Painting Winter Landscape in Watercolour - Taster Session with Christine Forbes

Ref: STM41829

Location: West Dean
£45

Places available

About this course

A taster session to introduce you to painting a winter landscape in watercolour. This two hour taster session will be held on the Gardens Gatehouse Craft Table. Please access via the Gardens Entrance.

Course Description

Led by experienced watercolour tutor Christine Forbes, a long-standing member of the West Dean teaching team, you will explore some simple drawing techniques, colour mixing, brush control and wet into wet watercolour techniques.

This two-hour taster session introduces the pleasure of painting as pure craft, experimenting with a variety of brush and wash techniques. YouÂ’ll create an imaginative winter landscape and experiment with colour to create your own small painting. Everything you need to know will be explained and demonstrated by Christine.

Through guided demonstrations and individual support, you will gain confidence in capturing the mood, light and character of a winter landscape using watercolour. The session encourages experimentation and enjoyment of the medium, making it ideal for both beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills.

For those interested in developing their practice further, this taster provides an introduction to Christine ForbesÂ’ range of watercolour short courses at West Dean College.

Course Materials

Included

  • Watercolours
  • paper
  • brushes
  • Palettes
  • pencils
  • Tape
  • Cups

What students need to bring

An apron

Available to buy

A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.

Timetable

This two-hour taster session will be held at our Craft Table in the Gardens Gatehouse. Please access via the Gardens entrance.

Start time: 10am Finish time: 12pm

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.

Courses of interest

Expressive watercolours

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Louisa Boyd |
Intermediate
£47

Introduction to watercolour painting

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Claire Chandler |
Beginners
£47

Persian and Indian miniature painting with gilding

20 to 23 Aug 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Vaishali Prazmari |
Suitable for all
£631

Watercolour painting influenced by Turner at Petworth House

11 to 14 Sep 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Brian Smith |
Intermediate/Advanced
£635
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.