Paint with Lioba is finally here! 💕💃

For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on this brand-new home for all my tutorial and after countless hours of programming, organizing, testing, and occasionally questioning my life choices, Paint with Lioba is finally here!!

I’m so, so, SO happy with how everything has turned out. It was much more complicated and time-consuming than I expected, but I’m honestly incredibly proud of it. The website looks exactly how I imagined it, and I’m ridiculously excited to finally welcome you here!

I’ve shared around 300 videos on Patreon over the years, and now these tutorials are available on Paint with Lioba in a much more organized and sensible form!

It’s now much easier for you to find exactly what you want to paint. You can explore the tutorials by medium, difficulty level, subject, Palette View, and more-  without having to scroll through years of posts!

I’ve also created Learning Paths, which I’m particularly excited about. These guide you through carefully selected series of tutorials in a recommended order. You can begin with the foundations of watercolor and mixed media, explore oil painting, focus on animal portraits, or gradually work your way towards more advanced techniques and projects-all without having to figure out which tutorial to choose next!

There is also a Student Gallery! You can upload your finished painting underneath the corresponding tutorial if you’d like to share it. I absolutely love the idea of seeing all your different interpretations in one place!
Paint with Lioba has become such a special project and exactly the kind of learning platform I always wanted to create. I’m incredibly proud of how it has turned out, and I’m so excited to welcome you here, see your artwork and progress, and continue growing the platform together with you!

I can’t wait to hear what you think!!🥰

Lioba's Painting Challenge! 🎨

Are you ready to dive into something truly fun and creative in September? 🤎

This September, Maria and I are bringing together painting, collage, and storytelling in one unique challenge - and we’d love for you to be part of it! 😍

Here’s what makes this challenge special:

You’ll start with a beautiful portrait reference from Valë, and then, inspired by my Koneko tutorial, you’ll transform your painting into a mixed-media artwork. Add stickers, washi tape, rice paper, or any scrapbooking treasures you have on hand - let your imagination run wild! ✨

The best part? You won’t just be painting - you’ll be part of a community challenge. Share your work, inspire others, and see how different artists interpret the same portrait in their own magical way!

🗓 Deadline: September 30, 2025

🏆 Winner: The most creative and beautiful artwork will be chosen as the winner! ✨

The prize includes a special goodie pack of a beautiful postcard, magnet, sticker, a sparkling glitter watercolor set, and the original washi stickers I used in my Koneko painting!💖

And best of all: the winning piece will be featured on my Instagram, so the whole community can admire your creation! 🌟🎨

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All you need to do is:

1. Become a member on my Patreon! 💕

2. Share the challenge graphic and this text on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok) & tag @maria_sozopoulou

3. Download the portrait reference ‘Valë’ here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/38395656

4. Watch Part 3 of ‘Koneko’ here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30305404

5. Post your finished painting on Instagram or Facebook, tagging @maria_sozopoulou and use the hashtag #LiobasPaintingChallenge

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If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in my Patreon group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/836187988070547

This is your chance to experiment, to play, and to push your art into new directions! I can’t wait to see the incredible pieces you create. 💫

Let’s make this September one to remember. Are you in? 🌼🎨

Launch of my BIGGEST PRINT COLLECTION! ❤️‍🔥

'Year of the Coral Dragon' Limited Edition Fine Art Print

from €35.00

Limited edition fine art print of my painting 'Year of the Coral Dragon'

These high-quality museum prints are made using premium 308gsm archival cotton rag paper, ensuring that they will last for years to come. If you're a collector, you'll be pleased to know that this print is now also available in a fine art canvas format. The canvas prints are created with the finest materials available, featuring a shiny, glossy finish that highlights the vivid, brilliant colors. They're also inkjet-coated, which means they dry quickly, are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

To maintain the exclusivity and value of this collection, each print will be produced in a limited run, with each piece individually numbered and signed by me.

This collection is the culmination of my passion, dedication, and hard work, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Here are some reasons to consider purchasing my art:

• You get a 30-day trial period, and can return the artwork if you're not satisfied.

• The artworks are large and affordable.

• They are handmade in Germany, and feel and look like my original paintings.

