Watercolour painting: starting personal projects

About this course

Participants develop individual watercolour projects from observation or secondary imagery such as photography, collage and found images. The course explores preparatory research, exploratory studies, series development, varied scales and different painting surfaces, alongside recaps of established watercolour methods. Teaching combines studio-based project work with tutor demonstrations, one-to-one guidance and group discussion. Participants investigate composition through the work of historical and contemporary artists, and develop approaches to layering transparent and opaque pigments to describe colour, texture, light and depth.

What you'll learn

• Develop individual watercolour project ideas from observation and secondary imagery.
• Apply a range of watercolour techniques using layered transparent and opaque pigments.
• Produce exploratory studies and finished works across different scales and surfaces.
• Use compositional approaches informed by the study of historical and contemporary watercolour artists.
• Construct a related series of paintings around an individual project.

Is this course right for you?

This intermediate course is intended for watercolour students who have already covered the fundamentals in some depth. It suits learners ready to originate personal project work, balancing exploratory studies and finished pieces with contextual discussion, group exchange and individual guidance.

• Personal project development is central rather than introductory skills instruction.
• The course places value on both exploratory studies and completed paintings.
• Some preparatory research may be undertaken outside class.

Before you go

• Basic watercolour materials and resources, including paint, brushes and suitable paper, are provided.
• Learners may bring additional specialist materials, such as their own brushes or different surfaces.
• A sketchbook is recommended for project development and note-taking; advice is available if one is needed.
• Preparatory research tasks can be completed at home or in class.