as layering, wet-on-wet application, direct painting, and composition. Students will learn how to work with materials, brushes, and tools while gaining an understanding of values, color, light, and perspective. Through guided practice, you’ll explore subjects like still life, portraits, figures, interiors, and landscapes. Master paintings will also be studied to uncover the techniques and processes behind successful works.

Each session includes individual instruction, demonstrations, and evaluations. Class critiques at the end of each session provide opportunities for feedback and discussion, helping students refine their skills and develop a critical eye. Topics like unity, contrast, harmony, balance, and gradation will be woven into the learning process, allowing you to express your creativity with confidence.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to create water-based artworks, apply various techniques, and make thoughtful choices about materials and tools. Whether working from life or photographs, you’ll be able to paint both representational and abstract images with greater skill and understanding. This course is the perfect opportunity to unlock your artistic potential and elevate your painting practice.

Materials are not included; you’ll receive the materials list upon registration.

Class Breakdown:

Class 1
Materials review, value scale, brushwork, blending, underpainting, painting in layers vs direct painting.

Class 2
Color wheel, warm colors, cool colors, primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors, limited palette.

Class 3
Still life, the importance of shapes, shadow shapes, form shadows, cast shadows.

Class 4
Landscape, 1 point and 2 points linear perspective, aerial perspective.

Class 5
Portrait, lights and darks, hard, soft, firm, lost edges, symmetry.

Class 6
Copy an Old Masters Painting.

Refund & Cancellation Policy: Attendees can request refunds up to 24 hours before the course starts. Classes must meet a minimum enrollment number to run.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Will McGaul has been a professional art instructor since 2011. Will has exhibited in California and Florida. He is a member of the Miami Watercolor Society and the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. Will loves to share his passion for drawing and painting in his classes and workshops, and at the same time, simplifying the process and making it fun.