{"id":40278,"date":"2023-12-04T15:15:28","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T15:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=40278"},"modified":"2026-04-06T13:39:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:39:50","slug":"watercolor-snow-dog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/watercolor-snow-dog","title":{"rendered":"Watercolor Snow Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dog in the Snow with Watercolor<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
CLASS<\/span><\/i>Intermediate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\n \"Snow<\/img><\/p>\n
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This lesson series features:<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/I>8 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n
<\/I>8 Videos<\/div>\n
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Lessons<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/i>Lesson 1: (1:11:33)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 2: (1:13:45)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 3: (1:09:10)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 4: (1:08:28)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 5: (1:07:47)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 6: (1:14:41)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 7: (1:15:12)<\/a>
\n<\/i>Lesson 8: (1:10:34)<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

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About This Lesson Series...<\/h2>\n

\nThe Dog in the Snow with Watercolor<\/em> class is a complete painting demonstration that focuses on capturing mood, atmosphere, and realism using transparent watercolor. In this lesson, you\u2019ll learn how to paint a dog set against a snowy environment, balancing soft washes with controlled detail to create a convincing and expressive image. The class emphasizes thoughtful planning and deliberate execution, helping you understand how watercolor can be both fluid and precise.\n<\/p>\n

\"watercolor<\/p>\n

Planning the Composition<\/h2>\n

\nThe lesson begins with careful planning and drawing. You\u2019ll learn how to establish accurate proportions and placement of the dog within the composition while keeping the drawing simple and flexible. Emphasis is placed on observing the subject closely, identifying major shapes, and setting up a strong foundation that supports the painting stages that follow.\n<\/p>\n

Understanding Value in Snow Scenes<\/h2>\n

\nSnowy environments present unique challenges, and this class devotes special attention to value control. You\u2019ll discover how snow is rarely pure white and how subtle value shifts are essential for describing form, light, and depth. The lesson demonstrates how to use light washes to suggest snow while preserving highlights and maintaining contrast around the subject.\n<\/p>\n

Establishing Initial Washes<\/h2>\n

\nOnce the drawing is complete, you\u2019ll begin applying the first watercolor washes. These early layers focus on establishing the overall color harmony and light direction of the scene. You\u2019ll learn how to keep washes loose and transparent, allowing the white of the paper to play an important role in creating brightness and atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n

Painting the Dog\u2019s Fur<\/h2>\n

\nA major focus of the class is painting believable fur without overworking the surface. You\u2019ll learn how to suggest fur texture through directional brushstrokes, value changes, and careful layering rather than painting individual hairs. The instructor demonstrates how to build form gradually, using watercolor\u2019s transparency to create depth and softness in the dog\u2019s coat.\n<\/p>\n

Creating Depth and Atmosphere<\/h2>\n

\nAs the painting develops, attention shifts to enhancing depth and atmosphere. You\u2019ll see how background elements are kept soft and understated to push them into the distance, while stronger contrasts and sharper edges are reserved for the focal areas. This approach helps guide the viewer\u2019s eye and reinforces the sense of space within the scene.\n<\/p>\n

Color Temperature and Mood<\/h2>\n

\nThe class also explores how color temperature affects the overall mood of the painting. You\u2019ll learn how cooler colors can reinforce the feeling of snow and winter, while warmer notes in the dog\u2019s fur and facial features add life and interest. These subtle color decisions play a key role in creating a believable and engaging image.\n<\/p>\n

Refining Details<\/h2>\n

\nAs the painting nears completion, you\u2019ll focus on refining important details such as the eyes, nose, and facial structure. The lesson explains how small adjustments in value and edge quality can significantly improve realism and expression. You\u2019ll also learn how to avoid overworking these areas, maintaining freshness and clarity.\n<\/p>\n

Materials and Watercolor Techniques<\/h2>\n

\nThroughout the class, materials and techniques are discussed, including paper choice, brushes, and pigment selection. You\u2019ll gain insight into how water control affects edges and values, and how different brushes can be used to create varied marks. These practical tips help you gain greater control and confidence with watercolor.\n<\/p>\n

A Complete Watercolor Experience<\/h2>\n

\nBy the end of the Watercolor Snow Dog<\/em> class, you\u2019ll have completed a finished painting while developing a deeper understanding of watercolor techniques. The skills taught in this lesson\u2014value control, layering, edge management, and expressive brushwork\u2014are applicable to a wide range of subjects. This class is an excellent choice for artists looking to strengthen their watercolor skills while creating a compelling winter-themed artwork.\n<\/p>\n

Specific Lessons<\/h2>\n

Lesson 1 (1:11:33) <\/h3>\n

In lesson one, we use a grid to draw the dog in the snow with an H graphite pencil.<\/p>\n

Lesson 2 (1:13:45) <\/h3>\n

In lesson two, we begin with watercolor applications on the head of the dog.<\/p>\n

Lesson 3 (1:09:10) <\/h3>\n

In lesson three, we continue with watercolor applications on the head of the dog.<\/p>\n

Lesson 4 (1:08:28) <\/h3>\n

In lesson four, we work down the body of the dog with watercolor applications.<\/p>\n

Lesson 5 (1:07:47) <\/h3>\n

In lesson five, we continue work on the body of the dog.<\/p>\n

Lesson 6 (1:14:41) <\/h3>\n

In lesson six, we continue work on the body of the dog.<\/p>\n

Lesson 7 (1:12:15) <\/h3>\n

In lesson seven, we continue work on the teddy bear.<\/p>\n

Lesson 8 (1:10:34) <\/h3>\n

In lesson eight, we complete the painting.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


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Resources for this Lesson...<\/h2>\n

<\/I>Distributing any content downloaded from this site is strictly prohibited and against the terms and conditions of use.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n

References<\/h4>\n

<\/I>Photo Reference<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/I>Finished Result<\/a><\/p>\n

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Here's what you'll need...<\/h2>\n