Meet your professor



Jana Parkin has decades of experience teaching art at all levels, from children to college students and senior citizens. She makes the often daunting world of watercolor painting easy, accessible and fun! She explains what she's doing and why at ever step, so you have the knowledge and skills you can apply to other projects. This is not just a paint by number -- you will learn and grow!

You will learn:


  • How to select and use a set of 4 colors for your painting (limited palette)
  • How to create an abstract underpainting, based on the colors and textures of your leaves
  • How to trace around leaves, choosing the areas of your underpainting with the best textures and colors for your subject
  • How to paint around a leaf to darken the background and make it pop!
  • How to add more leaves and add depth at the same time by "underlapping" the existing leaves
  • How to arrange leaves within a square to create a pleasing design
  • How to "knock back" an area that is calling for too much attention
  • How to add a central vein to a leaf that is too empty or flat
  • How to know when your painting is finished


Abstract Underpainting


A first layer of pure energy and exploration. Just have fun playing in the paint! Because we're using transparent watercolor, all this freedom and energy will show up in your finished painting!




Add a leaf at a time


Magically add one leaf at a time, using my drawing and painting secrets to make it look like the leaf just appeared there! Each leaf will add drama and depth to the finished painting.



Keep going until it's finished


The satisfaction of knowing you created something this beautiful is priceless.

Example Curriculum

Choose a Pricing Option

Endless variation



You can repeat these steps again and again to create limitless beautiful fall watercolor paintings! Each one will be different, unique and yours!