Introduction to watercolours

Learn the basics of working with watercolours including the use of watercolour pencils, colour mixing, brushes and paper choices and undertake various exercises to become comfortable with the medium. 

Embrace a variety of subject matter from still life to landscape and portraiture using a loose style that utilises the transparency and fluidity of the watercolour medium. 

Course Breakdown

Week 1: students focus on dry application techniques using a toucan as their subject matter. They explore the medium of watercolours, work with vibrant colours, and use light and shadow to define forms. Students also work on a simple landscape or grove of trees, building up depth and layering paint.

Week 2: Continue with dry application techniques, this time using shells as the subject matter. Students concentrate on exploring tones of colour and shading using watercolours and pen.

Week 3: shifts to wet application techniques, where students paint a cat, a still life, and a Tuscan landscape. Students learn to control the paint on wet paper, a key aspect of wet application techniques.

Week 4: continues with wet application techniques, focusing on creating images of Venice with suggestions of atmosphere and using smaller brushes to define detail. Students also work on a maritime scene, mixing and diluting colour to create different effects.

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of watercolour techniques and materials, as well as hands-on practice and skill development through various projects.