Learn to observe winter plant forms closely, in their individual details and their broader gestural qualities. Beginning by looking at drawing, using both line and tone and composition, you will quickly move on to painting using watercolour as an expressive medium, rather than as a means of creating analytical botanical studies.

Watercolour is at once exciting, challenging and richly rewarding as a medium. You will be experimenting and immersing yourself within the possibilities of finding balance between using control and being playful. You will be inspired by a selection of cut seasonal plant forms and dried flowers, learning when to be precise and when to ‘let go’ into what happens.

Drawing, painting and being with flowers unveils a compelling world of colour and harmony, of transience and silence. By closely observing plant forms, discover how, as Sue Stuart-Smith writes:

“Beauty leaves a trace in the mind that somehow survives its passing” – Sue Stuart-Smith (Author of “The Well-Gardened Mind”)

By embracing the fluidity of watercolour, you may then work towards finding your individual way of expressing this and begin to forge an authentic artistic voice.

You will finish this course having created an individual body of drawn and painted studies, and by having explored ways in which a personal and evocative response to transient beauty may become expressed in your work.

Included

On this course, the College will supply most of the materials, including drawing paper, watercolour paper, watercolour paints, three brushes, masking tape, masking fluid pen, wax resist stick and plant forms.

What students need to bring

• A mop brush of your preferred size – your tutor recommends a size 6 approximately, e.g. Pro Arte Series 45 Sablesque blended mop brush

Optional:

• Your tutor favours the Loxley plastic folding palette if you would like to bring one along, otherwise a daisy palette will be provided for use during the course.
• Paints will be provided, but you may also bring any watercolour paints and brushes that you already have/use.

Available to buy

Available from shop: The shop stocks a good selection of art and craft materials, including a good variety of watercolour brushes, mop brushes with a 2 inch head, watercolour paints in tubes, pans and sets, watercolour paper, drawing paper and sketchbooks, drawing materials including charcoal, putty rubbers and fixative.

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
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

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