Experience the Magic of Watercolor
Feel the brush, the blend, and the beauty...
You'll create more than art—you'll create happiness.
Hi, I'm Karen Elaine!
As a mixed media artist, author, and educator with a deep passion for paper crafts and origami, my greatest JOY is in sparking bliss and creativity in others.
For over 30 years, I’ve navigated the art world as a working artist and instructor, including the delight of featuring in 35 episodes of The Carol Duvall Show in the 1990s. My journey has been one filled with the exhilaration of sharing and discovery.
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.
Watch this Short Video to Learn More!
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.
It wouldn't be a Willa Workshops course without a Special Bonus Lesson!
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. Kumomi combines the randomness of spontaneous painting with the control of mindful drawing as a meditative art form. Artists and non artists can receive the benefits of Kumomi because the goal is not necessarily to create an art masterpiece but to enjoy the creative process, relax the body and open the mind. This bonus tutorial in Karen's Watercolor for Joy class will show you the Kumomi process step by step and will so you can quickly and easily enjoy the benefits of the art of Kumomi.
Unlock your ability to create whimsical birds that capture hearts on Instagram, inspired by Karen Elaine’s renowned techniques!
Discover the art of balancing warm and cool colors to bring vibrancy and life to your watercolors.
Bring your artistry to life by completing two handmade book projects, where your watercolors transform into treasured keepsakes.
Immerse yourself in the infectious Watercolor JOY that Karen Elaine radiates, and let it inspire your own artistic journey!
Dive deep into Karen's treasure trove of techniques and discover the secrets behind her captivating watercolor art.
Learn to blend colors with the skill and confidence of a pro, elevating your watercolor work to new heights of beauty and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Willa Workshops Generic FAQs
- What is your refund policy?
- There are no refunds on online courses
- How long do I have access to this course if I purchase it?
- You will have “Lifetime” Access to all classes unless otherwise mentioned—"Lifetime" is relevant to the lifespan of the Willa Workshops business (I don't plan on leaving anytime soon!) or the longevity of the technology
- Does this class have subtitles/closed captioning?
- This class has captions in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, and Hebrew
- How do I watch these classes?
- All Willa Workshops lesson content is prerecorded video. Once your purchase is complete, you will have instant access to the classroom, and are free to work through the content at your own pace
- You can access Teachable and watch the lessons in your browser (PC, Mac, Android) or the Teachable app for iOS (recommended for iPhone and iPad)
- Are the class videos downloadable?
- No, at least not available as local downloads to your device. The Teachable app for iOS may allow you to download lessons for offline playback.
- Can I share access to these courses with another person?
- No. One student per registration. This is an honor system that if violated will result in your removal from the course with no refund.
- Can I post images of what I create from these courses on social media?
- Please do! Always tag @willa.wanders and mention the course in your post description
- Can I sell the art projects that I learn to make in these courses?
- Yes! Please keep them for yourself, give them as a gift, or sell them.
