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.
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.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
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.