Watercolour Painting (All Levels)

About this course

Sessions explore watercolour through still life, landscapes, architecture and the human figure. Each week introduces a particular technique through focused exercises, with demonstrations from the tutor and the option to paint alongside them. The course covers colour mixing, tonal drawing, perspective, composition, dry-brush and wet-in-wet methods. Work is discussed at the end of each session, and the school library provides access to examples by historical watercolour painters. Smaller class numbers allow for individual attention during the painting process.

What you'll learn

• Mix colours and create tonal drawings using watercolour
• Apply dry-brush and wet-in-wet techniques
• Use perspective and composition in watercolour paintings
• Develop paintings from subjects including still life, landscapes, architecture and the human figure
• Improve drawing skills alongside watercolour technique

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners across a wide range of experience, from those with little watercolour practice to experienced painters. Its format combines tutor demonstrations, individual painting and discussion of work, with opportunities for one-to-one guidance.

• Suitable for learners working at different experience levels
• Includes individual painting time alongside tutor-led demonstrations
• Work is reviewed through discussion at the end of each session

Before you go

• Bring pencils such as HB or 2B, a sharpener and pencil rubber.
• Bring watercolour brushes, including a 1-inch flat brush, No. 8 flat brush, No. 16 round brush and No. 8 round brush. Sable or synthetic brushes are acceptable, and learners can bring brushes they already have.
• Bring watercolour paints in pans or tubes and a palette for mixing colours.
• Bring an A4 or A5 cartridge-paper or similar sketchbook, plus one pad of watercolour paper of at least 140lb.
• A small sketch pad may be useful for notes, particularly during perspective lessons.
• Bring a roll of masking tape.