How to choose the right single color for a monochrome painting
How to build depth and interest using only value (light to dark), not multiple colors
How to paint smooth, soft backgrounds that don’t look flat or patchy
How to control the wet-in-wet technique so the paint spreads where you want it to
How to create contrast using tone, edges, and texture
How to simplify a reference into a strong monochrome composition
How to combine all of this into one finished, expressive painting
This class is for watercolor artists who want to improve their control, sense of tone, and overall composition. It’s ideal if you feel comfortable with basic watercolor techniques but want to make your paintings look more intentional and cohesive. Beginners can follow along and build strong foundations, while more experienced painters will use the exercises to refine their use of value, edges, and contrast.
Step-by-step video lessons and real time painting process
Guided practice exercises that prepare you for the final painting
Lifetime access - revisit lessons anytime
Direct feedback & support from me
"I watched this class in one go! It was perfectly calming and very well executed. I simply love the clarity of instructions - Elina tells us when and how much to rinse our brushes (which is so, so useful for beginners especially!), how much water to pigment she takes, how and why she tilts the board to create the wash… I am blown away by the clarity and depth of instructions and I am loving it! Every technique is explained and shown in details and the exercises are perfect to practice before the final project. This was a wonderful experience, thank you, Elina!"
- Ivana Georgieva
Website
"I loved Elina’s class. It was the perfect tutorial for a relaxing Sunday morning. The class project was easy to follow and I was able to paint it on the first try (which doesn’t always happen with Skillshare classes!). I think this is due to her clarity of teaching and making a potentially complicated subject, easy to understand and replicate. I very much enjoyed the class!"
- Madeline Kerrii
"This was such a WONDERFUL class!! I learned a lot, it was easy to follow, and it felt good to make something so pretty!! This was a good lesson in values and water control to get the desired effects in a painting."
- Nero C
Website
Join the class today and learn how to create contrast, harmony, and expression with a single hue.