The beauty of transparent watercolour
It’s All About the Light
Transparent watercolor has a special quality — delicate petals seem to glow, layers remain visible beneath one another, and even the deepest colors can still feel full of light.
LIGHT
Let the paper shine through
The untouched white of the paper becomes part of the painting, creating that luminous glow from within.
TRANSPARENCY
Create depth through layers
Delicate washes overlap layer by layer, while each previous layer remains visible.
CONTRAST
Turn delicate washes into form
Light against deep color gives transparent petals their structure, dimension and presence.
So why can it feel so difficult to create this kind of light, transparency and control in your own paintings?
Does this sound familiar?
You Follow the Steps.
But Something Still Goes Wrong.
You watch carefully. You follow the same steps. But somehow, what happens on your paper isn’t quite what you saw in the tutorial.
And the harder you try to fix it, the further the painting can drift from the light, transparent result you wanted.
Your washes dry with hard edges
when you wanted them soft and delicate.
Your watercolor starts looking more like acrylic
You keep adding layers, lose the light of the paper, and the transparency disappears.
Your colors look fresh on the palette — then turn muddy on the paper
You add another layer hoping to improve it, and somehow make it heavier.
The water seems to have a mind of its own
One wash behaves beautifully. The next runs, blooms or dries before you’re ready.
You can copy a painting… but feel lost without someone showing you what to do next
Choosing your own reference, colors and next brushstroke suddenly feels much harder.
Your washes dry with hard edges
when you wanted them soft and delicate.
Your watercolor starts looking more like acrylic
You keep adding layers, lose the light of the paper, and the transparency disappears.
Your colors look fresh on the palette — then turn muddy on the paper
You add another layer hoping to improve it, and somehow make it heavier.
The water seems to have a mind of its own
One wash behaves beautifully. The next runs, blooms or dries before you’re ready.
You can copy a painting… but feel lost without someone showing you what to do next
Choosing your own reference, colors and next brushstroke suddenly feels much harder.
Why copying the steps isn't good enough
You Can See What I Do.
But You Also Need to Know WHY.
A tutorial can tell you which brush to pick up, where to place it and what to do next. But watercolor doesn’t behave exactly the same way twice.
The result depends on four things working together:
PAPER
Different papers absorb water differently, changing how much time you have to blend, soften and work into a wash.
WATER
The amount of water on your brush and paper determines how far the paint moves — and whether an edge stays soft or becomes hard.
TIMING
The same brushstroke made a few moments earlier or later can give you a completely different result.
PIGMENT
Too little pigment can disappear as it dries. Too much can quickly take away the transparency you wanted to keep.
When you learn to read these four things, you stop simply copying my brushstrokes — and start understanding what your own painting needs.
The method behind my transparent watercolour
The Lightform
Watercolor Method
Transparent watercolor becomes much easier to understand when you stop thinking in isolated brushstrokes and begin seeing how the whole painting works together. Lightform brings the key decisions I make while painting into one clear process.
01
SHAPE & REFERENCE
See the structure first
Learn to simplify your reference into clear shapes and decide what matters before the first wash touches the paper.
02
LIGHT & TONAL VALUES
Plan where the light will live
See the lightest and darkest areas before you paint, so you can preserve luminosity while giving your subject depth and form.
03
WATER, PIGMENT & TIMING
Learn to read the wash
Understand how water and pigment are behaving — and recognize when to blend, soften, add color or simply leave the wash alone.
04
LAYERS & EDGES
Build depth without losing light
Layer transparent washes while choosing which edges stay crisp, which soften, and which disappear into the form.
And when you learn to see those relationships, watercolor begins to make sense.
From watercolour paper to a global brand
My Transparent Flowers for Rituals
In 2024, Rituals licensed my floral artwork for their gift packaging — bringing these delicate layers of watercolor from my studio into a commercial collection.
The Way I Paint Professionally
What you’re learning in Transparent Flowers isn’t something I created just for a course.
It’s the way I approach my own professional watercolor work.
