Come paint with me
Light and shadow in the urban landscape
Over the last few month I re-created eight of my recent paintings and filmed and narrated the whole process.
For that I teamed up with the people of the Red Point School and turned those video lessons in a full course.
What the course is about
In this course, I demonstrate how I use light and shadow techniques to paint sunlit urban landscapes. Step by step, I guide you through each painting process, showing how to convey the glow of sunlight on buildings and streets.
We will pay special attention to creating expressive, complex shadows that go far beyond simple “black.” Using wet-on-wet washes, layered color, and soft tonal gradients, you will learn how to build depth, atmosphere, and vibrancy.
Through practical exercises, you will develop the ability to capture mood, movement, and the unique energy of a dynamic urban environment.
Through practical exercises, you will develop the ability to capture mood, movement, and the unique energy of a dynamic urban environment.
Who will find this course useful
This course is suitable for artists of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced watercolorists.
- beginners will gain a solid foundation in understanding light, shadow, and the four fundamental watercolor techniques;
- advanced students will refine their skills and discover new ways to add depth, atmosphere, and expressiveness to their cityscapes.
Course program
Lesson 1
Introduction
In this lesson, we get to know each other. I explain the structure of the course, its goals, and the tasks we will work on together.
Lesson 2
Materials
I provide a detailed overview of all the materials needed to complete the course.
Lesson 3
What I Learned Teaching Watercolor: Common Mistakes
You will explore the most common mistakes students make when working with watercolor. Through clear examples, you’ll learn how to avoid them and apply the correct techniques to achieve expressive and harmonious results.
Lesson 4
At the carousel
Duration :2 hours 0 minutes
You will paint the first cityscape of the course — a lively carousel scene filled with sunlight and summer joy.You will learn how to:
- use the two-layer watercolor technique by separating light and shadow;
- create rich, transparent, and expressive shadows;
- add figures to convey scale and bring the scene to life.
Lesson 5
Shadows in Piazza della Repubblica
Duration :1 hours 45 minutes
Capture the bright morning sun and the dynamic play of light and shadow in a city square.You will learn how to:
- convey sunlight through strong light–shadow contrast;
- preserve illuminated areas while adding subtle details;
- control edges using soft, hard, and disappearing transitions.
Lesson 6
Field work
Duration :1 hours 50 minutes
A sunlit field, slow-moving workers, shimmering air — this lesson focuses on mood, light, and atmosphere.You will learn how to:
- build a landscape using the two-layer technique;
- plan composition and distribute light and shadow outdoors;
- convey depth and atmosphere with minimal detail.
Lesson 7
Bavarian Shadows
Duration :1 hours 48 minutes
A sunlit field, slow-moving workers, shimmering air — this lesson focuses on mood, light, and atmosphere.You will learn how to:
- unite different parts of a composition into a cohesive whole;
- focus on large shapes instead of small details;
- depict light using minimal contrast;
- add subtle detail to figures without overworking them.
Lesson 8
Hometown Grays
Duration :1 hours 22 minutes
This lesson explores the beauty of restrained color and subtle tonal transitions.You will learn how to:
- simplify forms by selecting only essential elements;
- omit unnecessary details, especially in shadow areas;
- rp.course.lesson-8.ywl-text-3
Lesson 9
The Outside World — As My Studio
I explain my approach to painting outdoors and how I work on location.
Lesson 10
Arches of Mercato Centrale
Duration :2 hours 5 minutes
A quiet morning beneath the elegant arches of Florence’s Central Market.You will learn how to:
- apply the two-layer technique in near-interior scenes;
- add subtle elements of city life to enliven a composition;
- use strong contrasts and hard edges to guide the viewer’s eye;
- work with smooth paper and understand its unique properties.
Lesson 11
Morning in Venice
Duration :2 hours 8 minutes
A backlit scene in Campo San Barnaba, dominated by large shadow areas.You will learn how to:
- understand and paint contre-jour lighting;
- unify large shadow shapes while keeping them interesting;
- plan complex shadow washes step by step;
- paint canal water in a simple and effective way.
Lesson 12
Coffee break
Duration :2 hours 8 minutes
A close-up view of a cafe facade in Florence, filled with light, shadow, and subtle detail.You will learn how to:
- paint light surfaces and saturated shadows;
- organize and simplify complex architectural scenes.
- rp.course.lesson-12.ywl-text-3
- rp.course.lesson-12.ywl-text-4
Lesson 13
Conclusion
In this final lesson, we summarize the results of your work and reflect on the progress made throughout the course.
To sign up simply:
- click the button below, which will take you to the Red Point School website
- insert your email address
- complete the payment process