Watercolour – a beginner’s guide with Susie Hunt

Ref: S2D35850

Location: West Dean
£355
Book now

Places available

About this course

Explore the possibilities, methods and techniques used with watercolours as you create a patchwork of samples for your future reference. There will be some tuition in drawing techniques to underpin your future work.

Course Description

Working from first principles, the tutor will introduce you to the myriad of possibilities using watercolour. You will feel completely at ease working with materials and creating watercolour effects, as no previous drawing or painting skills are required.

The tutor will introduce each technique through demonstration, enabling you to follow through each step, and she will also give you time and attention to make sure you understand the process.

You will create a patchwork of watercolour techniques that you will have as a reference for future work. Not only is it fun, but instructive and colourful. You will also create a patchwork of colour mixing samples and learn some basic colour theory.

On completing this course, you will have learnt some basic rules and developed your knowledge and understanding of colour mixing, colour theory, tone and mark making, brushwork and watercolour techniques.

Much of the mystery of watercolour is in method and technique; by learning these and practising them, you will create your own paintings with greater skill and confidence.

Course Materials

Included

The College will provide all materials, including watercolour paper, watercolour paints and brushes for you to use and take home. The tutor will be providing some different materials to try such as watercolour crayons.

What students need to bring

Any watercolour art materials that you already possess that you would like to try out

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • A good selection of general art materials, including watercolour paints, papers and brushes are available to purchase, should you need extra

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

General Information

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Get started with watercolour painting

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Christine Forbes |
Beginners
£47

Expressive watercolours

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Louisa Boyd |
Intermediate
£47

Watercolour painting in detail – nature from the gardens

8 to 14 Aug 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Amber Halsall |
Suitable for all
£995

Watercolour painting 'en plein air'

25 to 31 Jul 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Brian Smith |
Intermediate/Advanced
£1,024
Further study options for art craft and design short courses

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.