​Master the Art of Watercolor Realism.

Do you want to learn how to paint realistic objects in watercolor without hard edges or overworked areas on paper?
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Do you ever feel like you’ve hit a roadblock with your artwork and it’s getting you down?
​Don’t worry, I’m here to lend a hand and help you get back on track!

"12 Days of Christmas" on Patreon - Join us to paint holiday cards!

My name is Maria Raczynska 

and I have been teaching how to paint with watercolors for almost a decade!

​During this time, I have helped thousands of students from around the world to follow their dreams and master the most important watercolor techniques.

​​Whether you aspire to become a professional painter, sell or exhibit your artwork, or simply enjoy it as a hobby, I am here to offer my assistance.
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Watercolor CLASSES - Click on the Button Below

      
The main two techniques
​I teach are 'wet on wet and 'lifting colors.


I understand the struggles of being a beginner in watercolor painting, as I too have experienced it. In fact, when I first started, I didn't even know the basics like wet on wet technique and used watercolors like acrylics. However, after posting my first youtube video, I began learning to control the paint and water, with a goal to master the art of watercolor painting. Today, my focus is on my students, and I aim to share my knowledge on creating realistic objects in watercolor to help them improve.
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There is nothing that brings me more joy than seeing you succeed. After all, your success is my success.
Don’t jump right into it, but try to visualize the process first.

Why my teaching techniques work.

I have found that my teaching techniques are effective. Despite having no formal art education, I have become a self-taught artist and watercolor teacher.
This has allowed me to understand the struggles of my students and connect with them on a deeper level.

Teaching was never part of my plan, but after starting my Patreon school in 2017 and seeing the progress my students have made, I have gained confidence in my methods.

In my classes, I focus on the small details, such as the position of the elbow and how to hold the brush. I also explain color mixing and why certain colors are used. To describe water-to-paint ratios, I have even come up with my own terminology.
“Your colors have the ability to transform your creative vision into a work of art. So, take the time to explore and unleash the full potential of your palette”


​Why Wet on Wet?

“Wet on wet” is a painting technique that is actually quite forgiving.

Many beginners tend to avoid it because seeing water on their paper can be overwhelming. However, this technique can help you avoid overworking areas, getting too detailed, and mistakes can often be fixed by lifting the colors.

Wet on wet painting allows for a lot of freedom, where you don’t have to worry about creating endless hard edges.
I want to help artists like you paint with watercolor comfortably, like the artist you have always dreamed to be.

What is your biggest struggle with watercolors?

Creating softness?
Painting ‘wet on wet?
Avoiding ‘blooms?
Creating realistic paintings?
Painting shadows?
Dimension?
Creating contrast?
Proportions?
Composition?

I can help you understand and learn how to avoid these mistakes!

I offer weekly classes for beginners and advanced painters on Patreon.

 All recorded in real time, to guide you every step of the way. 



​Over the past 8 years, I have created hundreds of educational videos for you to learn from.

These videos include not only voiceover tutorials from previous years, but also real-time recording classes. I speak in real-time during these classes while I'm painting.
Or,
To get familiar with my style of teaching,
take this FREE course with me!
Are you familiar with this little trick?
​
Click right to see how you can use a wax stick 
​in your watercolor painting.

Whatever your struggles may be,

know that with the right guidance and support, you can overcome them. It takes time to get to where you want to be, but with consistent practice and the right techniques, you will get there much sooner than you think.

As a teacher, I believe in teaching traditional methods that are often overlooked by other teachers. This is because I want you to have a strong foundation in watercolor painting that will help you grow and develop as an artist. So, if you are serious about learning watercolors, I invite you to join me in one of my schools. You will not only learn the basics but also advanced techniques that will take your painting skills to the next level. Don't let your struggles hold you back. With my guidance and support, you can become a confident and skilled watercolor painter.
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Just see what my students say about my teaching and join us on this exciting journey!
It doesn't have to be perfect, that's why you chose watercolors.
Maria-Raczynska-painting-plein-air


​Once you join one of Maria's online schools,

You will gain access to a private community -
a Facebook Group (by invite only)

It's the perfect place to connect with other watercolor enthusiasts, share your own work,
and get valuable feedback from other members.
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​The difference between a voiceover tutorial and a real time recorded class.


​I've found that there are some key differences between tutorials with voiceover and classes.
When it comes to tutorials with voiceover, they're much easier to prepare. All a teacher has to do is record themselves painting and then edit the video and add a voiceover.

However, I've discovered that my students actually learn better when I record myself talking while painting in real-time.
​Even though I've done hundreds of voiceover tutorials in the past, I've found that real-time recordings are more effective. In fact, I've made a decision to only record real-time content since 2020.

​So if you're looking to learn from me, you can expect a real-time experience!

Maria's 2nd online school is called "Maria's Watercolor Academy" aka MWA - 

Offers real-time recorded classes that you can purchase individually or subscribe to a monthly plan called "All you can paint".

​This platform is an excellent resource for those looking to improve their painting skills or learn new techniques.