• Your loved ones will be inspired and impressed by the personal touch of each unique piece.

• Let your walls speak volumes with museum quality fine-art reproductions

Small Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 21 x 25

Regular Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 30 x 37

Oversized (Edition of 100):

• Paper size: ~ 42 x 52

Canvas (Edition of 50):

• Print size on Canvas: 60 x 80 cm
  The Canvas has an 11 cm border on each side for stretcher bars (stretcher bars not included).

Shipping:
Ships with Expedited Shipping worldwide.
Shipping times may vary depending on the destination country but usually take between one and three weeks.

Size:

Select Size 21 x 50 cm 30 x 37 cm 42 x 52 cm Canvas - 60 x 80 cm

Add to cart

I am beyond thrilled to present to you the BIGGEST and most beautiful print collection I have ever released to date. ❤️‍🔥I cannot express how proud I am of this selection of artworks! I have imagined what frames and rooms my artworks would look best in, and each piece is presented in a unique and inspiring way that should give you ideas on how to frame and hang it in your own space. I have included my favorite works from the last two years in this collection and there is truly something for everyone in it! 💓

'Perpetuo' Limited Edition Fine Art Print

from €50.00

Limited edition fine art print of my painting 'Perpetuo'

These high-quality museum prints are made using premium 308gsm archival cotton rag paper, ensuring that they will last for years to come. If you're a collector, you'll be pleased to know that this print is now also available in a fine art canvas format. The canvas prints are created with the finest materials available, featuring a shiny, glossy finish that highlights the vivid, brilliant colors. They're also inkjet-coated, which means they dry quickly, are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

To maintain the exclusivity and value of this collection, each print will be produced in a limited run, with each piece individually numbered and signed by me.

This collection is the culmination of my passion, dedication, and hard work, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Here are some reasons to consider purchasing my art:

• You get a 30-day trial period, and can return the artwork if you're not satisfied.

• The artworks are large and affordable.

• They are handmade in Germany, and feel and look like my original paintings.

• Let your walls speak volumes with museum quality fine-art reproductions

Small Size (Edition of 100):

• Paper size: ~ 21 x 30
  

Regular Size (Time-Limited Edition - sold-out)

• Paper size: ~ 30 x 42

Oversized (Edition of 100):

• Paper size: ~ 42 x 59

Canvas (Edition of 50):

• Print size on Canvas: 56 x 80 cm
  The Canvas has an 11 cm border on each side for stretcher bars (stretcher bars not included).

Shipping:
Ships with Expedited Shipping worldwide.
Shipping times may vary depending on the destination country but usually take between one and three weeks.

Size:

Select Size 21 x 30 cm 30 x 42 cm 42 x 59 cm Canvas - 56 x 80 cm

Add to cart

Each of these beautiful fine art reproductions is printed on the highest quality 308 gsm cotton rag paper with archival inks, achieving incredibly vibrant colors and an impressive level of detail! And if you want to have an art print that is even more indistinguishable from the original, you can now purchase Canvas Prints! These beautiful prints look so realistic - I actually couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them coming out of our printer for the first time! The details are truly incredible! (My husband’s gallerist actually thought they were original artworks when he saw our canvas prints, and we had to show them that they were, in fact, prints, not painted artworks!!! You should really see them with your own eyes!)

'Gaia' Limited Edition Fine Art Print

from €35.00

Limited edition fine art print of my painting 'Gaia'

This painting, inspired by Alphonse Mucha and the Art Nouveau style, was created during my live online course titled 'Paint like the Greats: Alphonse Mucha & Art Nouveau'. It features the flowing lines, natural forms, and thematic elements of nature that define Art Nouveau. Named 'Gaia' after the Greek goddess of Earth, it connects the beauty of the natural world with ancient mythology, embodying the spirit of Art Nouveau and celebrating the timeless allure of nature.

These high-quality museum prints are made using premium 310gsm archival cotton rag paper, ensuring that they will last for years to come. If you're a collector, you'll be pleased to know that this print is now also available in a fine art canvas format. The canvas prints are created with the finest materials available, featuring a shiny, glossy finish that highlights the vivid, brilliant colors. They're also inkjet-coated, which means they dry quickly, are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

To maintain the exclusivity and value of this collection, each print will be produced in a limited run, with each piece individually numbered and signed by me.

