Watercolour painting for beginners with Christine Forbes

Ref: S2D37745

Location: West Dean
£331
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Places available

About this course

Learn to handle brushes, use colour and study form and composition as you paint in watercolour.

Course Description

On this structured programme, you will learn how to use observational drawing to gather information and then apply this to your painting. You will find out how watercolour paper and paint interact, and how to use brushes for wet and dry techniques.

You will learn the main principles of watercolour painting through a series of exercises and demonstrations, and you will create a colour wheel for reference. You will then generate sketches and develop your own techniques through to a finished painting. The tutor will support you with one-to-one advice, question and answer sessions and a group review. You will be introduced to the basics of composition and you will learn about visual editing.

Some poetic inspiration will be provided by the tutor. There will also be an illustrated talk on selected artists to show you different working methods.

On completion of this course, you will have gained plenty of practical knowledge about watercolour painting and understood how to make the most of the spontaneity of this medium.

Course Materials

Included

On this course, you will be provided with a set of watercolour paints to keep, plus some paper for the first evening session.

What students need to bring

Please bring any of the following items that you may have:

  • HB pencil
  • 8B graphite stick (Lyra or Koh-i-nor) and a plastic eraser
  • Knife/pencil sharpener, masking tape
  • A4/5 sketchbook
  • Daisy mixing dish
  • 2 sheets of A1 cartridge paper (140gsm), cut into 8 sheets
  • 1 sheet of good quality watercolour paper (300 gsm), cut into 8 sheets
  • Brushes – suggested sizes: flat, soft hair, wash brush, size 20; nylon round, sizes 10, 6 and 2 (bring other brushes if you have them)
  • Please wear old clothes

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • The College Craft Shop stocks a good range of drawing materials, watercolour paints in a good variety of colours (tubes and pans), including Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Umber, French Ultramarine, Hookers Green, daisy mixing dishes, flat, soft hair, wash brushes in size 20, nylon round brushes in sizes 10, 6 and 2, sketchbooks and paper.

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 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm

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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

Tutors

Christine Forbes, tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Christine Forbes

Christine Forbes is a Sussex artist and graduate of Northbrook College, Worthing. Her background is in design, acting, fashion and catering. She has been teaching for over 20 years (both adults and children) and includes: The National association of Gifted Children and HMP Ford. She continues to work for private, club and corporate clients. Christine exhibits regularly and is a member of the Sussex Watercolour Society. She runs her own gift card business.

Accommodation

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

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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.