As someone who has always harbored a quiet fascination with watercolors but equally matched it with intimidation, stumbling upon Nicola A Blakemore’s course was like finding a treasure trove designed for the likes of me. The course, aptly named “STRESS buster. Watercolor painting to relax. Get the basics“, promises a journey from bewildered beginner to a confident, if casual, practitioner of this fluid and unpredictable medium.
From the outset, Nicola lays down a warm and welcoming mat. The course isn’t just about painting; it’s an invitation to play, explore, and make peace with the unpredictable nature of watercolors. It’s a breath of fresh air in a world that often demands perfection from its artists.
Instructor Reputation
When delving into the world of online courses, the instructor’s reputation and teaching style can make or break the learning experience. Nicola A Blakemore stands out not just for her extensive experience and impressive credentials but for the personal journey that shapes her approach to teaching. With a 4.4 instructor rating, over 5,730 reviews, and a community of 43,273 students spread across 44 courses, Nicola’s impact on the world of online art education is undeniable.
Nicola’s background is as colorful and layered as her watercolor paintings. Originally trained as a graphic artist, she ventured into diverse fields, including national media, travel, and public relations, in bustling metropolises like London and Paris. This eclectic background adds a unique depth to her teaching, as she brings insights from various aspects of the creative industry. However, it’s her return to her artistic roots and her choice to focus on watercolor painting that has had the most significant influence on her teaching style.
As a self-taught artist, Nicola intimately understands the hurdles, fears, and self-doubt that many aspiring artists face. This empathy is woven into every lesson, where her teaching style is characterized by patience, encouragement, and a deep understanding of the emotional journey involved in creating art. Nicola’s approach is not just about imparting technical skills but about nurturing confidence, creativity, and a sense of personal accomplishment in her students.
Her philosophy centers on the belief that everyone has the potential to create beautiful art, regardless of their background or prior experience. This belief is evident in the way she structures her courses and interacts with students. Nicola’s teaching goes beyond mere instruction; it’s about creating a supportive community where learners can explore their creativity without fear of judgment.
Moreover, Nicola’s significant online presence, especially her following of 30,000 subscribers on YouTube, attests to her ability to connect with and inspire a broad audience. Her courses are not just educational resources but gateways to a supportive community of fellow artists and enthusiasts. This sense of belonging and mutual support is crucial for beginners and experienced artists alike, making Nicola not just an instructor but a mentor and friend to her students.
Course Structure
The structure of “STRESS buster. Watercolor painting to relax. Get the basics” is a testament to Nicola’s deep understanding of the learning process, especially for beginners in the art world. The course is meticulously designed to lead students through the foundational aspects of watercolor painting, ensuring a gradual buildup of skills without overwhelming them. This thoughtful progression reflects Nicola’s sensitivity to the needs of her students, especially those who may be approaching the canvas with hesitation or doubt.
The course begins with an introduction to the essentials of watercolor paints and their interaction with water—a fundamental concept that sets the stage for all subsequent lessons. This foundation is crucial for understanding the fluid and often unpredictable nature of watercolors, and Nicola’s approach ensures that students start on solid ground.
Following this introduction, students are guided through various techniques, starting with the most used technique in watercolor painting: the color wash. Nicola’s detailed demonstrations and explanations make this foundational skill accessible to all learners, ensuring they have the tools needed to explore more complex techniques confidently.
Layering washes to create depth and dimension in paintings is another critical aspect covered in the course. This technique is essential for achieving a three-dimensional effect on a two-dimensional surface, and Nicola’s step-by-step guidance demystifies the process, making it achievable for beginners.
Creating highlights and shadows is another area where students can expect to grow their skills. This part of the course not only enhances the visual appeal of the paintings but also deepens the students’ understanding of how light affects color and form. Nicola’s expertise shines here, as she simplifies complex concepts into manageable lessons.
A unique aspect of Nicola’s course structure is the emphasis on repetition and practice. By encouraging students to paint an object (such as an apple) multiple times, each in a different way, Nicola reinforces the learning objectives while allowing students to see their progress. This approach not only solidifies the techniques learned but also boosts confidence, as students witness their own improvement.
