• 8 Online Lessons
    Pre-recorded videos, available anytime.
  • 8 Watercolor
    Autumn colors, atmospheric light, and nature.
  • Step-by-Step
    From the very first brushstroke to the finished painting.
  • Flexible Access
    Learn at your own comfortable pace.

Master Watercolor Painting with Step-by-Step Lessons by Nadja Leutloff


Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of autumn and bring it to life on paper! Fall is one of the most magical seasons for watercolor artists. The warm light, deep shadows, and rich shades of gold and red offer endless inspiration.

In my online course "Autumn Magic in Watercolor", I will show you across 8 detailed lessons how to create atmospheric autumn masterpieces. Whether you are a beginner or already have experience: my proven step-by-step guidance will confidently walk you through every single motif.

Included in the Course:
  • 8 pre-recorded online video lessons: Create 8 complete watercolor paintings throughout this course.
  • Full video access throughout your subscription: Revisit and watch the lessons anytime you like.
  • Paint the breathtaking colors of autumn together: From scenic landscapes to vibrant maple leaves and rainy cityscapes.
  • Clear structure with a dedicated focus in every lesson: Tailored to deepen and refine your watercolor techniques step by step.
  • A strong focus on light, shadow, and atmosphere: Master how to make the sun truly shine on your paper.
  • Work at your own pace: Enjoy a pressure-free environment designed for your personal creative growth.
Course Motifs
How Light and Atmosphere Bring a Scene to Life
Lesson 1:
Maple Leaf
Master delicate vein structures and glowing transparency.
The maple leaf is the ultimate icon of autumn. This lesson focuses on intricate brushwork to capture the delicate structure and vibrant color transitions of fall foliage.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Achieving the ultimate glowing effect: Learn how to paint light so the sun truly shines from within your subject.
  • Layering techniques (glazing) for luminous transparency.
  • Creating rich color blends in golden yellows, warm oranges, and deep browns to capture authentic autumn foliage.
  • Precise brush control for fine leaf veins and crisp details.
Your final masterpiece: A radiant, detailed maple leaf glowing with authentic backlit light that seems to float off the page.
Lesson 2: Basket of Mushrooms
Capture the nostalgic warmth and earthy scent of a autumn forest walk.
Remember the magical moment of walking through a crisp fall forest and spotting the perfect wild mushroom? This lesson awakens that longing for nature walks, bringing rustic wickerwork and fresh forest treasures straight to your painting desk.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Rendering realistic surface textures (such as velvety mushroom caps and woven baskets).
  • Using precise light highlights to give objects striking 3D depth.
  • Blending authentic, natural earth tones and subtle cream highlights in watercolor.
  • Composing and arranging multiple objects for a cozy, balanced still life.
Your final masterpiece: A charming, highly detailed mushroom still life overflowing with rustic forest romance and fond autumn memories.
Lesson 3:
Golden Autumn
Capture the soft, warm colors of a sunny autumn landscape.
Dedicated to the picturesque glow of a peaceful fall day, this lesson shows you how to seamlessly connect soft landscapes and glowing trees.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Mixing warm earth tones with luminous yellows and vibrant oranges.
  • Applying wet-on-wet techniques for smooth, dreamlike background transitions.
  • Using light and shadow intentionally to build believable spatial depth.
  • Painting expressive autumn trees and foliage.
Your final masterpiece: An atmospheric, glowing landscape painting radiating the pure warmth of a golden autumn afternoon.
Lesson 4:
Stroll by the River
Master depth, pathways, and peaceful autumn riverbanks.
Feel the gentle autumn breeze and the scent of crisp leaves on a peaceful riverside walk. This lesson takes you to scenic shorelines, capturing the calm, poetic beauty of the season.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Creating genuine depth and perspective with leading lines and pathways.
  • Painting gentle river currents and warm-hued autumn shorelines.
  • Simple tricks to seamlessly weave small figures or subtle architectural details into your scene.
  • Balancing sharp focal points in the foreground with soft, atmospheric backgrounds.
Your final masterpiece: A vivid, narrative landscape that instantly invites the viewer on a relaxing autumn stroll.
Lesson 5:
Autumn Light
Paint the deep, magical glow of the low-setting autumn sun.
Autumn light is truly unique—soft, golden, and captivating. This lesson captures that magical time of day when the sun sinks low and transforms the landscape.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Capturing low-angle sunlight and its shimmering effects on nature.
  • Painting vibrant, fluid color reflections across calm waters.
  • Harmonizing a muted yet rich and warm color palette.
  • Building a tranquil, almost meditative atmosphere.
Your final masterpiece: A sun-drenched, emotional artwork echoing the captivating serenity of golden autumn light.
Lesson 6:
Rain in Dresden
Embrace the atmospheric, poetic charm of a rainy city day.
Using watercolor to depict rain is a mesmerizing process. Together, we will paint a vibrant urban scene in Dresden defined by wet pavement, glowing reflections, and umbrellas.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Depicting rainy weather and glistening street surfaces with realistic reflections.
  • Utilizing soft wash and blending techniques to evoke wet surfaces.
  • Quickly sketching urban silhouettes and figures under umbrellas.
  • Combining a cool, rainy color palette with warm, striking highlights.
Your final masterpiece: An evocative urban watercolor capturing the timeless romance and poetry of a rainy day in the city.
Lesson 7:
Autumn Sunset
Paint dramatic skies and shimmering water reflections.
A magical moment when the setting sun bathes nature in fiery light. This lesson centers on glowing skies and dramatic light reflections over water.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Designing an expressive, glowing twilight sky.
  • Techniques for smooth, convincing water surfaces and reflections.
  • Harmonious color transitions from deep purples to warm oranges and fiery reds.
  • Creating powerful, atmospheric silhouettes and contrasts.
Your final masterpiece: A deeply emotional, color-rich painting of a breathtaking autumn sunset over water.
Lesson 8:
Halloween Night
Playful glowing effects with a carved jack-o'-lantern in atmospheric light.
A true showstopper! Learn how to paint a dark, moody background from which a carved pumpkin lantern magically glows with warm inner light.

What you will learn in this lesson:
  • Building striking contrasts between deep darks and warm candlelight.
  • Sculpting the rounded, three-dimensional form of a pumpkin.
  • Using vibrant warm colors to make inner candlelight truly shine.
  • Rendering rustic wooden surfaces glowing in the dark.
Your final masterpiece: A enchanting, atmospheric Halloween painting featuring a mesmerizing glow effect.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for you if you:
  • Love the vibrant colors and warm light of the autumn season
  • Want to paint scenic landscapes and evocative nature motifs
  • Wish to use watercolors with more freedom, life, and expression
  • Want to learn how to realistically capture light and shadow on paper
  • Aim to paint looser, more spontaneous watercolors without fear
  • Want to bring more atmosphere, depth, and magic into your artwork
Basic knowledge is helpful, but not required.
You don't need perfect technique or years of experience.
Note: This course is not for you if you expect instant results without practicing or only want theoretical explanations.
Access Options:
You decide how long you want to learn and practice.

(Note: Prices are shown exclusive of VAT, which will be calculated at checkout based on your country.)
How the Course Works
  • Instant Access: Gain immediate access to your personal member area right after purchase.
  • Starte direkt mit dem Lernen in deinem eigenen Tempo
  • Die Zugangsdaten werden sofort angezeigt und zusätzlich an deine E-Mail gesendet
  • Schau dir die Lektionen jederzeit an, pausiere und wiederhole sie so oft du willst
  • Alle 8 Videolektionen stehen sofort und während deiner gewählten Zugangszeit zur Verfügung
  • Die Zugangszeit kannst du wählen: 3 Monate, 6 Monate oder 1 Jahr ab Kaufdatum
How the Course Works
  • After purchase, you get immediate access to your personal member area
  • Start learning right away at your own pace
  • Your login details are displayed right away and also sent to your email
  • Watch the lessons anytime, pause, and repeat as often as you like
  • All 8 video lessons are available immediately and for the duration of your chosen access period
  • Choose your access period: 3 months, 6 months or 1 year from the date of purchase