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<\/p>\nAccomplished Surf Coast watercolour artist Natalie Martin continues to build a vibrant virtual community with the launch of a third online art course, Lessons in Layering with Watercolour.<\/p>\n
Natalie\u2019s first two online courses have been taken up by more than 5000 people in countries including Australia, India, the US and Romania.<\/p>\n
Her latest release \u2013 an intermediate course for creative types aged 10-plus \u2013 provides an extensive guide of watercolour layering techniques, where participants can explore how to create artworks with greater complexity, detail and interest.<\/p>\n
Natalie says while she loves teaching in person, she would often notice some students were anxious or intimidated in a group environment.<\/p>\n
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\u201cTo do your best work and enjoy yourself, you need to be relaxed,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I thought why not offer a course online so people can learn in their own time, in the comfort of their own home.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had so many people reach out to me during the first COVID-19 lockdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn such unsettling times having something that shifts your headspace is so important.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe positive comments, gratitude and sense of community garnered by these courses not only helped the students, but me as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen and experienced the emotional and psychological benefits of watercolour, it\u2019s been incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The third course follows on from Welcome to Watercolour and The Magic of Colour Mixing and is intended for budding and established artists alike.<\/p>\n
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While Natalie remains hopeful of a return to face-to-face workshops, as well as future exhibitions of her own works, the growing online offering has allowed her to continue her practice full-time, as well as connecting the artist with beginner and budding watercolourists alike, both locally and internationally.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBuilding this online community has been so rewarding,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes courage to learn something new and step out of your comfort zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just love the sense of camaraderie and support my students show towards one another. If my course or an encouraging message from another student can give someone a moment of joy in their day, that\u2019s a special thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Every course is supported by reference materials, course notes as well as a private Facebook group where students can share their work or ask questions.<\/p>\n
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In each video Natalie offers insight into her own practice, sharing how a better understanding of translucency, colour, tone and techniques such as negative space can elevate watercolour pieces to the next level.<\/p>\n
There are nine videos with an overall run time of two hours and 40 minutes, offering self-paced learning and unlimited lifetime access.<\/p>\n
The cost per course is $79 or $149 with a watercolour painting kit included.<\/p>\n
Natalie has been exhibiting her own works since 2012 and is renowned for her use of vibrant watercolour.<\/p>\n
Her art is sold at respected stockists around Australia, as well her own online store, and she has hosted countless in-person workshops in her studio at Ashmore Arts and beyond.<\/p>\n
She is particularly fond of native Australia flora and landscape, producing a collection of limited edition prints, a line of environmentally friendly stationery, printed fabrics and a newly released 2022 calendar titled \u2018A Year In Bloom\u2019.<\/p>\n