Watercolour painting studio: still life

About this course

Participants work directly from still-life objects to investigate watercolour methods for interpreting form, pattern and spatial relationships. The course covers washes, masking-out, mark-making, brushwork, layering and colour mixing from observation, alongside ways to organise compositions at different scales. Teaching combines studio-based practical tasks with tutor demonstrations, one-to-one guidance and group discussion. The course also introduces the work of still-life artists who use watercolour, giving participants opportunities to recognise and discuss their approaches.

What you'll learn

• Apply wash and masking-out techniques in watercolour.
• Use mark-making and brush techniques to develop paintings.
• Layer and mix colours from observation to interpret form, pattern and spatial relationships.
• Structure still-life compositions at different scales.
• Recognise and discuss watercolour methods used by still-life artists.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and can also serve as a refresher for learners with some previous watercolour experience. Participation includes practical studio work, demonstrations, individual guidance and group discussion, with learners expected to follow simple written and verbal instructions.

• Suitable for learners revisiting watercolour techniques as well as those starting at beginner level.
• Includes group discussion alongside practical tasks and individual guidance.

Before you go

• Basic materials and resources, including watercolour paint, brushes and suitable paper, are provided.
• Participants may bring additional specialist materials, such as their own brushes. Advice on materials is available during the course.