The same thinking I use in my commissioned and licensed work is what I’ve distilled into a method I can teach you — so you can make those decisions with more understanding in your own work.
Inside the course
Meet Transparent Flowers
Learn to paint luminous, transparent watercolor — with real understanding, confidence and control, not just imitation.
5 units · 3 complete artworks · Lifetime access
Your painting journey
Three Projects. Each One Takes You Further.
Each project builds on the last — first learning the technique, then applying it to a complete artwork with more independence each time.
Unit 01
Foundations
Discover where transparent watercolor comes from, what makes this style so distinctive, and which materials help you achieve its luminous, layered look.
01 — THE STYLE
Discover the art of transparency
Explore the origins of this approach through inspiring photo references, and learn what makes transparent forms so captivating — and how we can translate that effect into watercolor.
02 — MATERIALS
Choose the right tools for the technique
See the paints, paper and brushes I use for transparent watercolor, why they work particularly well for this style, and how to test your own supplies before you begin.
Unit 02
Rose Petals
Your first step into transparent watercolor. Learn how to see transparency, control your washes and use your brush to create soft, natural textures — then bring everything together in delicate rose petals.
01 — SEEING TRANSPARENCY
Learn to see what makes a petal transparent
We’ll study transparent flower photography and break down what creates that luminous effect — so you understand what you’re trying to recreate with watercolor.
02 — WASHES
Master smooth, clean & even washes
Practice solid and gradient washes, learning how to control water and pigment so your color stays smooth, clean and beautifully transparent.
03 — BRUSH TECHNIQUES
Create natural botanical textures
Explore different ways to work with your brush — from soft transitions to delicate marks and textures that make botanical forms feel natural.
04 — FINAL ARTWORK
Paint soft, transparent rose petals
Bring everything together in your first finished study. Mix beautiful luminous colors, layer transparent washes and create the soft, tender quality of real petals.
Unit 03
Eucalyptus Leaves
Learn to paint luminous, transparent watercolor — with real understanding, confidence and control, not just imitation.
01 — COLOR
Keep your colors fresh and vibrant
Learn how colors work together, create smooth gradients, and mix clean, luminous hues without letting your watercolor turn muddy.
02 — YOUR OWN REFERENCE
Choose & photograph your subject
Learn how to photograph a eucalyptus branch specifically for painting — giving you a clear reference and an original image you have the right to work from.
03 — PIGMENT & PALETTE
Find the colors for your artwork
Explore the pigments you already have, test different mixes, and choose a harmonious palette inspired by your own reference.
04 — FINAL ARTWORK
Bring your eucalyptus to life
Lay down your first transparent washes, build soft natural texture through layers, then add the final details that give your eucalyptus depth and character.
Unit 04
Magnolia Flower
Bring everything you’ve learned together in your most ambitious painting — from finding inspiration and developing your own composition to building a large, luminous Magnolia step by step.
01 — REFERENCE & COMPOSITION
Find the idea for your painting
Learn how to choose a reference with potential, analyse what draws you to it, and create a small preliminary sketch to explore the composition.
02 — FROM REFERENCE TO ARTWORK
Take what inspires you — not the whole image
Discover how I approach a complex reference, select the elements worth keeping, and begin transforming the raw inspiration into a composition of your own.
03 — FINAL SKETCH
Bring the composition into harmony
Develop your idea into a detailed final sketch, refining the silhouette, proportions, petals and leaves until all the separate elements begin to feel like one coherent artwork.
04 — FINAL ARTWORK
Paint your grand Magnolia
Follow the complete painting process without big jumps — from the first transparent petals through deeper tonal contrast, leaves and branches, to the final details. I paint alongside you and explain my decisions as the Magnolia gradually comes to life.
What you'll need
Your Watercolor Supply List
Already paint with watercolor? You probably have most of what you need.
12 watercolor colours
You don’t need my exact pigments. Start with a basic palette and learn how to test and mix the colors you already own.
4 brushes
You’ll need a larger mop brush (around size 1–2), two sable or synthetic round brushes (around sizes 3 and 5), and one small flat brush (around size 3). Exact sizes can vary slightly by brand.
