Ready to take your watercolours beyond the basics? Learn how to build luminous colour, create depth and add beautiful detail through the magic of layering.
9 video lessons · 160+ minutes · Self-paced · Lifetime access
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Lessons in Layering with Watercolour is designed to help you move beyond individual techniques and begin building paintings with greater depth, contrast and intention. You don’t need to be an expert. A little previous watercolour experience will come in handy, along with a willingness to slow down and let those layers dry. Patience, young grasshopper ;)
You’ve got the basics
You understand some fundamental watercolour techniques and feel ready to take the next step.
Your paintings feel a little flat
You want to create more depth, stronger contrast and richer, more luminous colour.
Mud keeps happening
You’d like to understand when to add another layer ...and when to put the brush down and walk away.
You’re ready for more
You want a course that goes beyond beginner exercises while still feeling relaxed, achievable and enjoyable.
See what we’ll be painting, how the lessons work and what you can expect from Lessons in Layering with Watercolour.
Explore how transparent washes interact and how layering can build depth without making your paintings feel heavy.
Learn how to gradually strengthen colour and contrast while keeping your work fresh and luminous.
Use light, mid and dark tones to create greater dimension, structure and visual interest.
Learn how painting around a subject can create striking shapes, crisp edges and unexpected detail.
Discover how to interpret reference photos thoughtfully rather than feeling as though you need to copy every single leaf.
Pick up practical tips for correcting small mistakes, avoiding muddy results and looking after your materials.
9 video lessons
Beautifully filmed in high definition with a total runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Lifetime access
Return to the course and rewatch the lessons as many times as you like.
Self-paced learning
Pause, rewind or work through the entire course in one magnificent painting binge.
60-page course e-book
A comprehensive companion filled with course notes, hot tips and extension exercises.
Reference materials
A complete materials list, reference photographs and close-up scans of Natalie’s course work.
Student community
Join a welcoming online community where you can share your work, ask questions and keep the creative momentum going.
There is one once-off enrolment fee, with no ongoing charges or subscriptions.
Inspiring and informational class that develops building block skills to use them in more complex paintings. I really appreciated the use of Australian flowers, just what I was looking for! And I love the colours Natalie uses which made the class so enjoyable to watch and follow along.
Louise
I truly enjoyed this tutorial. Very well explained and so easy to understand. She has made great and simple examples everyone can follow. I highly recommend this class. It’s not just about creating, but creating something you can call your own.
Nanette
Natalie, you are a very generous teacher. I enjoyed your natural style of engaging with us (including you saying the occasional "oops"
Joy
I'm an Australian watercolour artist and educator with a deep love of colour, contemporary botanicals and helping people find their own way with paint.
I’ve been teaching watercolour since 2016, both online and through workshops across Australia. Over that time, I’ve helped thousands of students move past the fear of getting it wrong and discover a more relaxed, playful approach to painting.
My teaching style is practical, encouraging and refreshingly free from art-school snobbery. I’ll explain what I’m doing and why, share the mishaps as well as the wins, and gently remind you to let your work dry before charging in with the next layer.
I believe watercolour should feel accessible, experimental and genuinely enjoyable. You’re not here to make an exact copy of my work. You’re here to build skills, try things out and discover what feels like you.
You don’t need to replace your entire art cupboard before beginning this course.
If you’ve already dabbled in watercolour, start with the supplies you have and get to know how they behave through the layering process. Different paints, brushes and papers will produce different results ...and learning those quirks is all part of it.
If you're curious about the materials I enjoy using the most, check out my page here where I list my favourites.
You’ll need:
• Watercolour paints
• Round watercolour brushes in approximately sizes 10 or 12 and 4 or 6
• Good-quality watercolour paper
• Regular paper for planning and sketching
• Pencil, eraser, sharpener and ruler
• Low-tack painter’s masking tape
• Palette or mixing surface, an old plate will do!
• Water jar
• Paper towel or a clean rag
• A computer, tablet or phone for watching the lessons
A complete materials list is included with the course. The materials lesson also explains what we’re using, why we’re using it and how to look after your equipment.
Ready to move beyond the basics? Learn how to build transparent layers that add luminous colour, depth, contrast and beautiful detail to your botanical paintings.
Take the guesswork out of composition. Explore the Rule of Thirds and the first five Principles of Art to create paintings that feel more balanced, intentional and resolved.
