This course is also available in The Art Academy.
Do you want to paint expressive cat portraits? Learn how to identify the shapes and colors in a cat's face to create a realistic portrait.
Do you want to improve your ability to paint black animal fur? Learn how to mix your own black, and use it to create highlights and shadows in an animal.
Do you want to learn how to layer watercolors to create rich and vibrant animal paintings? In this course you will learn a painting strategy with watercolors that you can use to create future animal portraits on your own!
Take my painting strategy and make it your own!
What You'll Learn
How to draw and paint a cat portrait:
You will learn how to use a reference photo to create your own realistic cat. You'll be able to identify the shapes, textures, and values in the photo to plan out a strategy for painting your composition with watercolors.
How to mix the color black:
Did you know the color black is the darkest value of all colors? This means black can be tinted in many different ways to match the exact shade and value of a color in a painting. In this course you will learn how to mix your own black paint, and how to create both warm and cool tones to make the shadows and highlights in your painting really pop! Black is a wonderful color to work with when you know how, and you will learn several different ways to use it in this course!
How to layer watercolors to create the texture of animal fur:
In this course I will teach you a strategy for building layers of paint from background to foreground, and light to dark to create a focal point in the cat's face. You will learn how to use two of my favorite techniques to paint the details of the fur on the cat's face, which is very different from the fur texture on the cat's body.
Who This Course Is For
Want to hear more on what you can expect from this course?
Watch the 1st module below and find out!
"Once again, Tracy has demonstrated her excellent teaching skills and knowledge of watercolor techniques. The course is broken down into sections. Tracy gives great detailed instruction every step of the way. She guides you through this course with step-by-step videos, always encouraging you to take her teaching and apply it in your own personal way.
It is a pleasure to learn from her, whether you are new to watercolor or a seasoned painter."
Thank you!
Deanna G.
How This Course Works
"Tracy, I would never have received the comprehensive background in all things watercolor without your course. It was exactly what I was missing in my efforts to paint. Understanding techniques, paper, and working through the many practice exercises was so helpful.
I am very impressed with the feedback you provide and appreciate that you are there to answer questions as we go along in the course. I look forward to applying all I have learned to create art in my own style."
Most sincerely,
Cheryl Hoyer
"Hi Tracy,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this course.
I liked your teaching style when I did the ‘Chickadee’ course and decided to join the Academy because it gave me access to all courses…. and what a huge amount of choice there is. I find your enthusiasm, teaching and feedback really helpful. Looking forward do deciding what next project to do!
Hmmmm decisions decisions.
So far also I have found the Academy really friendly and constructive and a place where you can learn and swap tips with others."
Best Wishes Fiona
Hi, I'm Tracy!
I'm a watercolor artist from Southern Maine, United States.
I have a passion for painting with watercolors, and teaching others the traditional fine art techniques that have been passed down to me.
I'm here to help you develop your own unique style, while learning how to draw, paint, and sell your art!
Want to learn more about me, and my journey to becoming a professional artist? Check out my About Page.
Learn the techniques and painting strategy in this course, and use them to create other paintings of animals!