100% cotton watercolor paper
Good paper makes a real difference when working with transparent layers, smooth washes and soft edges.
Tracing paper
A couple of sheets are all you need to work on your final sketch.
A few simple extras
A pencil, regular eraser, kneaded eraser and masking tape — simple tools you may already have at home.
Photographing your creation
Unit 05
Turn Your Artwork
Into Beautiful Content
A beautiful painting deserves more than a quick phone photo. Learn how to style, photograph and edit your paintings to create beautiful content that catches attention and makes your social media stand out.
01 — INSPIRATION & COMPOSITION
Compose a Beautiful Image
I’ll share some of my most successful Instagram images and show you how I choose compositions, angles and details that help watercolor artwork look its best in a photograph.
02 — STYLE
Create a beautiful setting
Learn how I arrange simple props, backgrounds and details around an artwork to create an image that feels intentional and refined.
03 — PHOTOGRAPH & EDIT
Polish the Final Image
See how I photograph the finished setup, then edit the image to refine the light, color and overall look while keeping the watercolor feeling natural.
You're not learning alone
Get Personal Feedback From Me
Watercolor doesn't always behave the way you expected — and the reason isn't always the same. Sometimes it's your technique, sometimes it's the supplies you're using, sometimes it's simply contrast, color, or shape. I'll look at your actual painting and show you exactly where, so you understand what to change, not just that something went wrong.
• Share your work as you go
• Ask when something doesn't click
• Get corrections like this one, drawn right on your own painting
A private space to keep learning
Your Watercolor Community
You’ll also have access to our private watercolor community — a place to share your progress, ask questions as you work through the course, see what other students are creating, and learn from the questions and feedback shared along the way.
Ready to paint differently?
Join Transparent Flowers
Learn to understand transparent watercolor, make confident decisions as you paint, and create luminous botanical artwork that feels unmistakably your own.
5 units · 3 complete artworks · Lifetime access
The complete Transparent Flowers course
Go from understanding the technique to completing Rose Petals, Eucalyptus Leaves and Magnolia.
The Lightform Watercolor Method
Learn how to make confident decisions about light, water, pigment, timing, layers and edges.
Personal feedback from me
Share your work and get specific guidance whenever you feel stuck.
Access to our private watercolor community
Ask questions, share your progress and learn alongside other artists.
Your next paintings are already waiting
BONUS
6 Botanical Outlines to Keep You Painting
When you finish the course, you won’t be left wondering what to paint next. You’ll get six additional botanical outlines designed to help you keep practicing the method, explore your own color choices, and create new work with more independence.
From guided lessons to your own paintings
Print. Trace. Then Make It Yours.
Each bonus includes a ready-to-use outline, so you can move straight into painting without having to draw the subject from scratch.
But this time, you’ll make more of the decisions yourself — choosing your colors, planning your washes and applying what you learned in the course.
The goal isn’t to keep following me. It’s to need me less and less.
Beyond the course
Where Could Your Watercolor Take You?
As your skills grow, your paintings can become more than finished pieces in a sketchbook. They can become something you share, sell, license — or even build into your own creative path.
Art Prints & Originals
Turn finished paintings into artwork people can collect and display.
Brand Commissions
Create original watercolor artwork for campaigns, packaging and special collaborations.
Cards & Paper Goods
Bring your florals to greeting cards, stationery and other paper products.
Textile & Pattern Design
Transform botanical artwork into repeating designs for fabric and products.
Wallpaper & Interiors
Develop floral artwork into decorative patterns for walls and interior spaces.
Build Your Creative Presence
Share beautiful, distinctive work that helps your art stand out on social media.
See what's possible
Meet My Students
Transparent Flowers gave these artists more than a new watercolor technique. By understanding why each step works, they gained the confidence to make their own creative decisions — and began creating original artwork from their own ideas and references
Textile Designer · Leeds, UK
The Technique That Got Her Hired
"The transparent flower technique became the foundation of my graduate wallpaper collection — which led to SDC Recognition, an AVA Top 10 to Watch award, and ultimately, my job."
