These courses cover all the joys (and frustrations!) of working with this lively and serendipitous medium. Suitable for those who have already love watercolour paints or have been on the ‘Learn to Paint with Acrylics Course’, we start by looking at the materials needed and why pigments matter. Then we will look at techniques and methods from simple laying of washes and colour mixing, to working wet-in-wet, reserving highlights, lifting out, dry brush techniques and using additional materials such as clingfilm, salt and wax to create some dynamic effects. The introduction of pen and ink brings structure to a painting… but which comes first, pen or wash?
NEXT COURSE: Please contact Kate if you are interested in either Watercolour Techniques or Watercolours with Pen & Ink courses in 2025 as the Watercolour Techniques course is currently running until 29th October.
COST: £295 for 6 classes at Storrington Village Hall, 59 West Street, Storrington, RH20 4DZ includes teas, coffees and homemade cake.
Brief Course Outline
Week 1 - Introduction to watercolour paints, brushes, papers, palettes and additional materials. Discuss the challenges of painting with watercolours. Draw or paint a tonal scene.
Week 2 - Understanding pigments; colour theory, transparency and colour mixing.
Week 3 - Application of paint: techniques of wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, flat, graded and variegated washes. Get to know the marks your brushes make.
Week 4 - Elements in composition - planning your paintings for tonal balance and plan the order of your work.
Week 5 - Correcting mistakes, lifting out, scratching highlights and solving problems.
Week 6 - Using clingfilm, wax, salt and spattering for texture and other effects.
Materials List
Bring with you any painting materials you may have as in the first lesson we will be looking at everything you might need for the course. However, if you would like to buy some things beforehand I recommend purchasing artist quality watercolour paints in tubes or pans*; watercolour paper (I recommend cold-pressed or ‘not’ paper over 250gsm either single sheets or in a pad preferably with gummed edges); a white palette in plastic or china, or an old plate; a selection of brushes in a variety of sizes (round brushes that come to a point are ideal, plus a flat for large washes and maybe a pointer or rigger for detail**); an adjustable table easel or board which can be laid flat and easily tilted; two water jars; masking tape; kitchen towel; pencil and eraser; drawing pens; pictures for inspiration; olive soap. Optional: natural sponge; cotton buds; toothbrush; water soluble pencils; craft knife or scalpel; masking fluid; silicon shaper; wax candle or oil pastels; salt; clingfilm; water spray bottle.
* When buying paints it is always prudent to buy from quality manufacturers as cheap, student quality paints will not contain the high pigment values that give vibrancy to your work. It is better to choose a few decent quality paints and mix the colours you need, rather than a large selection of colours you will never use. Basic colours should include a warm and cool version of each of the three primaries ie. Vermillion or Pyrrol Scarlet, Rose Madder, New Gamboge or Hansa Yellow, Lemon Yellow, French Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue, plus Payne's Gray or Neutral Tint. You may also wish to add Viridian, Dioxazine Purple and Orange plus some of the earth colours like Raw Umber, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna. You are unlikely to need black or white although some sets include them.
** It is worth investing in at least one quality round brush. Rosemary & Co. do a Red Dot range that mimic the properties of Kolinsky sables that are considerably cheaper and animal friendly. If you look after your brushes they will last you for years and will be a joy to paint with. I use cheap nylon brushes for mixing my paint colours to reserve the points on my lovely rounds! I sometimes have some brushes for sale so please enquire.
“Kate adapted the course well for use in Zoom. Informative, technical course with something new for everyone to learn. Very enjoyable.”
“This is an extremely helpful course for anyone interested in watercolours and different techniques.”
“Kate’s ease with people and confidence with the medium made for a perfect blend. I enjoyed it all thoroughly!”
“Watercolour is very difficult, don’t be fooled, but quite often the results are very rewarding!”
“Kate inspires you to paint even if you don’t feel confident - the courses are friendly and instructive and her cakes are beautiful.”
Student Galleries & Comments
Click on an image to enlarge and flick through the gallery
“You see and try out lots of different techniques, get some really interesting effects and the confidence to experiment.”
“As always, Kate has come up trumps with a brilliant course - lots of info, lots of techniques and lots of fun!”
“This watercolour course is very comprehensive and covers the basics for anyone who wants to try this difficult medium.”
“An excellent course, very informative and confidence-building!”
“Friendly atmosphere.”
“Anyone wishing to get to grips with watercolour media should try this course.”
“Another excellent course. I was a complete beginner one year ago, but now I have the confidence to paint thanks to Kate’s tuition.”
“As usual, Kate gave clear, well-demonstrated and inspiring instruction and very supportive encouragement whatever your level of production.”
“Anyone wishing to do watercolours, do try this course - lots of ideas.”
“As a complete beginner with watercolour i found this course excellent - learned various techniques and had the opportunity to try them out. Kate is a fantastic teacher.”
“A great introduction to watercolour painting - everyone should try it!”
“An inspiration to the faint-hearted.”
“Always enjoyable.”
“Another of Kate’s amazing art courses. she gives you the confidence to produce pictures and explore your own style.”
“As always, Kate has put together yet another brilliant course. Her encouragement and enthusiasm ensures we all have a lot of fun.”
“Kate is a genius when it comes to watercolours. She has so much knowledge and so many different techniques to share. I was virtually a complete beginner on this course and worried it would all be too hard for me, but Kate takes you through all the steps in a simple and easy-to-follow way. I learnt so much in such a short space of time and look forward to continuing my painting.”
“Kate’s friendly and encouraging, yet professional style makes these courses a joy to experience.”
“Kate’s Zoom course was very enjoyable, clear and informative. She’s always cheerful and encouraging.”
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