John Singer Sargent is regarded as one of the most influential watercolor artists today. At age thirteen, he learned watercolor techniques from his mother. Throughout his life, he worked in both oils and watercolors, but he revolutionized the medium with his luminous and effortless style, which continues to inspire many watercolor painters. Despite its beauty, watercolor remains a complex and sometimes puzzling medium to master.

No other technique can match the delicate luminosity of transparent watercolor. However, painting with watercolors is challenging—it's unforgiving and unpredictable. Mistakes are difficult to correct, and the watery nature makes it hard to control the paint.

This course explores Sargent’s watercolor techniques and how he mastered this demanding medium. Using his paintings as reference, the instructor demonstrates step-by-step layering methods, emphasizing tonal values, brushwork, shapes, connections, and color mixing. Marcelo will break down Sargent’s approach into manageable parts, helping students learn to let the watercolor "paint itself."

You will learn how to simplify your process, avoid overworking your paintings, and embrace happy accidents that add spontaneity and vitality. Sargent’s “spontaneous” approach—harnessing watercolor's natural unpredictability—was key to his luminous, lively style. This class will guide you in adopting this dynamic, energetic approach to watercolor painting.

What You’ll Learn: 

 • How Sargent’s unique approach creates luminous, lively watercolors

 • Techniques to manage watercolor’s unpredictability and let the medium "paint itself"

 • How to master tonal values, dynamic brushwork, and color connections

 • Methods to simplify your process and avoid overworking

 • How to interpret light and shadow effectively in your paintings

Course Outline:

•  Week 1: Three Values

Intro to materials and techniques, with a demo on starting a watercolor in three layers using a single color (e.g., sepia). Focus on understanding tonal values and planning.

•   Week 2: Wet-On-Wet and Color Mixing

Learn how to create soft edges and blends through wet-on-wet techniques, emphasizing the fluid nature of watercolor.

•  Week 3: Connecting Colors, Two-Color Blending

Explore blending two colors to achieve temperature contrasts and seamless transitions, practicing efffective color mixing.

•  Week 4: Calligraphy and Full Palette

Develop confident brushstrokes and mark-making techniques, working with a full palette to create expressive lines and textures.

•  Week 5: Light and Shadow

Study how to perceive and depict light and shadow in various conditions, from bright sunlight to misty atmospheres.

•  Week 6: Composition—Landscape & Figure

Learn how to integrate figures into landscapes or combine different elements into compelling scenes.

Instructor: Marcelo will demonstrate Sargent’s techniques through real-time tutorials, combining lectures, demonstrations, and Q&A to give students an intimate understanding of his process. Marcelo’s perspective offers a unique insight into Sargent’s dynamic style and mastery.
This engaging online workshop promises a closer look into Sargent’s watercolor approach, providing tools and inspiration to develop your own luminous, spontaneous watercolor paintings.

All experience levels are welcome.