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 “This course has helped me express myself better, without fear, and it has helped me move through some very hard times.” – Melissa Zurca-Ng

Discover the Magic of Watercolour

Paint Characters & Scenes Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn Nina Rycroft’s approachable process for creating expressive characters and scenes inspired by the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland.

Through clear, step-by-step lessons, you’ll build your watercolour confidence while exploring how to design a series of Wonderland-inspired characters, painting a set of playing cards and bringing an illustration from an initial idea through to a finished piece.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Develop watercolour techniques you can use in your own illustration practice
  • Design and paint a series of imaginative characters
  • Create scenes with mood, detail and storytelling
  • Build confidence with colour, composition and visual development
  • Design and paint a set of watercolour playing cards
  • Create finished illustrations to add to your portfolio

Whether you are exploring illustration for the first time, refreshing your creative practice, developing a portfolio, or simply wanting to make beautiful work for the joy of it, this course gives you the structure and encouragement to begin.

There are no live deadlines and no need to keep up with a class. Move through the lessons whenever it suits you, pause when you need to, and return to the techniques again and again as your skills grow.

By the end, you will have a collection of Alice in Wonderland-inspired characters, a painted set of playing cards, a final artwork, a stronger understanding of watercolour illustration, and the confidence to bring more of your own imaginative ideas to life.

Yes, I’m Ready to Dive In!

Over the 6 weeks, you'll receive everything you need to grow as a watercolour illustrator and storyteller:

  • 6 Weeks of Guidance: Weekly video lessons and live Q&A sessions with Nina, providing personalised feedback, answers to your questions, and ongoing inspiration to keep you motivated.
  • Watercolour Mastery: Build a strong technical foundation with lessons on colour theory, mixing, and painting skin tones.
  • Character Design & Illustration: Create a set of hand-painted playing cards featuring iconic Wonderland characters like Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter.
  • Storytelling & Composition: Develop your skills in planning, thumbnailing, and creating a picture book illustration that offers your unique take on a classic story and its characters.
  • Portfolio Highlight: Paint a watercolour scene that showcases your skills from concept to finished masterpiece—culminating in a portfolio-worthy Mad Hatter’s Tea Party scene.
  • Community Support: Join a supportive, private Facebook group to share your work, ask questions, and stay inspired throughout your journey.
  • A 67-Page Workbook: Filled with exercises, notes, diagrams, and snapshots from class to help you remember key techniques and track your progress.
  • Lifetime access: to all the videos and course materials, so you can learn and revisit the content whenever it suits you.

On a more personal level, you will:

  • Discover the Creative Process: Gain insight into the process of illustrating, from brainstorming ideas, thumbnail sketches to creating a professional watercolour artwork.

  • Build Confidence in Your Skills: Develop your ability to design characters and scenes, draw and paint with confidence and bring your vision to life with watercolour.

  • Enjoy Hands-On Painting: Experience the tactile joy of real painting—no AI tools, just pure, creative paint on paper! Develop your artistic voice as you draw, design and paint Wonderland characters and scenes.

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Week 1: Mastering Fundamentals 

  • Start Date: October 6, 2025
  • Live Session with Nina: October 9, 2025
  • Learn the core techniques of watercolour, including supplies, brush handling, colour mixing, washes, and basic colour theory.

Week 2: Creating Alice 

  • Start Date: October 13, 2025
  • Live Session with Nina: October 16, 2025
  • Focus on mixing skin tones as we design and paint your unique version of Alice.

Week 3: Character Design 

  • Start Date: October 20, 2025
  • Live Session with Nina: October 23, 2025
  • Master caricature design and groups of characters, focusing on proportions, shapes, silhouettes, and group dynamics.

Week 4: Design a Set of Wonderland Playing Cards 

  • Start Date: October 27, 2025
  • Live Session with Nina: October 30, 2025
  • Paint your own set of playing cards using your characters from the previous week.

Week 5: Scene Design 

  • Start Date: November 3, 2025
  • Live Session with Nina: November 6, 2025
  • Plan and design a layout for a picture book scene of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Week 6: Bringing It All Together 

  • Start Date: November 10, 2025
  • Paint your final, portfolio-worthy watercolour scene of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, showcasing everything you’ve learned.

Live Showcase: November 13, 2025

Investing in the Watercolour Illustration Course offers incredible value—delivering expert guidance, learning watercolour, character design and building your portfolio is a smart investment in your talent, your time, and your future as an illustrator. Ready to bring your creative dreams to life? 

Register now and start your journey today!

I want to join!
 
Click the video to hear what Kat had to say about the Watercolour Illustration Course.

“I just wanted to dive in and learn more about how watercolour works and the process… It’s one of the best courses I’ve ever done.” – Kat Thomson

 

Hi, I’m Nina Rycroft!

A picture book illustrator and the host of the Watercolour Illustration Course. My journey in watercolour started with my first published book in 2000, a passion that has only grown over the years. With over two decades of experience under my belt, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.

I’ve illustrated more than a dozen published picture books, including titles like Boom Bah! by Phil Cummings, No More Kisses by Margaret Wild, Dinosaurs Love Cheese and Good Dog Hank by Jackie French, and Pooka (YABBA Award Winner 2013). Click here for more about me and my books.

My experiences as a self-taught illustrator have been instrumental in shaping my teaching.  I go beyond just teaching technical skills; my mission is to inspire, support, and empower you to discover and embrace your unique artistic voice. 

This course is exactly what I wish I had when I started—learning watercolour while designing characters and illustrations that I could use in my portfolio. Now, I’m excited to offer you the chance to dive in and explore watercolour and illustration!

Valuing your craft means prioritising your growth today, building skills that open doors to commissions, recognition, and a sustainable creative career. This is your chance to make it happen—without overextending your time or finances.

I’m ready to jump in!

Frequently Asked Questions

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