In this Extreme Beginners lesson, I paint a simple house hit with strong raking sunlight—one of those “overlooked” subjects that actually helps you connect with a lot of viewers because it’s familiar and relatable. The whole point here is confidence: keep the drawing simple, then let the watercolor do the heavy lifting with big, colorful washes and clear light-and-shadow shapes. When that sunlight is coming in at an angle, it gives you instant drama—so you don’t need a complicated scene to make a painting feel exciting. I focus on practical decisions that make beginners successful: where to place the light, how to separate the sunlit planes from the shadow planes, and how to keep your washes fresh instead of fussy. You’ll see me lean into color (without overworking it) and use simple methods that get you a finished result fast. If you’ve been nervous about buildings, this is a friendly way in—paint the big shapes, protect the light, and let those colorful washes pull everything together. Happy painting!