Launch Program Date: March 9, 2026

Duration: 12 weeks (March 9 - June 1)

Live Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-5 PM EST

This is not a typical “watch me paint” course. It is a transformational program designed to change how you think, plan, and execute a watercolor figure. Instead of passively observing demonstrations, you will learn how I analyze, structure, and sequence each decision—so you understand the reasoning behind every brushstroke, not just the final result.

Through a clear system—value design, shape organization, color transitions, edge control, and intentional layering—you will learn how to mentally break down an image and plan a painting before committing to it. You’ll see how problems are anticipated, how light is simplified into three values, and how structure supports expression. The goal is not imitation; it is clarity and comprehension.

Skill is not built by watching—it is built through deliberate practice. Each exercise strengthens visual memory, discipline, and confident execution. You gain ability not by copying outcomes, but by understanding the process and applying it yourself.

By the end of the program, you are no longer reacting to watercolor with fear—you are directing it with clarity and intention, allowing the medium to flow within a structured framework. The transformation is technical, perceptual, and psychological: you leave with a system you can adapt to your own artistic path long after the program ends.

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What’s Included

1️⃣ Curriculum - A structured, step-by-step transformation plan designed to change how you see, analyze, and execute watercolor. The program moves sequentially—from value and structure to color, edges, and personal vision—so each skill builds on the previous one.

2️⃣ Coaching - Live sessions dedicated to direct observation and personalized guidance. You won’t just receive general advice—you’ll be seen, corrected, and guided in real time.

Tuesdays: Live painting sessions where Marcelo observes your process and provides immediate critique.

Thursdays: Live critique sessions focused on reviewing your completed work and refining your decisions.

 3️⃣ Community - Access to the private Artist Community throughout the 12-week program. Share your work, participate in discussions, and stay accountable alongside committed peers. Q&A sessions support continued growth.

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First Part – Changing the Way You See – Lessons 1–4 (Portraits)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Watercolor and Mise en Place

Overview of the system and how critiques function during Tuesday sessions. Review of essential materials. Clarifying goals and establishing standards for steady progress.

Lecture: Mastery through small, consistent gains.

Exercise: The perfect wash and material familiarization.

Lesson 2: Habit and Focus

Drawing as foundation. Building consistency—15 minutes a day equals 7 hours a month. Structuring practice around a realistic schedule and reducing distractions. Establishing a sustainable sketchbook routine.

Lecture: Expanding visual memory through drawing habits.

Exercise: Focused sketchbook drills that embrace error as process.

Lesson 3: Defining Light and Value – Overcoming Fear

Understanding watercolor’s irreversibility. How light defines form (Sargent before and after). Designing with shapes instead of contour. Applying a 3-value system to organize sequence and structure. Accepting that clarity emerges at the end.

Lecture: Line vs. Color – Rubenists and Poussinists.

Exercise: Light-and-value studies using simple forms.

Lesson 4: Calligraphic Brushwork and Layering

Seeing images in stages. Exploring calligraphic and structured mark-making, and how confident strokes create vitality. Layering as intentional sequencing.

Lecture: Dissecting images through Old Master strategies.

Exercise: Dynamic brush studies using student material.

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Second Part – Color and Soft Edges – Lessons 5–8 (Portrait and Figure)

Lesson 5: Color Part 1 – Transitions

Navigating warm and cool relationships. Connecting passages without overworking.

Lecture: The power of complementary contrast.

Exercise: Two-color studies based on simple forms.

Lesson 6: Color Part 2 – Flesh and Temperature Shifts

Three-color transitions. Constructing skin tones through transparent layering with clarity.

Lecture: The evolution of color in watercolor history.

Exercise: Portrait studies inspired by the Old Masters.

Lesson 7: Soft Edges – One Color

Wet-on-wet control through moisture management. Establishing edge hierarchy.

Lecture: Why soft edges create naturalism.

Exercise: Single-color atmospheric portrait studies.

Lesson 8: Soft Edges – Full Palette

Integrating multiple colors while maintaining structural clarity.

Lecture: The dialogue between soft and sharp edges.

Exercise: Develop a small thematic portrait series.

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Third Part – Seeing Your Vision – Lessons 9–12 (Figure and Environment)

Lesson 9: Advanced Watercolor Techniques

Paper behavior, texture, brush selection, pigment properties, scratching, and masking—uses and limitations.

Lecture: Diverse technical approaches across art history.

Exercise: Plan and begin a thematic series.

Lesson 10: Advanced Color Theory – Building Your Palette

Introducing opaque pigments. Designing a cohesive personal palette.

Lecture: Historical and contemporary color strategies.

Exercise: Portrait studies using a defined palette.

Lesson 11: Your Vision – Part 1 (Photo vs. Life)

Working from photography while addressing lens distortion. Painting from observation to strengthen narrative and emotional clarity. Setting up a live model and working under time constraints.

Lecture: Representation after the invention of photography.

Exercise: Studies based on students’ own references.

Lesson 12: Your Vision – Part 2 (Composition and Direction)

Examining historical and contemporary artists to understand varied compositional approaches. Refining structure, narrative, and long-term direction.

Lecture: Multiple artistic paths—from Old Masters to today.

Exercise: Final personal project integrating technique, color, and concept.

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Full Schedule

Lesson 1: March 9 & 12

Lesson 2: March 16 & 19

Lesson 3: March 23 & 26

Lesson 4: March 30 & April 2

Lesson 5: April 6 & 9

Lesson 6: April 13 & 16

Lesson 7: April 20 & 23

Lesson 8: April 27 & 30

Lesson 9: May 4 & 17

(No class May 7 or May 11)

Lesson 10: May 18 & 21

Lesson 11: May 25 & 28

(Class will be held on Memorial Day)

Lesson 12: June 1 & 4

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Lifetime Access:

You will receive lifetime access to the complete, professionally produced Extended Curriculum in Full HD once From Fear to Flow: Painting People in Watercolor officially launches.

Please note:

Lifetime access applies only to this program’s curriculum. It does not include access to other programs (such as Landscapes), Patreon content, institutional classes, or ongoing community access and feedback. Founding members will receive preferred discount on future offerings.