• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Watercolor

    Watercolor Courses Online

    Master watercolor painting techniques for creating beautiful artworks. Learn about color mixing, brushwork, and composition in watercolor art.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Watercolor Course Catalog

    • M

      Michigan State University

      Art for Games

      Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Animations, 3D Modeling, Storyboarding, Color Theory, Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Autodesk Maya, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Video Game Development, Design Elements And Principles, Adobe Photoshop, Conceptual Design, Computer Graphic Techniques, Prototyping, Virtual Environment, Graphic and Visual Design, Data Import/Export, Design Research

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      398 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Art History, Liberal Arts, Lesson Planning, Literacy, Creative Thinking, Aesthetics, Learning Styles, Creativity, Teaching, Social Studies, Learning Strategies, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Self-Awareness, Curriculum Planning, Curriculum Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • M

      Microsoft

      Work Smarter with Microsoft Word

      Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Word, Microsoft 365, Productivity Software, Proofreading, Document Management, Technical Documentation, Microsoft Windows, Presentations, Writing, Editing, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Grammar

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Michigan State University

      Pixel Art for Video Games

      Skills you'll gain: Animations, Storyboarding, Animation and Game Design, Unity Engine, Color Theory, Video Game Development, Adobe Photoshop, Game Design, Computer Graphics, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Conceptual Design, Creativity

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      259 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      EDUCBA

      VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert

      Skills you'll gain: Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Animations, Post-Production, Computer Graphic Techniques, Video Editing, Timelines, 3D Modeling, Color Theory, Typography, Design Elements And Principles

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      133 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      What Is Contemporary Art?

      Skills you'll gain: Performing Arts, Art History, Electronic Media, Aesthetics, Creativity, Design, Liberal Arts, Architectural Design, Multimedia, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Social Justice

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Introduction to Typography

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Graphic Design, Creative Design, Adobe InDesign, Design, Visual Design, Art History, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      A

      Adobe

      Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Adobe Illustrator, Color Theory, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Adobe Creative Cloud, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Generative AI Agents

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      47 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Introduction to Imagemaking

      Skills you'll gain: Graphic and Visual Design, Photo Editing, Photography, Peer Review, Aesthetics, Design Research, Storytelling, Creativity, Design Elements And Principles, Design Strategies, Digital Publishing

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • T

      The Museum of Modern Art

      Seeing Through Photographs

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Culture, Art History, Aesthetics, Media and Communications, Cultural Diversity, Journalism, Storytelling, Social Justice, Research, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Universitat de Barcelona

      Introducción al Arte Sonoro

      Skills you'll gain: Performing Arts, Music, Music History, Music Theory, Music Performance, Art History, Instrumental Music, Aesthetics, Multimedia, Creativity, Electronic Media, Psychology, Vibrations, Experimentation, Innovation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      281 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Michigan State University

      Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

      Skills you'll gain: Photography, Peer Review, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Creativity, File Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Watercolor learners also search

    Art History
    History
    Art
    Chinese History
    Global History
    Architecture
    Ancient History
    World History
    1234…9

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular watercolor courses

    • Art for Games: Michigan State University
    • Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes: The Museum of Modern Art
    • Work Smarter with Microsoft Word: Microsoft
    • Pixel Art for Video Games: Michigan State University
    • VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert: EDUCBA
    • What Is Contemporary Art?: The Museum of Modern Art
    • Introduction to Typography: California Institute of the Arts
    • Graphic Design: Adobe
    • Introduction to Imagemaking: California Institute of the Arts
    • Seeing Through Photographs: The Museum of Modern Art

    Frequently Asked Questions about Watercolor

    Watercolor refers to a versatile painting technique that uses pigments mixed with water to create unique and vibrant artworks. It is typically done on paper, although other surfaces like canvas or vellum can also be used. Watercolor allows for translucent and fluid brushstrokes, resulting in soft and ethereal effects. This medium offers a wide range of possibilities, from delicate washes and gradients to bold and expressive strokes. It is a popular choice among artists for its ability to capture the fluidity and luminosity of different subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, and still life. Watercolor techniques include wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing, and dry brush, each providing distinct effects on the final artwork. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, learning watercolor can be an exciting journey into the world of painting.‎

    To learn watercolor, there are several skills you should consider developing:

    1. Color theory: Understanding how colors work together and how they can create different moods and effects in your watercolor paintings.

    2. Brush control: Learning how to master your brushes and control the flow of water and pigment to create different strokes and textures.

    3. Understanding different techniques: Familiarize yourself with various watercolor techniques, such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing, and lifting, to expand your repertoire of painting styles.

