Welcome to Jessica’s Online Watercolor Lessons!
There are several free video lessons to get you started.
For paid classes, you will receive an email with a link to download a file after check out. Once you click this link you have 24 hours to download the file, which includes a private link to the online video, a materials list, and the reference photo. Save this information somewhere safe, and please do not share your link with anyone.
Please read the description carefully, online class sales are final.
Jessica’s teaching style is engaged and authentic. She shares detailed thoughts about the painting process to help students understand what they are trying to accomplish. Paint-along classes are carefully planned, and filmed in one take in order to show the entire process from start to finish. Most classes will therefore have minor hiccups, please don’t expect a highly edited video. Consider starting with a free lesson or two to get a sense of Jessica’s teaching style before committing to a paid class.
Other Offerings
Other online learning opportunities with Jessica may be available through instruction courses hosted by other organizations. Watch Jessica’s newsletter, social media, and this website, under General Information about classes.
Materials Information (free)
This long video is an informal description of watercolor materials with extended information on a few topics, including mixing color. This should help beginners decide where to start, what to buy (and not buy), and hopefully instill the idea that each individual painter will have different preferences. For the more advanced painter, this video might provide a little extra insight into further exploring materials choices. For more information, including a printable materials list, check out my page of Materials Information.
Getting Started in Watercolor (free)
Start here if you're just beginning in watercolor. Learn a little about choosing the materials you will need and how to decide which to buy. If you already have a painting setup that you like, no need to buy anything new, just be sure you have materials that fit the suggestions, especially the sponge and paint recommendation. Video is 17 minutes long and is a supplement to Jessica’s suggested materials list:
Watercolor Basics (free)
This lesson is for beginners and experienced painters who wish to revisit the basics to strengthen knowledge of this medium. Topics covered include controlling paint, water, the brush, edges, and basic shapes. 34 minutes.
Using a Sponge (free)
A large sponge is one of Jessica’s essential painting tools. This lesson demonstrates using a sponge for better control when painting. 13 minutes.
Watercolor Paint Along: Tubbs Hill (free)
This is a special paint along created during the COVID-19 pandemic for people of all ages who are interested in watercolor but might not have the best materials on hand. The demonstration is done using Prang student watercolors and office copy paper to demonstrate that any paper and watercolors can suffice. The image used for this painting can be downloaded and printed. It is copyright protected, please do not use it for any other purpose. 1 hour, 17 minutes.
This paint along is offered for no charge. Tubbs Hill is a unique natural area nestled next to the lake and downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, just a few blocks from the artist's home. It boasts beautiful views and miles of hiking trails. Jessica is a passionate supporter of this local gem, please consider a donation.
The Paint the Parks series gets you painting inspiring landscapes with detailed instruction. Jessica walks you through the process and includes ample tricks and tips to help you find success in watercolor. 2 hours, 17 minutes. Click on class title for more details and to purchase.
Learn to paint in watercolor, or improve your skills, while painting a locally beloved view of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This lesson walks you through the process of creating a finished painting with ample tricks and tips along the way. 2 hours, 47 minutes. Click on class title for more details and to purchase.
*Please recognize that unforeseen circumstances could, at some point, result in classes no longer being available online. While I cannot guarantee lifetime access, it is my sincere intent to keep the content available through the length of my career, and beyond. In the event that I need to change the platform for hosting classes, I will notify all students via email, so please be sure to update your email address if it changes.