Watercolour painting: urban landscapes on location

About this course

The course introduces watercolour techniques through short studies of London’s urban environment, including architecture, bridges, trees, water and skies. Participants work from observation at different city locations, exploring colour mixing, layered washes, mark-making and brushwork. Teaching combines practical exercises, short demonstrations, handouts, one-to-one guidance and group discussion. The course also introduces artists who work en plein air and considers atmospheric perspective, light and shadow within a composition.

What you'll learn

• Apply wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques to depict urban details.
• Mix and layer watercolour to suggest depth and a sense of place.
• Use mark-making and brushwork to represent varied architectural and natural forms.
• Portray atmospheric perspective, light and shadow in a watercolour composition.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improvers, refreshers and learners with a small amount of previous watercolour experience. Participants should be prepared to paint outdoors, walk between locations, follow verbal and written guidance, and take part in demonstrations and group discussions.

• Some familiarity with one or two basic watercolour techniques would be useful.
• Painting takes place outdoors after the initial studio session.
• The course includes walking between urban painting locations.

Before you go

• Basic watercolour paint, brushes and suitable paper are provided.
• Participants need to buy a watercolour pad in an A2/3 size for outdoor work.
• Additional specialist materials may be brought if desired.
• There is some walking, and all sessions except the first take place outdoors.