I wanted to remind you that if you are a member of Patreon, you can receive a 50% off discount code to apply to any class or a subscription plan at MWA!​ 

​It's a great opportunity to save some money while continuing your education.
Free YouTube videos: www.youtube.com/mariamorjane
Instagram  @maria_morjane and
​@mariamorjane
My brushes Instagram @raczynska.brushes
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mariamorjane
"I try to paint a little bit of everything in watercolor, but animals have a special place in my heart"
The minute you picked up a brush and started painting, you became an artist.

What my students have to say about my teaching.

Christina B.
USA
"A blend of loose watercolor techniques with just enough detail to bring paintings to life is what drew me to Maria’s tutorials. From Maria’s tutorials and classes, I have learned which parts of the watercolor painting to concentrate on details and which parts to imply. Although I have been learning from Maria for over a year, I still have so much to learn. In this short time, however, my paintings have gone from sitting in a practice stack to me confidently sending them to family and friends — even asking for photos of their pets to paint! "
Kerstin C.
Sweden
"I have always loved to create and to paint but for a long time I didn't touch a brush. Then I fell and hit my head and couldn't do anything with TV, computer, phone etc then I started to paint again. I followed some different artists and was quite happy with the result, but I didn't get why and so many times I guessed what to do next in my painting. Then after almost a year I suddenly stumbled over at video of Maria's it was a farrytale forrest and I loved the outcome. I searched for her and joined her Patreon channel. For every tutorial I learned some more and I'm so grateful for both the teachings and the response from Maria. She is really an awesome teacher and since I work as both music teacher and principal I know a good teacher when I see one :) The best with Maria is that she doesn't only show how to do certain techniques and painting methods but she explains why she does what she does. All in all you get tools that you can use in your own painting. 


A good teacher teaches how to do something a great teacher gives you the tools and knowledge to use what you have learnt in new ways of your own!"
Ann B.
​USA
"I found Maria Raczynska on YouTube and I joined her Patreon site in March of 2018. During that time, my watercolor skills have improved remarkably! Her tutorials are informative and instructional to help her students develop their skills on a personal level. Maria is receptive to questions and frequently gives valuable insights and encouragement to those who are learning. She takes an interest in her students to direct them to develop their skills and their own personal art styles.
 I have also taken many of her courses from Teachable. Her courses were easy to follow and many times included warm up exercises to help her students develop the skills of the course. I am looking forward to her new school as I know that I am in for professional and enjoyable courses. If you are looking for a teacher to help develop your watercolor skills, I highly recommend Maria. My experience with Maria has been more than exceptional."
Inna K.
USA
"Maria is a big artist, but also she is a talented teacher! It always amazes me how Maria conducts each tutorial, and how she creates her lessons, and how she explains rules and different techniques of watercolor painting , her way of guidance is fantastic! I consider myself very lucky that I was able to find Art School like that, to have a teacher who not only leads you forward, but also supports and inspires, she is the artist who created a wonderful community of watercolor enthusiasts from all around the globe! Whether you are a beginner or experienced watercolorist, this is the school for you! This is the place where it is fun to learn, pleasure to follow tutorials, and joy to share artworks!"

Ways to improve your artwork:


  1. Do more wet-on-wet
  2. Mix colors on the paper
  3. For more control, try painting with the tip of your brush as if you are using a pencil
  4. Know your pigments, which ones are more opaque and which ones are more transparent
  5. Hang a color wheel on your wall so you can see it every day as you are painting
  6. Do more lifting
  7. Please don’t give up when a painting doesn’t turn out how you wish it did!
If you are already on SKILLSHARE - Find me! 
(or click on "Skillshare" above and use the link to get 30 Days Free Access)
Courses:

Watercolor Mastery: Achieve Realism w/ Wet-on-Wet & Lifting

​A detailed course about painting apples in watercolor.
This is a beginner friendly course, including exercises, and lots of tips, all recorded in real time. It is designed so that you get multiple opportunities to practice the core techniques: wet on wet and lifting.

​Mastering the Realism of Painting Birds in Watercolor: Wet on Wet and Lifting

The two most crucial techniques for painting realistic watercolor birds are wet-on-wet and lifting.
In this painting course, you will master these fundamental techniques by painting a series of birds. 
Each project is designed to build upon the previous one, allowing you to practice extensively.
The two techniques in watercolor painting, lifting and wet-on-wet, are essential for beginners to learn as they teach how to control and manipulate water and paint on the wet surface of the paper. 

Have you ever heard of a damp-brush technique?

It's a great way to smooth out a layer, and it came to mind when I was experimenting with my long quill 2 "Songbird" brush.

Even if you don't have that specific brush, you can still use a soft brush to achieve the same effect.
​
I teach these techniques in my classes!

Feeling burnt out?


​I suggest trying something new and different in your artistic pursuits. You may be surprised at what you discover and may even find a new passion.

​I have experienced this myself when I used to only paint landscapes, but then decided to try something new and fell in love with painting animals.

​So don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new subjects. Who knows what you may create?

Unlock Your Creativity with Watercolors, and Join One of My Online Schools.
A blue parrot painting in watercolor. Work in progress. A class for Patreon.

    ​Would you like to receive occasional newsletters about my work in progress and sharing watercolor tips and new tricks in the email?

Maria Raczynska All Copyrights Reserved © 2023