What's holding you back from loosening up and painting confidently?
When you think of Sargent’s fresh, painterly watercolor masterpiece, or contemporary masters like Edward Seago, Herman Pekel, Amanda Hyatt, Joseph Zbukvic… and their seemingly effortless, and economical brush marks, you ask: How do i paint like that? And why can’t I seem to break through?
What these masterpieces have in common
what makes a painting successful is not the usage of certain “special techniques”, but the accurate drawing, correctly judged tonal ranges, highly distilled shapes, but most importantly, the shapes painted brilliantly, using intentional brushstrokes and quick movements.
You may be learning to paint the hard way
But if distilling the subject and painting shapes intentionally are the most important skills of a watercolor artist, why is there no art classes that teach just that?!
The internet is flooded with watercolor tutorials teaching you how to create "cool effects" – spraying alcohol, applying salt, using gauze pads to paint, while getting stuck at the entry level perpetually.
But even when we take classes from serious artists and organizations, we often are expected to follow the teacher step by step. Since the teacher has done the hard work of distilling shapes and deciding the visual treatments to use, you, the student, never get to truly learn these skills for yourself!
What Is the 5-Step Process and Why Does It Work?
What it teaches
Learn to evaluate your photos as painting candidates
Through detailed explanations and many photo examples, you will learn to see shapes from your photos and determine whether they will lead to an interesting painting.
Why it works
Develop skills of simplifying shapes and distilling forms
Using the framework of value, shape and contrast, you will learn what types of shapes are desired, what type of distribution of tonal ranges is balanced and how focal points are created, so you can apply such insights to simplifying your own subjects and modifying your compositions.
why it works
Learn the "cool effects" in a way that aids your painting objective
Instead of learning "fancy techniques" just for the sake of it, you will learn when and where to apply these techniques in a real life painting scenario, not based on the "gut feel", but based on the type of subjects you are working with, and where the focal points are.
why it works
Hone in on your brushstrokes to create carefree expressions
Once you are familiar with the shapes you have extracted, you will learn how to paint these shapes again with intentional and confident looking brushstrokes. What strokes are good for what objects, and how to "suggest" not "depict" every single objects in the scene.
What's included in the course downloads
10+ hours of video instruction
Easy-to-follow class recordings showing you each step of the process in a high visual and tangible way.
3 sets of worksheets
To help you learn and enhance the fundamentals of working with watercolor medium.
6 sets of reference photos
Beginner-friendly reference photos curated by the instructor to help you practice painting a variety of shapes, in both color and Black & White versions.
20+ real-life scenarios addressed
Throughout the coursework, numerous student examples are discussed to illustrate common challenges and targeted solutions that you will find applicable to your own paintings.
Student Testimonials
Shawn M R
Since becoming your student this past summer, my work has noticeably improved. I've won some awards and sold work at exhibitions, too. Some of the paintings on exhibit are those you've help me improve.
David R
I now think more in terms of contrast and value range when approaching a subject and that has led to less overthinking and clearer idea in the finished painting. I appreciate all your helpful insights!
Birlie S
I found the 5-Step Process invaluable. I have been to workshops with a well known artist, and they had students paint like them, rather than learn techniques to paint in their own style. Your explanation was the exact opposite in the best way. Thank you again!
Need help as you go through the course?
Get Coaching Help
Ina offers small group and 1:1 coaching through her Patreon program, for which you can submit your painting for critique and attend monthly office hours to get personalized coaching and instruction.
Membership starts with $28/mo with first month 50% off. Learn more by following link below:
Book a private online class
If seats are filled with the online coaching group, or if you are looking for the most hands-on, in-depth teaching to help you unstuck and make strides, a private session with Ina – with her dedication to your personal needs and problems, her insightful teaching and undivided attention – is the most effective way to grow and a memorable experience.
About the Instructor Ina Xi
With a background in product innovation and business consulting—and having witnessed transformations in learning and development across many sectors while fine art education remained stagnant, stiff, and ineffective—Ina, now a professional artist based in Port Orchard, Washington, has dedicated herself to creating innovative, student-centric curriculums that make fine art principles accessible, creative, and engaging.
Since stepping onto the art scene in 2024, Ina has quickly gained both regional and international recognition for her work while cultivating a loyal online community through her YouTube channel. Her accolades include 1st Place in the NWWS International Open, 1st Place in Parklane Gallery’s Smallworks Winter Show 2024, and the Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 CVG Annual Show.