Developing watercolour painting

What is the course about?

The course is ideal for those wishing to explore and develop a more diverse range of approaches in their watercolour painting. Responding through observation and to secondary sourced imagery, you will expand the possibilities to control and manipulate this water-based medium. Through exploring brush work, grounds and colour application you will develop your confidence to discover new pathways of process in planning watercolour painting.

What will we cover?

• Setting up a composition by developing underpainting techniques to describe form.
• Exploring and experimenting with layering techniques to construct an image.
• An in-depth focus on brush work and other ways to create textural marks.
• Advanced colour mixing, including the difference between opaque and transparent pigments.
• Exploring and discussing historical and contemporary context for artists who use watercolour approaches in their practice.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Combine different brush strokes and washes to create dynamic compositions.
• Utilise a more in-depth set of approaches using the medium of watercolour.
• Develop layering colour to describe light and depth.
• Recognise the approaches of selected artists who utilise a diverse approaches watercolour methods within their practice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Ideal for those with some basic experience watercolour using as a medium and wish to develop their painting skills further or completed one of our beginner courses e.g. Introduction to Watercolour Painting.
You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

• Studio-based practical tasks.
• Tutor demonstrations
• One to one guidance
• Group discussion

This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic materials and resources are provided as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any additional specialist materials such as their own brushes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may wish to follow on with ‘Contemporary Watercolour Painting Projects,’ one of the themed courses in watercolour or painting or courses in other media on the general programme. You may also wish to support your watercolour practices with courses from our drawing programmes.