Essentials Of Beginning Watercolor: Parts 1-3

Comprehensive course -20 Videos with over 8 hours of instruction

Have you always had an inner desire to paint in watercolor? This is your chance to get started!

This course will take you from your very first step—material and supply selection fitting for the beginner—to putting down beautiful color in a painting of your own.

We will begin by focusing on essential techniques which I demonstrate in an easy, step-by-step format. I know you'll feel comfortable following these lessons, even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before! There are over 10 hours of instruction in this full-length course.

I love teaching, and I feel my job is to bring you to a place where you enjoy painting in watercolor because you have learned the basic skills and techniques you need to practice and paint confidently on your own—the right way.

This comprehensive course includes my entire online curriculum of 21 videos, step-by-step lessons (and more!), including:

  • Supplies required for beginners—without breaking the bank
  • Basic color theory and the unique properties of watercolor pigment
  • Skills and techniques for putting down color on paper
  • Twelve fun watercolor textures, and how and when to use them in an abstract painting
  • Tips for specific subjects likes skies, trees, rocks, sand, water, and fruit
  • Why “losing an edge” is important in a composition
  • How to choose good photo references for your composition
  • An easy way to put your signature on your paintings
  • How to address watercolor challenges

At the end of the course, we will put all of the theory, skill work, and technique into practice by completing five different paintings.

I always get excited when someone is starting watercolor for the first time. Watercolor instruction is a wonderful gift to give yourself. Learn this creative, beautiful form of self-expression in the privacy and comfort of your own home! With me as your guide, you will soon be creating works of art all on your own.

I look forward to painting with you!

- Jayne


"Jayne's classes have been truly inspirational. I am so fortunate to have her as my first watercolor teacher. Her instruction is very clear and easy to follow. I lacked confidence about my ability. Jayne's encouragement allowed me to keep trying. She is a wonderful teacher!" Mary Lou Jenkinson

Jayne's the best art teacher I ever had.
Joe Snodrass
"I had taken a beginning watercolor class from another teacher but it wasn't at all enough. Once I found Jayne, I knew I was on the right path with her clear and easy steps; there is a lot to learn. I found it extremely important to understand what it would take to execute lovely works of art. I love learning from her as she shares everything I need to know and then some."

Joan Sharpless

Your Instructor


Jayne Spencer
Jayne Spencer

As a native of San Diego and graduate of San Diego State University, I have been painting and exhibiting my work for more than 30 years throughout Southern California. The bold lines, fluid shapes, and my color palette are influenced by my father’s paintings and my degree in graphic design.

My work is inspired by the idea of capturing that emotional and visceral response we feel when we see a beautiful but fleeting image—a moment of color, intensity, movement, and expression that stays with us long after.

While known for my representational and abstract work, my love is for portraits, and I have been honored with awards that include Best in Show for Cowboy at the San Dieguito Off Track Gallery and the Logan Award and Golden Award for Maasai Boy at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 34th International Show.

For over a decade, I have been running workshops and juried watercolor shows in the San Diego area while teaching all levels of watercolor painting at a local community college and in my studio in Encinitas, CA. I find tremendous satisfaction in teaching and love seeing my students, improve, gain confidence, and express themselves through watercolor.


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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does two years access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for two years - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to help you learn new skills and approaches to painting in watercolor!

Please practice what you have learned through this course. Practicing as much as possible, especially just after the course, will help you remember and improve the skills you just absorbed. If you need to see something again, feel free to watch your lessons as many times as you like!

Also, try to find things to paint that bring out your new skill work. This will make practicing much more fun and help you being to create your own compositions.

I would love to hear from you, so please don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts on the course and how you're progressing!

All my best to you,

Jayne