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Fantastical Watercolor & Ink Worlds

Learn to create surreal watercolor & ink illustrations from concept to final piece

 
START LEARNING TODAY

Fantastical
Watercolor & Ink Worlds

Learn to create surreal watercolor & ink illustrations from concept to final piece

 
START LEARNING TODAY

Inspiration Comes From Learning
How to See Differently


Do you feel inspired by surreal landscapes, imagined places, and story-driven art?

Do you love the idea of building your own worlds but feel unsure where to begin?
Are you a beginner or a casual doodler who wants to turn ideas into finished illustrations with confidence?

Fantasy illustration is not just for the "naturally talented" - anyone can learn it!

I designed this course for artists of all levels, from complete beginners to those who’ve experimented with watercolor or ink and want to develop a stronger, more intentional style.

You’ll learn the core foundations of world-building illustration: how to design compelling compositions, create atmosphere and depth, and bring imagined worlds to life using watercolor, ink, and mixed media.

Let’s unlock your creative potential — one world at a time.

Hi! I’m John Gagné!


A watercolor and ink artist drawn to the quiet magic of storytelling through imagery. My work explores surreal worlds where atmosphere, symbolism, and emotion meet — blending the mythic with the intimate.

Over the years, I’ve developed a process that combines classical technique with imaginative world-building. For me, it’s not just about tools or materials — it’s about finding your own visual language and creating art that feels deeply personal.

In Fantastical Watercolor & Ink Worlds, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about building mood, designing composition, and painting with intention — so you can bring your own dreamlike visions to life.

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Let’s clear a few things up...


❌ “You need to be wildly imaginative to create fantasy art.”

Fantasy worlds aren’t invented out of nothing. They’re built by re-arranging familiar elements — shapes, symbols, light, and atmosphere — in intentional ways. This course shows you how.

❌ “Fantasy art has to be complex and overly detailed.”
Strong fantasy imagery is often simple at its core. Clean linework, controlled color, and clear composition do far more than excess detail. Less really is more.

❌ “If I use references, my work won’t be original.”
Every artist uses reference. What matters is how you use it. You’ll learn how to synthesize inspiration, not replicate it — turning reference into a starting point, not a crutch.

❌ “I need to master everything before I can start.”
This course is designed to meet you where you are. You’ll build your world step by step — from gesture and sketch, to watercolor, to ink — without needing perfection at any stage.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

Sketch Confidently

You’ll create illustrations inspired by imagined worlds and surreal landscapes, translating ideas into clear, intentional sketches.

Design with Intention

You’ll learn how to use shape, light, colour, and atmosphere to build believable fantasy environments and guide the viewer’s eye.

Explore Freely

Your sketchbook will become a space to experiment with watercolor, ink, and mixed media, helping you develop a personal visual language and creative process.

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Course Content

Video Poster Image

Fantastical Watercolor & Ink Worlds is a step-by-step online course that guides you through the complete process of creating surreal, narrative illustrations using watercolor and ink.

You’ll start by learning how to build atmosphere, mood, and visual narrative, then move into selecting the right materials and working with a consistent line-based watercolor technique. From there, you’ll develop strong compositions through thumbnailing, reference gathering, and intentional sketching.

As the course progresses, you’ll learn how to layer watercolor with confidence, control light and shadow, and create depth without muddy colors. You’ll refine your work with ink, add symbolic details, and finish your illustrations with bold accents and protective techniques.

The course concludes with guidance on documenting your process, editing and presenting your artwork, and sharing it professionally online — all while learning within a supportive creative community with direct guidance throughout the course.

In my course you will learn:

Modules 1 & 2

Learn the Foundations and Just Draw!

You’ll begin by loosening up and reconnecting with drawing through gesture, sketching, and simple figure studies. This module is about removing pressure and building confidence through movement and observation.

From there, you’ll explore how surreal and fantasy imagery works: learning how to build atmosphere, mood, and narrative intention. You’ll study inspiration from books, films, and art, and learn how to develop your own visual language without copying.

Modules 1 & 2

Learn the Foundations and Just Draw!

You’ll begin by loosening up and reconnecting with drawing through gesture, sketching, and simple figure studies. This module is about removing pressure and building confidence through movement and observation.

From there, you’ll explore how surreal and fantasy imagery works: learning how to build atmosphere, mood, and narrative intention. You’ll study inspiration from books, films, and art, and learn how to develop your own visual language without copying.

Modules 3 & 4

Tools, Materials & Designing Your World

Next, you’ll learn how to choose the right materials for a line-based watercolor practice, including paper, inks, brushes, and archival supplies. You’ll also understand the key differences between watercolor and acrylic-based inks so you can work with confidence.