This collection is the culmination of my passion, dedication, and hard work, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Here are some reasons to consider purchasing my art:

• You get a 30-day trial period and can return the artwork if you're not satisfied.

• Choose from a wide range of sizes to fit your space perfectly, all at accessible prices.

• They are handmade in Germany and feel and look like my original paintings.

• Gift your loved ones with an exceptional and personal piece of art that's sure to inspire and impress.

• Bring a touch of sophistication and beauty to your space with my museum-quality fine-art reproductions

• With influences from Art Nouveau and ancient mythology, each painting offers a unique aesthetic that you won't find in mainstream art, making your space truly one-of-a-kind.

Small Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 21 x 29

Regular Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 30 x 42

Oversized (Edition of 100):

• Paper size: ~ 42 x 59

Canvas (Edition of 50):

• Print size on Canvas: 60 x 81 cm
  The Canvas has an 11 cm border on each side for stretcher bars (stretcher bars not included).

Shipping:
Ships with Expedited Shipping worldwide.
Shipping times may vary depending on the destination country but usually take between one and three weeks.

Size:

Select Size 21 x 29 cm 30 x 42 cm 42 x 59 cm Canvas - 60 x 81 cm

Add to cart

I am not exaggerating if I tell you that I am simply in love with this collection, and I hope you will be too, so have a look at these prints in my shop, and take your favorite prints home! 🥳

PS: For those of you who have already purchased prints, thank you SO MUCH. You don’t know how much it means to me when you support my art by buying prints!🥹

'Elysii Aurum' Limited Edition Fine Art Print

from €35.00

Limited edition fine art print of my painting 'Elysii Aurum'

These high-quality museum prints are made using premium 308gsm archival cotton rag paper, ensuring that they will last for years to come. If you're a collector, you'll be pleased to know that this print is now also available in a fine art canvas format. The canvas prints are created with the finest materials available, featuring a shiny, glossy finish that highlights the vivid, brilliant colors. They're also inkjet-coated, which means they dry quickly, are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

To maintain the exclusivity and value of this collection, each print will be produced in a limited run, with each piece individually numbered and signed by me.

This collection is the culmination of my passion, dedication, and hard work, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Here are some reasons to consider purchasing my art:

• You get a 30-day trial period and can return the artwork if you're not satisfied.

• Choose from a wide range of sizes to fit your space perfectly, all at accessible prices.

• They are handmade in Germany and feel and look like my original paintings.

• Gift your loved ones with an exceptional and personal piece of art that's sure to inspire and impress.

• Bring a touch of sophistication and beauty to your space with my museum-quality fine-art reproductions

• With influences from Art Nouveau and ancient mythology, each painting offers a unique aesthetic that you won't find in mainstream art, making your space truly one-of-a-kind.

Small Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 21 x 30
  

Regular Size (Edition of 100)

• Paper size: ~ 30 x 42

Oversized (Edition of 100):

• Paper size: ~ 42 x 59

Canvas (Edition of 50):

• Print size on Canvas: 60 x 80 cm
  The Canvas has an 11 cm border on each side for stretcher bars (stretcher bars not included).

Shipping:
Ships with Expedited Shipping worldwide.
Shipping times may vary depending on the destination country but usually take between one and three weeks.

Size:

Select Size 21 x 30 cm 30 x 42 cm 42 x 59 cm Canvas - 60 x 80 cm

Add to cart

Rendering a Realistic Portrait on Clairefontaine Paper using Luminance Pencils and Gouache! 🖌

Video Length: 2:50 h

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🎨 In this tutorial, we create a simple portrait with an abstract background, but rendered in a realistic way. The materials you use make a big difference, which is why we're using Clairefontaine Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper - it's perfect for colored pencils and has minimal grain. The tutorial is divided into many small chapters that you can select directly on YouTube if you want to know how to proceed.

🎨 We begin by mixing some silver watercolor with water, and applying it generously, leaving the face and neck free. For the hair, we use a gold/bronze shade, and for the abstract background, we use a few colors: purple, grey, blue and gold. As we move on, we paint abstract effects around the face, and use a hair dryer to dry the picture.

