In this lesson, Catherine introduces exercises designed to help you master color mixing and negative painting in watercolor. You’ll begin by creating color swatches and shapes with negative painting techniques. Catherine will then guide you through color wheels and practice matching color samples, before applying these methods to sketches of a teacup and sunflowers. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of creating shapes and color harmonies in your sketches.

This lesson belongs to the course Sketchbooking From Life. In this 6-week course, artist Catherine Bobkoski guides you through the essential practice of sketchbooking from life, using watercolor, pencil, and pen. Each week, you’ll engage in practical sketching exercises and techniques, exploring line work, value scales, color mixing, and composition through still-lifes, flowers, landscapes, and portraits. Catherine’s lessons emphasize observation, experimentation, and simplification, helping you refine fundamental drawing and painting skills while confidently capturing the essence of your subject. The course also includes an archive of student assignment critiques, offering valuable insights into applied sketchbooking. By the end of the course, you’ll have the tools and confidence to transform your sketchbook into a space for artistic growth and personal expression.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.