Then you’ll move into designing your world: gathering focused reference, creating thumbnails, constructing figures and environments, and refining composition to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

Modules 3 & 4

Tools, Materials & Designing Your World

Next, you’ll learn how to choose the right materials for a line-based watercolor practice, including paper, inks, brushes, and archival supplies. You’ll also understand the key differences between watercolor and acrylic-based inks so you can work with confidence.

Then you’ll move into designing your world: gathering focused reference, creating thumbnails, constructing figures and environments, and refining composition to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

Module 5

Watercolor Atmosphere & Depth

You’ll learn how to layer watercolor properly — working light to dark, background to foreground — while building depth through controlled color palettes, light, and shadow. You’ll focus on atmosphere, cohesion, and avoiding muddy color.

Module 5

Watercolor Atmosphere
& Depth

You’ll learn how to layer watercolor properly — working light to dark, background to foreground — while building depth through controlled color palettes, light, and shadow. You’ll focus on atmosphere, cohesion, and avoiding muddy color.

Modules 6 & 7

Bonus content

Learn how to scan, edit, protect, and present your artwork with confidence — so your finished pieces are ready for sharing online, in portfolios, or as prints. 

Watch a full illustration come to life, from initial sketch to final watercolor and ink, and see the real rhythm of the creative process unfold in real time.

Modules 6 & 7

Bonus content

Learn how to scan, edit, protect, and present your artwork with confidence — so your finished pieces are ready for sharing online, in portfolios, or as prints. 

Watch a full illustration come to life, from initial sketch to final watercolor and ink, and see the real rhythm of the creative process unfold in real time.

Included in my course fees:

Fundamentals & Materials

We will look together at the materials, basic techniques, and knowledge needed to begin this journey. Approaching a new technique means first learning how best to use the tools at your disposal.

Practical exercises

Theory is important, but what truly helps you grow as an artist is practice… lots of practice! Throughout the course, you’ll find a variety of exercises to help you get started, spark ideas, and explore different approaches. I’ll also share simple techniques and creative tips that will help you make your fantasy worlds more expressive and uniquely yours.

Lifetime Access

Once you register for the course, you will have lifetime access and you can watch it whenever you want! This will enable you to better learn even the most difficult notions. You don't have a deadline, you can take the course even for 5 minutes a day!

Flexibility

This is one of the course's strengths: being able to watch the videos wherever you want, whenever you want, and as many times as you want. The course is available from any device so you can watch the course from the comfort of your home or take a single lesson on the train!

Community of artists

As soon as you sign up for the course, you will join a group of people who, like you, share this passion and are following the same course as you. This means you'll be able to exchange ideas, tips or ask questions because you'll be surrounded by people who love art the same way you do!

My support

On this creative journey, you’ll never be alone. You’ll be able to reach out, ask questions, and receive feedback so you always feel supported as you move forward. Exploring fantasy illustration can feel challenging at times, but don’t worry, I’ll be there to guide you and help you grow step by step.

... and more!

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Bonuses:

Extra contents that you will get for free with the course

Sharing & Presenting Your Work

Learn how to scan, edit, protect, and present your artwork with confidence — so your finished pieces are ready for sharing online, in portfolios, or as prints.

Value: $57 FREE

From Sketch to Watercolor Timelapse

Watch a full illustration come to life, from initial sketch to final watercolor and ink, and see the real rhythm of the creative process unfold in real time.

Value: $47 FREE

REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSING SOON!

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SPECIAL INSTALLMENT OPTION

Over the last couple of days, I’ve received a few messages from people saying they’d love to join but couldn’t manage the full payment right now—and I completely understand. 

 So, I’ve added a more flexible 6-month payment option to make it easier for anyone who needs a bit more time. 

Six Monthly Payments

$67
$37

SPECIAL INSTALLMENTS OPTION

  • 8+ hours of content
  • 7 modules
  • Access to a private online community
  • Lifetime access
  • My support along the way
  • 14-Day money-back guarantee
  • Bonus #1: Sharing & Presenting Your Work ($57 FREE)
  • Bonus #2: From Sketch to Watercolor Timelapse ($47 FREE) 

Total Value: $401

Special Price: $37/m

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My Guarantee to Every Student

If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, you have the right to obtain a full refund within the first 14 days. This is my guarantee to you, I want all my students to be satisfied. Also, this means that there is no risk as well! Give it a try and experience the program first-hand!

 Frequently asked questions 

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