🎨 As we move on to the face, we use a mixture of red and yellow ocher and some orange to paint the first layer of the face. We fill in all skin areas with it and use our hair dryer again to dry everything. We then mix a dark shade of Van Dyck Brown and Olive Green for the shadow on the neck.

🎨 We continue to work on the different features of the face such as the eyes, nose and lips, using different color shades and techniques like blending, contouring and using highlights. We also add abstract brush strokes to the background and the cleavage to blend it seamlessly with the background.

🎨 With patience and attention to detail, we work on the portrait until it looks realistic. And with that, we're done! Our portrait is finished and looks great!

Art Supply Foundation Course

Video Length: 43 m

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In this course, I will introduce you to the essential art supplies you will need to paint with watercolor & mixed media. I will also recommend some affordable watercolor brands, like the Mozart Komorebi Paints, and discuss the importance of having a variety of brush sizes and types. I will also introduce you to some optional supplies, like color pencils and mixed media materials, that can enhance your paintings. Finally, I will talk about paper and discuss the differences between hot pressed, cold pressed, and rough paper.

I'll be talking about different aspects of watercolor paints and how they can affect your paintings. I'll be discussing pigmentation, transparency, and granulation, which refers to the grainy texture that some paints have. I'll also be showing you how different watercolors from different brands can have different properties, even if they use the same pigments. It's important to try out a variety of watercolors to find out which ones work best for you and your style. I'll also be covering watercolor brushes and showing you some of my favorites, as well as discussing some optional supplies like mixed media materials that can add extra depth and interest to your paintings.

I use color pencils to add realism and achieve better blendings, especially on hot press watercolor paper. I mainly use two types of color pencils: regular pencils and wax-based Luminance pencils from Caran D’Ache. The Luminance pencils create a wax layer on top of the drawing and are great for blending, but they are expensive. We will start by using a light base of color pencils and build up layers to create a convincing illusion of skin tones. I will also demonstrate how to blend with regular color pencils, which can be used for darker skin tones.

If you're interested in learning these techniques and improving your mixed-media and watercolor skills, don't hesitate to join this course!

Reference Photo Guide

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Welcome to the reference photo guide! In this course, I will show you how to find the best reference photos for your paintings!

When selecting reference photos, it's important to look for ones that have good shading and interesting features. You want to find photos that other artists have found inspiring, as well. Shadows are especially important in reference photos, as they can give your painting depth and help create a convincing three-dimensional portrait. Look for photos with strong shadows, particularly over the eyes, nose, and lips!

I will also teach you how to use Photoshop to improve the quality of your reference photos. I'll show you techniques that will help bring out more detail and create stronger shadows. And if you don't have Photoshop, don't worry! I'll also show you alternative software options that you can use to make similar adjustments to your reference photos.

Join me in the reference photo guide to learn all of these skills and more. You'll be amazed at the difference that high-quality reference photos can make in your paintings. See you in the course!

Renaissance Inspired Beginner Portrait Painting Tutorial with Oils

Video Length: 2 h 10 min / real-time with voiceover
Materials: Oils

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This step-by-step oil painting lesson is a great beginner tutorial! You will paint a Renaissance-inspired portrait with oils on canvas paper. I use a limited palette that is visible during the entire video - this makes the mixing process very easy and for everyone to understand. The video shows the full process of this painting, and you can follow along at your own pace. Download the material list, reference photo and the preliminary sketch, and start painting! 😊

Natalie Portman Watercolor & Mixed Media Painting Process Video

"Nathalie Portman" // from Thor:Love and Thunder

Video Length: 2 h 40 min / real-time
Materials: Watercolor, Color Pencils & Gouache

One of the most beautiful actresses of all time, Nathalie Portman, is always a fascinating subject for a painting! Initially, I wanted to depict her in her role as the Black Swan but couldn’t find a good reference of her. I am excited to see how her costume and makeup will be in the new Thor: Love and Thunder movie - I bet there will be quite a few cool movie scenes to paint! 😊

In this real-time video, you will see my technique for painting very smooth skin with watercolors, color pencils, and a bit of white gouache for the highlights. The video has no voiceover, but you can see every single detail of the painting process! 🎨