— Natalia · @natalia_firsova
Watercolor Artist · Brazil
A Video That Reached Over 300K People on Instagram
"I used to think artists just started with a blank page and pure imagination.
I realized I didn't need advanced drawing skills to start creating my own work."
— Luciana · @lunarisartaquarela
Watercolor Artist · The Netherlands
Her Own Collection, Now Selling at Art Fairs
"I recognise in your work the same love for precision and detail I developed as a goldsmith and gemologist. Your technique and sensitivity are exceptional."
— Anouk Jaspers · @anoukjaspers.art
Behind the brush
Hi, I'm Katerina.
I'm a professional watercolor illustrator and the artist behind AkvarellDesign. For more than a decade, I've created watercolor illustrations for clients around the world — and developed my own approach to painting with light, clean form, transparency and depth.
When I teach, I don't want you to simply watch where I put my brush. I want you to understand why I make each choice — so you can stop guessing and know what to do next.
That's the approach I bring to every course I create.
Selected clients:
Try it for yourself
14-Day
Money-Back Guarantee
I want you to feel confident when you join Transparent Flowers.
Explore the course, experience the way I teach, and see if it feels right for you. If you decide it isn’t the right fit, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase, provided you haven’t progressed beyond Unit 2.
Simply get in touch, and I’ll be happy to refund your course payment.
From the Transparent Flowers community
Loved by Watercolor Artists
Different backgrounds, different levels, different ways of painting — but one shared experience: finally understanding watercolor instead of simply following along.
Still wondering if this is for you?
Questions Before You Begin
You don’t need perfect technique, expensive supplies, or hours of free time to begin. Here are the things you may want to know before joining Transparent Flowers.
Transparent Flowers isn’t designed around simply copying my brushstrokes.
I explain why I make each decision — how I judge the water, pigment, timing, values, edges and layers — so you can begin to understand what is happening on your paper and make your own decisions as you paint.
No. You don’t need experience with transparent watercolor.
We begin with the foundations, then practise individual techniques before applying them to complete paintings. If you already paint, the course will help you go deeper into understanding why your watercolor behaves the way it does.
No. I’ll show you the materials I use and explain why I chose them, but you don’t need to replace everything you own.
You’ll also learn how to test your own pigments and materials, so you can understand what you already have and choose what works for your painting.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Inside our private watercolor community, you can ask questions, share your work and receive personal feedback from me. I can look at your painting, help identify what may be happening and suggest what to try next.
The botanical outlines provided with the course are for personal learning and practice only. Artwork created directly from my outlines may not be sold, licensed, reproduced for commercial use, or used on products.
The course outlines, reference images, illustrations, and other course graphics remain my intellectual property.
However, the skills and techniques you learn are yours to use. I encourage you to apply them to your own references and original compositions — and those original artworks can become part of your portfolio, products, commissions, or creative business.
Exactly what it sounds like for how you'll actually use it: no expiration date, no renewal fee, no rush to finish. You'll have access for as long as the course exists on this platform — unlike courses that cut you off after a year or two, there's no clock running here.
I want you to feel confident about joining. If you decide the course isn’t the right fit, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase, provided you haven’t progressed beyond Unit 2.
Simply contact me within those 14 days, and I’ll be happy to arrange your refund.
You've seen what's possible
Join Transparent Flowers
You don’t need another tutorial to copy. Learn to understand what’s happening on your paper, make your own decisions, and create watercolor work that feels unmistakably yours.
5 units · 3 complete artworks · Lifetime access
5 complete course units
3 guided botanical artworks
Lightform Watercolor Method
Styling, photography & editing lessons
Personal feedback from me
Private watercolor community
BONUS: 6 additional botanical outlines
Start immediately · Learn at your own pace
14-day guarantee*
Your most beautiful paintings are the ones only you can create
My hope is that this course gives you the understanding, skills and confidence to trust your own choices — and discover where your watercolor can take you next.
With love,
Katerina