Atmospheric Landscapes: Mentorship with Keiko Tanabe

Learn to simplify complex landscapes into strong shapes and create atmosphere – not by copying details, but by conveying mood. Enjoy 4 live demonstrations with personal feedback from Keiko Tanabe.

January 28, February 18, March 11, April 1, 6 PM CET

Only 23 places are available

Atmospheric Landscapes: Mentorship with Keiko Tanabe

Learn to simplify complex landscapes into strong shapes and create atmosphere – not by copying details, but by conveying mood. Enjoy 4 live demonstrations with personal feedback from Keiko Tanabe.

January 28, February 18, March 11,

April 1, 6 PM CET

Only 23 places are available

Keiko Tanabe has conducted over 300 workshops globally and is an official ambassador for Winsor & Newton, Escoda, and Fabriano. Her atmospheric watercolors hang in private collections worldwide, and her teaching approach has helped thousands of artists break through to a new level.

What makes Keiko's method different? She blends the economy of traditional Japanese ink painting with Western watercolor luminosity. Her signature philosophy is "Keep it simple, and you’ll have a strong painting".

In this mentorship program, you'll master the nuances of Keiko’s approach – learn to visualize before you paint, edit complex scenes with confidence, and capture atmosphere with fewer, more intentional brushstrokes.

Keiko Tanabe,

a master of watercolor

@keikotanabewatercolor

Born in Kyoto, Japan. Mostly self-taught — approached watercolor "like mastering a foreign language."
Signature Member: National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, American Impressionist Society.
Brand Ambassador: Winsor & Newton, Escoda, Fabriano, Sennelier.
Published: 9 books, 4 DVDs. Faculty at Plein Air Convention & Expo.
300+ workshops worldwide since 2011 — one of the most sought-after watercolor instructors in the world.

Here you can find Keiko’s works

Link to this page location: #work

Most artists add layers to build intensity — and lose freshness. Keiko does the opposite.

She mixes her darks first, places accurate values right away, and finishes with fewer strokes. But the real secret? She sees the finished painting before she starts.

This visualization guides everything: what to include, what to leave out, when to let the water work. The result — paintings that feel alive, atmospheric, and effortlessly strong.

In this mentorship, Keiko will teach you to see like she does — and paint with the same intentional simplicity.

Link to this page location: #zoom-sessions

Session 1: Morning Stillness

Date: Jan,28 6 pm CET

Capturing clarity and simplicity in a quiet landscape

What you'll learn:

Simplify complex scenes into clear shapes and values
Use limited color and restrained brushwork for calm atmosphere
Build compositions that breathe — balanced and uncluttered

What changes after this session: You'll start paintings with clarity and purpose — knowing what to include and what to leave out from the very first stroke.

Session 2: Light Breaking Through

Date: Feb,18 6 pm CET

Using color and value to create atmosphere and drama

You'll learn to:

Understand why light is the real subject of atmospheric painting
Use warm/cool color temperature to build depth and drama
Create glowing, atmospheric effects that feel alive on paper

After this session: Your paintings will stop looking flat — and start glowing with atmosphere. Light becomes your focal point, not an afterthought.

Session 3: Village by the Water

Date: March,11 6 pm CET

Balancing recognizable detail with painterly looseness

You'll learn to:

Find the sweet spot between believable forms and artistic freedom
Suggest detail without overworking — imply rather than render
Control edges (soft, hard, lost) to create depth and guide the eye

After this session: You'll break free from overworking. Instead of adding layers until the painting looks tired, you'll know when to stop — and how to suggest more with less.

Session 4:

Path Into the Distance

Date: April,11 6 pm CET

Suggesting architecture and figures without overworking — Final Project

You'll learn to:

Imply architectural complexity with minimal brushwork
Use confident strokes that convey texture, energy, and movement
Integrate all 4 sessions into one cohesive approach

After this session: Your capstone project — a complete atmospheric landscape that demonstrates everything you've learned. Plus: detailed written feedback from Keiko on your final painting with specific guidance on what works and how to grow further.

Link to this page location: #form

Link to this page location: #bonus

Recording of the art talk webinar "Secrets of Capturing Atmosphere in Watercolor"

with Keiko Tanabe

Discover the key principles behind atmospheric painting from world-renowned watercolor master Keiko Tanabe

You will also receive an official Certificate of Completion*.

This certificate can serve as a formal recognition of your artistic growth — whether for professional use (such as teaching or applying for art-related roles) or simply as a meaningful milestone in your creative journey.

*For Elite plan