The Watercolor Foundations Course
Master the Foundations of Watercolor
A complete self-paced course designed to take the intimidating guesswork out of your brushstrokes so you can learn with clarity, paint with curiosity, and actually enjoy the process.
is this You?
If you’ve sat down to paint and…
Feel completely intimidated by the medium – worrying about making mistakes or ruining expensive paper, instead of experiencing how relaxing and achievable watercolor can actually be.
Find yourself trying to follow random tutorials – only to end up guessing at the why behind the brushstrokes, instead of having a structured, logical breakdown that finally clicks.
Feel stuck only painting what someone else copies for you – because you want to learn how to truly observe your subjects so you feel ready to paint whatever catches your eye in real life.
You don’t lack talent. You just lack a foundation.
And that’s exactly what we are going to build.
Inside the Course
Your 7 Foundational Classes
Watercolor Supplies
Learn about the essential tools for watercolor painting, including paper, paint types, and brush selection.
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Watercolor Supplies
Quick Start
Brush Control
Learn the physical mechanics of using your brush to create different marks, lines, and textures.
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Brush Control
Water Control
Understand the sometimes tricky balance of water, paint, and timing when watercolor painting.
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Basic Techniques
Learn about the basic techniques used to manipulate watercolors to achieve a variety of results.
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Basic Techniques
Colors & Mixing
Learn color theory fundamentals, explore different palette selections, and practice beginning color mixing.
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Colors & Mixing
Color Theory
Paint Selection
Color Test Drive
Beginning Color Mixing
Simple Studies
Apply your foundational skills to study and paint different textures and surfaces, from simple forms to water and sky elements.
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Simple Studies
Getting Started
Geometric Shapes
Studying Style
Experiment with four different watercolor styles using the same subject to discover which painting approach feels most natural to you.
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Studying Style
Introduction
Studying Styles
What to Explore Next?
Beyond the Basics
Continue your creative momentum beyond this course with monthly real-world projects inside the Paint With Me Community.
What's Inside
Monthly Studies: Keep your creative practice by diving into different topics each month.
Live Paint-Alongs: Interactive Zoom sessions to paint together in real-time.
Our Digital Studio: A private space & virtual gallery to share your work and get feedback.
No matter where you are in your journey, there is a place for you to begin today.
Meet Your Instructor
From Blueprints to Brushstrokes
Hi, I’m Susan!
For a long time, I lived in a world of straight lines and precise measurements. As an architect, I learned that every line on a drawing has a reason to be there—that thoughtfulness can make the difference between feeling cramped or feeling comfortable.
But when I began watercoloring during a season of illness, I discovered a different kind of thoughtfulness. I found that painting wasn’t about the pressure of a perfect “blueprint”; it was a way to find peace, simple joy, and a sense of healing when my world felt small.
You don’t need a fancy studio or a degree in art. You just need a spot at your table and the permission to make a mess. Whether you’re holding a brush for the first time or returning to an old passion, this is a space where we value the process over the result, every time we paint.
What It Feels Like to Paint with Confidence
Able to dive in without feeling overwhelmed.
I found getting into watercolors really daunting. Even though I had paints and brushes, I had no idea how to start. Susan’s lessons and easygoing teaching style made me feel like I was able to dive into the subject without feeling too overwhelmed or confused. The pace was great!
I have already seen improvement.
My main struggle before starting the course was water control and loading pigment. I felt that Susan went through this very well. I have already seen improvement in my brush strokes, which are more precise and controlled, and I’m much better at not introducing too mu
I thought it would be too basic – it wasn’t!
I had taken some watercolor classes in the past, so my hesitation was that this class would be a waste of my money. But I am so happy I took it. It was incredibly educational, and Susan is so willing to freely share her knowledge with you. You will not be disappointed!
Exactly what I was looking for.
Your step-by-step approach of starting from the very beginning and working up from there is exactly what I was looking for. I’ve learned far more in a few hours watching your lessons than I did after completing 12 hours of live watercolor classes. Great job!
The Complete Foundations Course
Everything you need to master brush control, water ratios, and paint with complete confidence.
Watercolor Foundations Course
Lifetime Access
7 Complete Foundational Classes
Step-by-Step Video Instructions
Lifetime Access to All Course Lessons
One-time Investment
“It amazes me that I am really painting with watercolors.”
MAE S.
Common Questions
How long do I have access to the course?
You get lifetime access! There are no recurring monthly fees or time limits. Once you buy the course, it is yours to keep, rewatch, and enjoy at your own pace forever.
Is this course suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, completely. We start from the absolute beginning—learning how to control water ratios and pigment before we even think about painting a full piece. If you’ve never held a brush before, you are in the right place.
What supplies will I need to get started?
You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive materials. A basic watercolor pad, a couple of standard round brushes, and a simple palette of student-grade paints are perfect.
Here is a simple supply guide to help you get started without overwhelm. Many members begin with just a few basic tools.
Your Simple Watercolor Starter Kit
- Watercolor paper: A small pad of cold-press 140lb paper (about 9×12 inches). This paper handles water and paint well and is perfect for beginners.
- One good brush: A medium-sized round brush (size 8) with synthetic bristles is very versatile and perfect for most strokes.
- One tube of watercolor paint: Any color you like! You only need one to begin practicing — blue or neutral tint works great.
- A white ceramic plate or simple palette: To mix your paint colors.
- A cup of water: To rinse your brush and dilute your paint.
Paper towels or a cloth: For blotting and cleaning your brush.
Why keep it simple?
Starting with just these basics helps you avoid overwhelm and lets you focus on learning the fun part — painting! You can always add more colors, brushes, or special papers later as you grow.
I’ve taken a few basic tutorials before. Will I still learn something?
Absolutely. This course goes beyond just copying a project step-by-step; it teaches you the fundamental why and how behind watercolor behavior. You’ll practice brush control, learn water management, and build confidence that will contribute to all your future paintings.
“A wonderful place to be with a teacher who is truly there for you.”
JENELLE C.