Watercolour for Beginners

About this course

The course introduces fundamental watercolour methods including washes, layering, applications, palette management and colour mixing. Learners explore landscape, still life and urban subjects, using direct observation and photographic references. Teaching combines demonstrations, discussion and guidance through exercises and projects. Examples from traditional and contemporary artists provide context for different approaches, while additional support covers drawing skills, colour theory, split primaries and working with a restricted palette.

What you'll learn

• Apply basic watercolour techniques including washes, layering and varied applications
• Mix colours using split primaries and a restricted palette
• Manage a watercolour palette and select appropriate applications for different subjects
• Develop paintings from direct observation and photographic sources
• Explore landscape, still life and urban subjects through watercolour
• Use basic drawing skills to support watercolour work

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners as well as learners with some basic watercolour knowledge. The teaching introduces foundational methods through demonstrations, discussion and guided exercises, with subjects ranging from observed scenes to photographic references.

Before you go

• Participants are required to bring B or 2B pencils, an eraser, watercolour paints in pans or tubes, a watercolour palette, synthetic flat and round brushes in sizes 8 and 16, an A3 cold-pressed (NOT) watercolour pad, a plastic water pot and tissues.
• The choice of materials can be discussed during the first session.