    4. Composition: Learning about composition will help you create balanced, visually appealing watercolor paintings. This includes understanding the rule of thirds, creating focal points, and incorporating interesting elements into your artwork.

    5. Patience and practice: Like any skill, watercolor painting requires practice and patience. Set aside regular time for painting, experiment with different techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

    6. Knowledge of materials: Familiarize yourself with watercolor paper, paints, brushes, and other tools used in watercolor painting. Understanding how they interact with each other can help you achieve the desired effects in your artwork.

    7. Observation skills: Developing your ability to observe and capture the essence of your subject will greatly enhance your watercolor paintings. Practice observing light, shadows, and shapes to recreate them accurately in your artwork.

    8. Experimentation and creativity: Embrace your creativity and don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches and styles in watercolor painting. This will help you develop your own unique voice as an artist.

    Remember, the key to mastering any skill is practice, patience, and a willingness to continuously learn and grow.‎

    With watercolor skills, you can pursue various creative job opportunities. Some potential jobs include:

    1. Watercolor Artist: You can become a professional watercolor artist and create beautiful paintings for exhibitions, galleries, or even commission work.

    2. Illustrator: Many industries, such as publishing, design, and advertising, require illustrators with watercolor skills to create visually appealing artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, or product packaging.

    3. Art Teacher: You can teach watercolor painting techniques to aspiring artists at art schools, community centers, or private classes.

    4. Art Director: As an art director, you can guide and oversee the visual aspects of projects in fields such as advertising, film, or video game production. Watercolor skills can enhance your ability to conceptualize and communicate artistic ideas.

    5. Greeting Card Designer: Use your watercolor skills to create unique and artistic designs for greeting cards, invitations, or stationery.

    6. Surface Pattern Designer: Many textile and home decor companies are interested in hiring watercolor artists to create patterns for fabric, wallpaper, or other surfaces.

    7. Art Therapist: Combine your passion for watercolor painting with helping others by becoming an art therapist. You can use watercolor as a medium to facilitate healing and self-expression in individuals through therapy sessions.

    8. Freelancer: You have the option to work as a freelance watercolor artist, taking on projects on your terms. This could involve creating custom artwork for clients, selling prints or originals on online platforms, or offering commissions.

    Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are many other possibilities depending on your interests, style, and preferred industry.‎

    People who are creative, patient, and enjoy working with colors and textures are best suited for studying watercolor. Additionally, individuals who have an appreciation for art and a desire to express themselves through painting will likely find watercolor to be a fulfilling and enjoyable medium to study.‎

    Here are some topics related to watercolor that you can study:

    1. Watercolor Techniques: Learn various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, glazing, and more to improve your watercolor skills.

    2. Color Theory: Understand the principles and concepts of color to create visually appealing watercolor paintings.

    3. Composition and Design: Explore the guidelines and principles that will help you create well-balanced and visually interesting watercolor compositions.

    4. Landscape Painting: Study the techniques and methods specific to painting landscapes with watercolors, such as capturing reflections, creating different textures, and depicting various natural elements.

    5. Portraiture: Learn how to portray people through watercolors by understanding facial proportions, creating realistic skin tones, and capturing expressions.

    6. Still Life Painting: Discover the techniques and approaches to painting still life subjects using watercolors, focusing on light and shadow, composition, and creating texture.

    7. Nature and Botanical Illustration: Study how to paint various flowers, plants, and botanical subjects with watercolors, highlighting their intricate details and textures.

    8. Painting Animals and Wildlife: Explore the techniques and methods used to depict animals and wildlife through watercolors, focusing on capturing their unique characteristics and textures.

    9. Experimental Watercolor: Push the boundaries of traditional watercolor art by experimenting with unconventional techniques, materials, and mixed media approaches.

    10. Watercolor for Illustration: Learn how to use watercolors for creating illustrations, including book illustrations, editorial illustrations, and more.

    Remember, these topics can act as a starting point, and you have the flexibility to delve deeper into specific areas that interest you within the realm of watercolor.‎

    Online Watercolor courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Watercolor refers to a versatile painting technique that uses pigments mixed with water to create unique and vibrant artworks. It is typically done on paper, although other surfaces like canvas or vellum can also be used. Watercolor allows for translucent and fluid brushstrokes, resulting in soft and ethereal effects. This medium offers a wide range of possibilities, from delicate washes and gradients to bold and expressive strokes. It is a popular choice among artists for its ability to capture the fluidity and luminosity of different subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, and still life. Watercolor techniques include wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing, and dry brush, each providing distinct effects on the final artwork. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, learning watercolor can be an exciting journey into the world of painting. skills. Choose from a wide range of Watercolor courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Watercolor, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok