Yong Hong Zhong Master of watercolor, author of the course
Get ready to explore watercolor through a new lens – light as a storytelling tool.
This course goes beyond techniques. You'll learn to analyze any scene before you start painting, understand the principles behind mood and atmosphere, and apply them to any subject you choose.
From the soft glow of pre-sunrise landscapes to the complex interplay of street lights and reflections in urban scenes, this course takes you on a progressive journey from simple to complex lighting situations.
What sets this course apart is its focus on understanding the "why" behind every brushstroke. Yong teaches you to simplify complexity – breaking 50 strokes into 5 – so you can approach any scene with confidence and intention.
By the end, you'll be able to create paintings that capture mood and really move people.
YONG about the COURSE...
Do these challenges seem common to you?
Flat, lifeless paintings
Your work lacks depth, mood, and atmosphere – even when you follow the reference carefully
Muddy or disconnected colors
You struggle with color temperature and how light affects colors in shadow versus light
Fear of complex scenes
City streets at dusk, multiple light sources, dramatic shadows – you avoid them because they feel overwhelming
Copying without understanding
You can follow tutorials, but when you face your own reference, you don't know what decisions to make
Stuck at a plateau
Your paintings are competent but not improving – something is missing, but you can't identify what
No clear starting point
When you look at a scene, you don't know how to analyze the lighting or where to begin
If you answered "yes" to any of these, this course will give you a systematic approach to understanding and painting light.
Register for the CourseLearning Program
Intro. About the Course
In this introductory lesson, Yong will walk you through the course structure and share what you'll learn in each lesson. You'll understand how the three lessons build on each other – from simple lighting to complex scenes – and what result to expect by the end.
Lesson I. Understanding Light and Shadow
Learn to see light as both a physical and artistic phenomenon. We'll explore the properties of light – intensity, direction, temperature, and diffusion – and the anatomy of shadow: light side, halftone, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow.
2 h 9 min
Discover how light affects color, saturation, and temperature. We'll work with warm vs. cool light and explore how color changes from light to shadow. You'll learn to maintain color harmony while creating strong contrast.
2 h 4 min
Master complex lighting situations with multiple light sources. Learn to use street lights, window light, and reflected natural light to create narrative and emotion. Discover how to simplify overwhelming scenes into manageable value structures.
1 h 44 min
lesson sample
This is what you will paint on the course
Three progressively complex scenes – from soft morning glow to dramatic urban nightfall. Build your confidence with light step by step.
Author's method
- What sets Yong's approach apart is his focus on understanding principles behind techniques. You'll learn to analyze any lighting situation before you start painting – so you can make intentional choices about mood and atmosphere.
- His method emphasizes simplification of complexity. "Instead of 50 strokes, I could do it with five", Yong explains. You'll learn to break down overwhelming scenes into clear value structures and manageable steps.
- By combining his calligraphy background with Western impressionism and professional storytelling experience, Yong teaches you to use light as a narrative tool – creating paintings that tell stories instead of blindly copying reference photos.
Our aim is to help you see light differently – and give you the confidence to paint any lighting situation with intention and expression.
WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE DURING THIS COURSE?
Understand how light works
Master the properties of light and shadow – and know exactly what you're dealing with before you start any painting.
Create 3 complete scenes
Paint three progressively complex scenes during the course, building confidence from soft diffused light to multiple light sources.
Get solid principles
Gain understanding of light direction, color temperature, value hierarchy, and how they create mood and atmosphere.
Simplify any scene
Learn Yong's method for breaking complex scenes into manageable steps.
Paint with intention
Move beyond copying photographs to making deliberate choices about the emotional impact of your work.
Support and feedback
During your studies, you receive personal feedback from professionals and the support of a creative community of like — minded people - learning becomes easier, more inspiring and more interesting.
Get individual written feedback on your paintings
- 3 detailed reviews of your final paintings within the first 75 days.
- Professional feedback from a curator - Olga Karlsson (Premium plan)
- Expert critique from an academically trained fine artist.
Join our international and artistic community
- Connect with like-minded artists, share advice and feedback.
- Join daily discussions on drawings and art-related topics.
- Enjoy a welcoming space moderated by our Community Manager and Support Team.
Certificate of completion for Premium Plan
Upon completion of the course for the students of Premium planwe issue a certificate. The certificate could be used as a proof of your qualification's upgrade at work (if it is related to arts) and for your private affairs as a recognition of your mastery in painting.
Meet your instructor Yong Hong Zhong
- Studied at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art in New York
- Graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Illustration and a minor in Art History
- Worked 14 years in the animation industry. Film credits include Disney’s Mulan, Tarzan, and The Princess and the Frog
- Dedicated himself to watercolor painting and teaching since 2009
- Works in permanent collections of Maryhill Museum of Art, City of Hillsboro, and City of Lake Oswego
- Featured in Plein Air Magazine and Southwest Art Magazine
- Regular participant in plein air competitions across the United States
We offer different plans
Plan
Standard
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
Bonus
- 30 ArtiCoins
orange
Plan
Premium
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
- Individual written feedback for 3 paintings + 1 creative task from professional artist within 75 days
- Certificate of Completion
Bonus
- 40 ArtiCoins
Plan
Premium Pro
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
- Individual written feedback for 3 paintings + 1 creative task from professional artist within 75 days
- Certificate of Completion
- 2 Live Zoom Demo Sessions with Yong Hong Zhong (+ lifetime access to recordings)
Bonus
- 40 ArtiCoins
We offer different plans
Plan
Standard
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
Bonus
- 30 ArtiCoins
orange
Plan
Premium
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
- Individual written feedback for 3 paintings + 1 creative task from professional artist within 75 days
- Certificate of Completion
Bonus
- 40 ArtiCoins
Plan
Premium Pro
- 4 lessons (total ~6h)
- 3 completed watercolor paintings
- Thumbnail sketches and value studies
- Recorded video lessons with 24/7 access
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to the Students’ chat
- Individual written feedback for 3 paintings + 1 creative task from professional artist within 75 days
- Certificate of Completion
- 2 Live Zoom Demo Sessions with Yong Hong Zhong (+ lifetime access to recordings)
Bonus
- 40 ArtiCoins
LIVE ZOOM DEMO SESSIONS
In addition to the recorded lessons, this course includes two live Zoom sessions with Yong Hong Zhong. Paint alongside the artist and ask questions in real time.
For Premium Pro plan
Zoom Demo 1: Sunset Over Water
Learn to handle a scene where the light source is visible.
Yong will demonstrate:
- How to approach a painting when you can see the sun
- Working with warm and cool colors in water reflections
- Step-by-step watercolor process – what to do first
- How to preserve light areas (including masking fluid techniques)
This scene balances complexity with simplicity – rich color in the water and sky, with plants in the foreground adding depth.
Zoom Demo 2: Rose in Glowing Light
Learn to create the effect of light passing through a subject.
Yong will demonstrate:
- How to make an object "glow" when light shines through it
- Working with center of interest – drawing the eye to the brightest area
- Handling light side versus shadow side
- Capturing the feeling of a place without painting every detail
This session focuses on creating luminosity and atmosphere in a more intimate subject.
How can I secure lifetime access to the learning materials?
You have no risks - we support you!
100% guarantee
In case after 1-2 lessons of the learning program within the first week, you realize that using our approach you cannot create a drawing, you will get your money back!
*within 14 days after payment
Freeze for Premium plan
If the start date is not convenient we freeze the learning program for as long as you want (1 time free of charge).
Freedom & Mobility
Access to the lessons at any time. Go through the lessons at a comfortable pace. Watch the lessons on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
How is it organized?
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Before learning program
– Full learning program
– List of learning program materials
– Friendly community of beginner and professional artists`
-
At learning program
– Recorded video lessons
– Closed students' chat
– Feedback from curator
– For completing tasks you'll receive Articoins
-
After learning program
– Certificate of Completion
– Own Portfolio
– Online Exhibition
– Skills and knowledge for the whole life
– Part of our art community
materials
for the course
1) Paints: Azo Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Rose, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Pthalo Blue, Payne’s Gray, Burnt Umber, Dioxazine Purple, Ivory Black, Chinese White
2) Watercolor Paper: Arches Cold Press 10x14 or 9x12 140LB 12 sheets.
3) Watercolor Brushes: Round brushes 4 to 5 sable or synthetic and a couple of squirrel mops (variety of sizes). Flat brushes, 4 to 5 (variety of sizes).
4) Additional: Palette, Small sketchbook, water container, paper towel, masking tape, drawing board, palette knife, small spray bottle, small box of vine charcoal sticks, 2B pencils and an eraser.
Please note, there is a LOT of flexibility with the supplies, so no need to have these exact items!
FAQ
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. If you’re not sure which course, program, or format is right for you, just reach out — we’ll guide you in a few minutes.
Contact us