Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour

About this course

The course explores ways to represent natural objects through colour, texture and mark-making. Participants will work with watercolour, gouache, pastels and inks, using different textured papers and prepared surfaces. An introduction to colour theory and colour mixing informs both quick sketches and more sustained, layered studies. Teaching includes explanations, demonstrations, practical work, examples from artists, one-to-one discussion and informal group discussion. One session takes place off-site at a museum or park, providing material for observational sketching.

What you'll learn

• Identify suitable papers and prepare textured surfaces for drawing and painting
• Develop images from nature as quick sketches or sustained studies within a set timeframe
• Experiment with mark-making and texture using pastels, inks, gouache and watercolour
• Apply colour mixing across different media when working from natural objects

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and improvers, and no previous experience is necessary. The all-levels format indicates that learners can approach the subject from different starting points. Participation includes practical studio work, an off-site sketching visit, individual discussion with the tutor and informal group discussion.

• Suitable for learners with no previous experience
• Includes an off-site sketching visit to a museum or park
• Teaching combines individual discussion with informal group discussion

Before you go

• Bring an A4 or A3 sketchbook for the off-site visit.
• All other basic materials are provided.