Moreover, the course is structured to promote a playful exploration of watercolors. Nicola eschews a rigid, formulaic approach in favor of experimentation and discovery. This philosophy is particularly evident in her decision not to focus on color names, mixing, or composition in the traditional sense. Instead, she encourages students to learn through doing—playing with colors, shapes, and techniques to find their own style and preferences.
In essence, the course is designed to be as much about personal growth and stress relief as it is about learning to paint. Nicola’s structure allows for a relaxed, enjoyable learning experience that prioritizes the joy of creation over the pressure of perfection. This approach not only makes the course accessible to a wide range of learners but also ensures that students finish the course with a newfound confidence and appreciation for the art of watercolor painting.
Content Quality
The content of “STRESS buster. Watercolor painting to relax. Get the basics” is a shining example of quality, accessibility, and engagement in online art education. Nicola A Blakemore has crafted a course that not only teaches the technical skills needed to start painting with watercolors but also encourages a deep, personal connection to the art form. Each module, video, and assignment is carefully curated to ensure that students not only learn but enjoy the process of learning.
One of the standout features of the course content is its focus on foundational skills. Nicola understands that mastering the basics is crucial for any artist’s development. She delivers comprehensive lessons on how water interacts with paint, how to create effective color washes, and the importance of layering. These lessons are rich in detail, offering students clear, actionable instructions alongside visual demonstrations. Nicola’s ability to break down complex techniques into understandable segments is a testament to the quality of the course content.
Furthermore, the course excels in teaching students how to create highlights and shadows, a skill essential for bringing paintings to life. Nicola’s demonstrations provide clear examples of how to apply these techniques in various contexts, enhancing the learning experience. The quality of the content is also evident in the exercises designed to build confidence through repetition. Students are encouraged to practice painting simple objects in multiple ways, reinforcing their skills and fostering a sense of achievement.
Another aspect that elevates the content quality is Nicola’s approach to teaching color mixing and understanding. Instead of overwhelming students with technical jargon, she guides them through experiential learning—encouraging play and experimentation. This method not only makes the learning process more enjoyable but also helps embed a deeper understanding of the material.
The course is updated regularly, with new lectures and assignments added to keep the content fresh and relevant. These updates reflect Nicola’s commitment to providing value and ensuring that students have access to the latest techniques and insights.
Moreover, the content is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students of all backgrounds and skill levels. By focusing on stress reduction and creative expression, Nicola has created a course that goes beyond technical instruction. The lessons foster a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their creativity without fear of judgment.
Overall Course Rating – 9.5/10
After thoroughly reviewing the course, from its structure and content quality to the teaching style of Nicola A Blakemore, it’s clear that “STRESS buster. Watercolor painting to relax. Get the basics” stands out as a premier online learning experience in the realm of watercolor painting. Taking into consideration the comprehensive nature of the course content, the effective teaching methods employed, the emphasis on foundational skills, and the additional value provided through regular updates and a supportive community, I rate this course a 9.5 out of 10.
The course’s ability to blend technical skill-building with a focus on stress reduction and creative freedom is unparalleled. Nicola’s empathetic teaching approach, combined with high-quality content that encourages exploration and confidence-building, creates a nurturing environment for budding artists.
The deduction of half a point acknowledges that while the course is designed to be beginner-friendly and focuses on relaxation and creativity, some students with a preference for more structured, traditional learning paths might seek additional technical depth. However, for its intended audience and stated goals, Nicola’s course excels in offering an accessible, enjoyable, and educational journey into the world of watercolor painting.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, combined with Nicola’s responsive and nurturing approach to instruction, further solidifies this rating. Whether you’re a complete novice to watercolor painting or someone looking to rediscover their creative side in a stress-free setting, this course offers a comprehensive, engaging, and rewarding experience. “STRESS buster. Watercolor painting to relax. Get the basics” is not just a course—it’s an invitation to explore your creativity, learn new skills, and find a peaceful, artistic outlet for stress.
