Course Overview

Create captivating, expressive artwork defined by the precision of ink and brought to life with luminous watercolors. In this dynamic course, professional illustrator Matt Rota guides you through fun and approachable exercises to unlock the potential of pen, nib, brush, and watercolor. Discover the secrets behind compelling compositions and learn how to master value, tone, depth, and color for successful still lifes, portraits, and landscapes.

Video Lesson List

1. Getting Started

Meet instructor Matt Rota and get an introduction to pens, inks, and brushes. Learn essential handling tips and avoid common beginner mistakes.

Duration: 18 min

2. Line

Explore the possibilities of line variation and mark-making in pen and ink. Learn how to define sketches with inked contour lines for expressive results.

Duration: 27 min

3. Value & Tone With Pen

Build form and dimension through hatching and crosshatching. Choose between Matt’s provided portrait or your own reference to practice these foundational techniques.

Duration: 26 min

4. Value & Tone With Brush

Use smooth brushwork to add texture and shadow. Experiment with dry-brushing and ink washes to create atmospheric effects.

Duration: 18 min

5. Exploring Depth

Combine pen and brush techniques to explore space, depth, and scale as you render a compelling landscape scene.

Duration: 35 min

6. Watercolor Wash

Elevate your pen and ink drawings by incorporating watercolor washes. Learn to use color and line in harmony to create mood, emphasis, and vibrant atmospheres.

Duration: 29 min

7. Compositing an Image

Combine elements from multiple photos to create new, imaginative compositions. Matt demonstrates building complex drawings with both pen and watercolor to tell a visual story.

Duration: 34 min