Paint a portrait with organic elements and learn how to digitize and share it online
Let your ideas flourish and enjoy combining watercolor painting with nature. Alongside artist and muralist Joe Fernández, better known as Zelva Uno, discover how to create unique portraits capable of transmitting love, care, and respect for nature.
In this course, learn how to paint a watercolor portrait fused with organic elements, such as flowers and plants. Discover how to use all the necessary tools and techniques to create portraits with a touch of surrealism and, above all, overflowing with nature.
What will you learn in this online course?
20 lessons & 6 downloads
What Will We Do in the Course?
1 minute, 34 seconds
Documentation
2 minutes, 56 seconds
Materials
2 minutes, 47 seconds
Color Theory
10 minutes, 42 seconds
Watercolor Techniques
8 minutes, 14 seconds
Color Palette Customization
6 minutes, 44 seconds
What's included in this course?
First, get to know your teacher, Zelva, who explains how he got started in the art world, about his main influences along the way, and why he chose visual arts as a lifestyle and profession. He also goes through what you’re about to learn in the course.
See how to use different materials to draw and paint, and create a folder filled with visual references based on your own personal experiences. Then, discover some key concepts to start creating such as color theory, watercolor techniques, and methods to create a custom color palette.
Next, it’s time to get started on your final project. Draw your portrait, learn how to create sections, and add organic elements to generate a unique and original illustration.
Continue the course by dipping your paintbrushes into watercolors to create the colors from your color palette. Zelva teaches you how to use masking fluid and guides you through as you add the final details. Lastly, digitize your artwork and see how to make it into a sticker.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Paint a portrait and create sections to add organic elements such as flowers and plants.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
For illustrators, those who like to draw, visual artists, or nature enthusiasts.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, you need basic drawing skills, but above all, you need to be a nature lover.
As for materials, you’ll need graphite pencils, an art eraser, watercolors (from whichever brand you prefer), watercolor paintbrushes, cotton paper higher than 250gr, a mixing tray or porcelain plate to mix your watercolors, and as an option, an iPad or similar with Sketchbook or Procreate to digitize your designs.
Reviews
- 3 years ago
Este curso es maravilloso, entretenido, facil y súper explicativo. Muchas gracias!
- 4 years ago
Me a gustado mucho el curso, aun no he presentado nada, porque me gusta ver el proceso varias veces y experimentar, como profesor un 10, muy claro el paso a paso, la técnica de ilustración me parece super original, explica muy bien el paso a paso
- 4 years ago
Excelente curso. Sin desmerecer los anteriores q he realizado, es el que más me ha ayudado para pintar retratos con acuarela.
- 4 years ago
Très bon cours, de bons conseils pour les couleurs
- 4 years ago
Excelente curso y excelente artista
Through his art, he seeks to communicate a message of love, respect, and share the living cultures of the Peruvian Amazon and nature in general. He works with his organization @amazonarteperu to share and salvage ancestral traditions and knowledge through different artistic practices.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- What Will We Do in the Course?
- U2
Before You Start
- Documentation
- Materials
- Color Theory
- Watercolor Techniques
- Color Palette Customization
- U3
Drawing and Fragmenting
- Composition Exercise
- Portrait Composition
- Portrait Fragmentation
- Drawing and Composing the Organic Elements
- U4
Colorizing our illustration
- Masker Application
- Application of Watercolors (Part 1)
- Application of Watercolorss (Part 2)
- Application of Watercolors (Part 3)
- Application of Watercolors (Part 4)
- Application of Watercolors (Part 5)
- Applying Details, Cast Shadows, and Atmosphere
- Digitization of our final project
- FP
Final project
- Watercolor Portraits Inspired by Nature
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
You’ll learn how to create illustrations and paintings inspired by nature and Peruvian cultures, watercolor techniques, fragmented portraiture, digitizing artwork, and designing artistic products for merchandising and cultural events.
Yes, this course is designed for people with basic drawing and painting skills who want to deepen intermediate techniques and explore integrating cultural and natural elements into their work.
You’ll need watercolors, synthetic brushes, cotton paper or suitable cardstock, graphite pencils, kneaded eraser, watercolor masking fluid, and access to digital tools to digitize your illustrations.
The course will teach you how to incorporate symbols, colors, and elements inspired by the Amazonian worldview to create works that reflect respect and connection with Amazonian nature and culture.
Yes, you’ll learn how to digitize your artwork, clean and crop your illustrations digitally, and prepare them for printing on products like clothing, stickers, and other merchandising items.
Techniques covered include wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, mixing broken tones, creating volume, applying shadows and highlights, and strategic use of masking fluid to protect details.
Prior experience isn’t required but basic drawing skills are recommended. The course covers everything from planning and sketching to more advanced portrait and urban composition techniques.