My extensive experience in the art supply industry, cultivated with love over more than three decades, means that I bring a profound understanding of the materials that are the foundation of our craft. This knowledge is a gateway to delight for my students, empowering you to create with confidence and jubilation, elevating your art with every stroke and fold.

At the heart of Kumomi Studio, my creative consulting and design company, lies my commitment to spreading exuberance through art. Serving as a long-time artist for Yasutomo and a brand ambassador in the art materials industry, along with teaching in Fodder School 2, I’ve been fortunate to share the glee of artistic creation with a broad audience.

In my new course on Willa Workshops, Watercolor for Joy, my mission is to guide you to discover the bliss in your own watercolor painting.

Let’s embark together on this path of creative discovery, where every sheet of watercolor paper becomes an opportunity for discovery.

Join us at the Willa Workshops community, where creating art is a gleeful exploration of what it means to be truly alive.

Embrace the Joy of Watercolor with Karen Elaine's Expert Guidance

Discover Your Palette's Potential: Unleash the full spectrum of colors using just a handful of paints. Marvel at how simple combinations can yield endless hues and express your unique voice.

Master Watercolor Techniques with Ease and Playfulness: Dive into the essentials and beyond, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary through:

• Wet into wet
• Washes
• Glazing
• Color lifting
• Layering
• Dry Brushing

And more innovative methods waiting for you!

Unlock the Secrets to Painting Vibrant Shapes and Textures: Learn how to use unique tools and techniques that make your watercolors stand out. Turn the complexity of shapes and textures into something simple and joyful.

Celebrate Nature with Birds, Leaves and Botanicals: Adopt unconventional and entertaining approaches to painting the natural world. Let your brush bring leaves and botanicals to life in ways that capture the imagination.

Create Whimsical Birds with Just a Few Strokes: Find joy in simplicity as you turn basic shapes and marks into charming birds that seem to sing off the page.

Compile Your Artistic Journey in a Signature Journal: Gather your colorful explorations into a single, bespoke journal that becomes a testament to your creativity and joy.

Design a Pocket Concertina Book: Craft a delightful, portable concertina book as a special home for your watercolor treasures.

And a Special Bonus!

Step into the World of Kumomi with Karen: Dive deeper with an exclusive lesson on Kumomi, a creative process that promises to enrich your watercolor practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the course content delivered?

Dive into a world of color at your own pace! Our course is beautifully presented through high-quality recorded videos, allowing you to pause, practice, and proceed when it suits you best.

2. Will I always have access to the course materials?

Absolutely! Register once and you have lifetime access. Revisit the lessons anytime you need a burst of inspiration or a refresher on techniques.

3. Are the instructional videos accessible to a wide audience?

Yes! With closed captioning in English, French, Spanish, German, Hindi, Arabic, Italian, and Hebrew—and more languages available upon request—we're excited to welcome a global community of artists.

4. Is this course suitable for beginners and advanced artists alike?

Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your expertise, Karen's course is meticulously crafted to spark joy and growth at every skill level.

5. How extensive is the video content provided?

Immerse yourself in almost 6 hours of engaging video content, designed to guide you from the fundamentals to more advanced techniques at your leisure.

6. What are the expected costs for supplies, and can I preview the supply list?

Starting your watercolor journey is more affordable than you think! With an estimated supply cost of around $100 USD, you can preview the supply list immediately upon registration, ensuring you're ready to dive in from day one.

What People Are Saying about Watercolor for Joy with Karen Elaine

"Karen is a gem. Her experience with watercolor and its instruction is vast. Her creativity is deep. Her instructions spot on. And she’s so much fun!"

Melinda M., California

"I’ve enjoyed watercolor painting classes with Karen Elaine and I’ve learned so much about different techniques, valuable ideas and tips. I’m not an “artist” in the typical definition, just a person who enjoys creating, but Karen’s classes increased my confidence in doing art for my sake, my joy, and in my style. She is an authentic and infinitely kind woman, and I am so grateful for her."

Denise A., Vero Beach, Florida

"Watercolor classes with Karen have are such a joy! She has made the learning process enjoyable without being intimidating. I have learned so much and grown as a watercolor artist and it’s all thanks to Karen."

Wanda M., The Colony, Texas

"Karen has a kind way of teaching her techniques in a very fun and informative way, she has awesome skills and product knowledge in a broad range of art including origami, color mixing, mixed media, and especially watercolor! Karen gives you inspiration to dive in and get started.

I have learned so many tips and techniques and have had a lot of fun and laughs along the way!!"

Julie B., Minnesota

"Karen is an inspiring teacher. She teaches us watercolor techniques infused with the joy of painting. She encourages us to try new things, and reminds us it’s okay to make mistakes!"

Elke L., Las Vegas, Nevada

"I cannot tell you how much I have learned from you: the swatching, the wash technique, the characteristics of watercolor paints, the different tools of the trade, the paper types….. Your class has been the BEST class I have attended. Classes that I had at Columbia University, Leighton House London, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Alverno College, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, never taught me the basics as you have been doing, and I am so glad. My only fear is that this is a one-off. Please tell me I am wrong, and that you will have more classes in the future."

Kathleen

"Imagine a STANDING OVATION! Awesome class, Karen. Was fun too!"

Beth Pennock, Washington