Section 1: Introduction to Nature-Inspired Art (30 mins)

Lecture 1.1: Welcome and Course Overview

Lecture 1.2: Why Nature? Understanding Its Role in Art

Lecture 1.3: Tools, Materials, and Setting Up Your Workspace

Section 2: Foundations of Landscape Painting (1 hour)

Lecture 2.1: Observing Nature: Shapes, Lines, and Textures

Lecture 2.2: Understanding Perspective: Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background

Lecture 2.3: Painting Sky and Water: Gradients, Reflections, and Movement

Lecture 2.4: Exercise: Create a Simple Landscape Sketch

Section 3: Painting Botanicals (1 hour 15 mins)

Lecture 3.1: Breaking Down Shapes in Leaves, Flowers, and Plants

Lecture 3.2: Working with Layering Techniques for Botanical Realism

Lecture 3.3: Capturing Texture and Detail: Petals, Veins, and Stems

Lecture 3.4: Activity: Paint a Detailed Botanical Close-Up

Section 4: Working with Color and Light (1.5 hours)

Lecture 4.1: Choosing and Mixing Colors for Nature Scenes

Lecture 4.2: Capturing Natural Light and Shadows in Your Work

Lecture 4.3: Seasonal Palettes: Painting Autumn, Spring, Summer, and Winter Themes

Lecture 4.4: Interactive Project: Create a Landscape Scene Using a Seasonal Palette

Section 5: Advanced Techniques for Depth and Detail (1.5 hours)

Lecture 5.1: Using Layering for Depth in Landscapes and Florals

Lecture 5.2: Techniques for Fine Detailing with Small Brushes

Lecture 5.3: Combining Watercolor and Ink for Botanical Art

Lecture 5.4: Project: Create a Textured Landscape or Botanical Piece

Section 6: Composing Your Artwork (45 mins)

Lecture 6.1: Balancing Elements in Landscape and Botanical Compositions

Lecture 6.2: Tips for Creating a Focal Point

Lecture 6.3: Exercise: Plan and Sketch a Nature-Inspired Composition

Section 7: Bringing It All Together (30 mins)

Lecture 7.1: Finalizing and Refining Your Artwork

Lecture 7.2: Preserving and Displaying Your Pieces

Lecture 7.3: Final Project: Paint a Nature Scene Combining Landscapes and Botanicals

Course Features

Downloadable References: Seasonal color palettes and composition templates.

Interactive Exercises: Step-by-step activities to build skills gradually.

Case Studies: Analysis of famous landscape and botanical artworks.

Bonus Content: Tips for painting outdoors (plein air) and using photo references.

What You’ll Need

Paints (watercolor, acrylic, or gouache).

Brushes in varying sizes, including fine-detail brushes.

Sketch paper, a canvas or watercolor pad.

Optional: Palette, masking tape, and reference photos or access to nature.

Certificate of Completion

Earn a certificate to showcase your mastery of abstract art techniques.