Exclusively in Artefacto!
ONLINE WORKSHOP By Ian McManus
Watercolor with Three Marks – Structure, Focus, Atmosphere
Discover Ian McManus’s method to simplify visual chaos and Paint a full expressive street scene in one sitting using the “alla prima” technique – bold, wet, and direct
Start TOMORROW
Choose a convenient time for you
Exclusively in Artefacto!
ONLINE WORKSHOP By Ian McManus
Watercolor with Three Marks – Structure, Focus, Atmosphere
Start TOMORROW
Choose a convenient time for you
This workshop is for you if you…
Struggle to simplify busy scenes and don’t know where to begin
Want to learn to paint more confidently and quickly – without overworking your art
Feel your paintings lack atmosphere or emotional impact
Love watercolor but feel stuck in the “too careful” or “too tight” style
Want to paint expressive city scenes but feel overwhelmed by cars, people, and buildings
Are looking to learn from a top British watercolorist with decades of teaching experience
During this workshop, you will:
01
Learn how to simplify any complex subject into a strong, focused composition
02
Discover the Three Success Marks: Structure, Focus, and Atmosphere – a proven method for watercolor storytelling
03
Paint a powerful urban street scene in alla prima style using bold brushstrokes and tonal clarity
04
Understand how to stop overworking your painting and create drama through value and shadow
Workshop program
Part 1: How to Build a Painting with Light and Mood
Learn what makes a painting tell a compelling story
Explore how to express mood and atmosphere through composition and contrast
Discover the Three Success Marks: Structure, Focus, Atmosphere
Begin painting a street scene using the alla prima method: bold brushwork on wet paper
Part 2: Finishing the Scene with Power and Restraint
- Ian will reveal how to simplify any complex reference into clarity and impact
Watch Ian create a finished cityscape and explain how to avoid overworking
Learn where to place the focus point, how to use tonal value, shape, and shadow
Live Q&A – ask Ian your questions in real time
Here is Ian’s reference photo for the workshop:
“Students freeze when they see a photo — I show them how to break it down.”
Ian McManus
Choose your plan:
Standard
- Participation in a live workshop
- ✓ 1 watercolor painting
- ✓ 48 hour access to the recording of the workshop
LIFETIME ACCESS to the recording of the workshop
Premium
- Participation in a live workshop
- ✓ 1 watercolor painting
- LIFETIME ACCESS to the recording of the workshop
Standard
- Participation in a live workshop
- ✓ 1 watercolor painting
- ✓ 48 hour access to the recording of the workshop
LIFETIME ACCESS to the recording of the workshop
Premium
- Participation in a live workshop
✓ 1 watercolor painting
- LIFETIME ACCESS to the recording of the workshop
Meet your instructor:
Ian McManus
- Acclaimed British watercolorist with 30+ years of teaching experience
- Member of the Institute of East Anglian Artists (IEA)
- Renowned for turning chaotic street views into bold, expressive compositions
- Teaches popular in-person and online workshops across the UK and Europe
- Creator of the DVD "One Hour Watercolors" – focused on fresh, confident, fast painting
- Multiple solo exhibitions across the UK
- Known for his unique ability to simplify architecture, cars, and figures while maintaining visual power
- Believes in making expressive painting accessible: “You’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of with the right guidance”
“I can show you a way to simplify something that looks impossible — and make it work”
Ian McManus
Examples of Ian's work
What students from around the globe say about learning with Ian McManus:
