Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.
What will we cover?
You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques. • Layer washes to mix colours. • Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques. • Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.
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.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: Developing watercolour; Drawing into watercolour painting; Watercolour painting studio: urban landscapes; Watercolour painting studio; nature and colour; Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques, Contemporary watercolour painting projects.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Hilary RosenSee moreSee less
Hilary Rosen is a born and bred artist both working and teaching in London. She graduated from Nottingham where she received her BA Hons in Fine followed by three years at the RCA where she achieved an MA from the RCA at the Painting School . Hilary has been painting and printmaking ever since and is based in a studio in Bethnal Green. Her work has regulary been exhibited in a gallery in Hamburg over the past 30 years, alongisde other exhibitions and shows both internationally and nationally including India, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and various locations in England. Her continuing practice has been complimented alongside her teaching, of which has taken place at City lit and other institutions as a visiting lecturer including UEL, Nottingham Trent and Middlesex University. Hilary's main teaching involvement at City lit is within the water colour courses but also teaches within other drawing and painting provisions. To see examples of both Hilary's work and her upcoming shows please visit Hilaryrosen.co.uk.
Anne-Marie FosterSee moreSee less
Anne-Marie studied Fine Art at Epsom School of Art & Design and Advanced Printmaking at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design. She has been working with printmaking, drawing, watercolour and mixed media since 1976 and has been involved in art education since 1987 at City Lit College of Adult Education, Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design, Bath Spa University School of Art & Design, Norwich School of Art & Design, Havering college of Further & Higher Education, V & A Museum Education department (printmaking workshops,) Morley College of Adult Education. Anne-Marie has exhibited nationally including the Hayward Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Battersea Arts Centre and internationally at Brooklyn Art Library USA, RAMOMA (Museum of Modern Art Nairobi Kenya,). Publications: Mandy Bonnell & Stephen Mumberson ‘Printmaking on a Budget’; Jane Stobbard ‘Drawing Matters’; Jackie Newell & Dee Whittington ‘Monoprinting’ Teaching forms an integral part of Anne-Marie’s art practice with both often acting as a stimulus for the other.
Lindsay PickettSee moreSee less
Lindsay is a graduate with an MA in Fine Art at the City and Guilds of London Art School. He teaches at various adult education providers within the areas of painting and drawing. At City Lit, Lindsay works with both beginners and those looking to develop technical skills within watercolour, oil and acrylic painting alongside drawing using ink and wash techniques. His own art work preoccupies with the isolation of the hybrid misfit. Such misfits are depictions of animal hybrids in a landscape, where they are rejected by their peers. Lindsay who has also experienced social rejection, has used this personal emotive to express the loneliness in his work with great panache.
Rebecca AllenSee moreSee less
After receiving a BFA degree from Kansas State University, Rebecca moved to New York and studied at the New York Studio School. There, she studied with a vast assortment of New York artists, many with ties to the abstract expressionist movement. The Studio School selected her as an exchangee student to study at the Slade School of Art in London for one year. Returning to New York, she received her MFA from Parsons School of Design. She has been teaching in London for over 20 years and created numerous courses, based on specific exhibitions and the permanent collection, at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Since 2010 she has been teaching at City Lit with courses including Life Drawing, Life Painting, Painting 2, Ways into Abstract Painting and many Watercolour courses. She has a background in figurative work, which has included observation, memory, and a love for tone and colour. More recent work is rooted in observation, yet more abstract in appearance, focusing on process and largely done using watercolour.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-watercolour-painting266172Introduction to watercolour paintinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Watercolour painting/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design22851132191619281360812285113219161653Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.84.72536378Introduction to watercolour painting299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894_10.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJun 2026Art & designVH372299299Introduction to watercolour painting239194299Adam Hennesseyintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vh372-2526Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p> </p><p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br><br>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br>• Tutor demonstrations<br>• One to one guidance<br>• Group discussion.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials. <br><br>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.<br><br>To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.<p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: Developing watercolour; Drawing into watercolour painting; Watercolour painting studio: urban landscapes; Watercolour painting studio; nature and colour; Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques, Contemporary watercolour painting projects.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual3030517Introduction to watercolour painting329329https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894_39.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM136329329Introduction to watercolour painting263214329Anne-Marie Fosterintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm136-2627Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br/>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br/>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br/>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br/><br/>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Group discussion.<p>Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.<br/> </p><p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of next-step watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: <em>Developing watercolour painting</em>, <em>Drawing into watercolour painting,</em> <em>Watercolour painting; focus on nature and colour</em>; <em>Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques</em>.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual3030526Introduction to watercolour painting359359https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894_40.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM781359359Introduction to watercolour painting287233359Lindsay Pickettintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm781-2627Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-09-19 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br/>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br/>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br/>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br/><br/>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Group discussion.<p>Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.<br/> </p><p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of next-step watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: <em>Developing watercolour painting</em>, <em>Drawing into watercolour painting,</em> <em>Watercolour painting; focus on nature and colour</em>; <em>Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques</em>.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual3030529Introduction to watercolour painting329329https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894_41.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-13T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Art & designVM837329329Introduction to watercolour painting263214329Rebecca Allenintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm837-2627Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-10-13 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br/>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br/>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br/>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br/><br/>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Group discussion.<p>Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.<br/> </p><p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of next-step watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: <em>Developing watercolour painting</em>, <em>Drawing into watercolour painting,</em> <em>Watercolour painting; focus on nature and colour</em>; <em>Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques</em>.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual3030535Introduction to watercolour painting329329https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm894_38.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-10T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM894329329Introduction to watercolour painting263214329Hilary Rosenintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm894-2627Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-09-10 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br/>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br/>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br/>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br/><br/>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Group discussion.<p>Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.<br/> </p><p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of next-step watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: <em>Developing watercolour painting</em>, <em>Drawing into watercolour painting,</em> <em>Watercolour painting; focus on nature and colour</em>; <em>Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques</em>.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual239,263,287299,329,359194,214,233VH372,VM136,VM781,VM837,VM894NONEThu,Mon,Sat,Tue04/06/26 - 09/07/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksEvening,DaytimeWeekday,WeekendKSKeeley StreetAdam Hennessey,Anne-Marie Foster,Lindsay Pickett,Rebecca Allen,Hilary RosenBeginners, Some experience,BeginnersAvailable courses2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-13T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-10T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026,Sep 2026,Oct 2026Art & design299299,329,359Introduction to watercolour paintingintroduction-to-watercolour-painting/vh372-2526,introduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm136-2627,introduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm781-2627,introduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm837-2627,introduction-to-watercolour-painting/vm894-2627Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>,<p>This course introduces the basic techniques and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying fluid washes and using layers to build up a richness of colour, you will expand your experience of the medium and gain confidence to explore and experiment with brush work. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, developing an awareness of their methods and techniques.</p><p> </p>Gain a grounding in the rich possibilities available when working with watercolour paint. Through a series of practical studies, you will investigate the potential of this versatile medium.<p> </p><p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>,<p>You will be guided through a series of practical tasks to explore wash and masking techniques for different effects within your painting. You will practise layering washes of different hues and densities to mix colours, and explore ways to create texture through a variety of approaches with brushwork.</p>• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.,• Apply basic wash and masking-out techniques.<br/>• Layer washes to mix colours.<br/>• Use a range of mark-making and brush techniques.<br/>• Identify watercolour methods and techniques used by selected practitioners.This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br><br>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.,This is a beginner’s course, ideal for those new to the medium of watercolour.<br/><br/>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.• Studio-based practical tasks.<br>• Tutor demonstrations<br>• One to one guidance<br>• Group discussion.,• Studio-based practical tasks.<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Group discussion.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials. <br><br>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.<br><br>To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.,<p>Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including watercolour paint, brushes and paper appropriate for the medium. Students are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.<br/> </p><p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: Developing watercolour; Drawing into watercolour painting; Watercolour painting studio: urban landscapes; Watercolour painting studio; nature and colour; Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques, Contemporary watercolour painting projects.</p>,<p>Do you want to develop your work further? City Lit has a range of next-step watercolour courses running throughout the year, including: <em>Developing watercolour painting</em>, <em>Drawing into watercolour painting,</em> <em>Watercolour painting; focus on nature and colour</em>; <em>Watercolour painting: mixed media techniques</em>.</p>PaintingWatercolour paintingconfigurable
