Introduction to watercolour painting
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VM082
- Dates: 21/01/25 - 25/02/25
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Paul Dixon
Course Code: VM082
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This course introduces the basic techniques that will allow you to explore the fluid and transparent qualities of watercolour paint. By applying washes, using layers to build up a richness of colour and experimentation with brush work, you will gain confidence to explore the potential of this transient and fragile medium. You will take inspiration from a variety of artists who use watercolour in their practice, to expand your experience the medium.
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 gain an understanding on the applying colours of different hues and densities and explore how 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; Contemporary Watercolour Projects; Watercolour Painting Studio; Nature and Colour; Watercolour Painting Studio: Still life; Watercolour Painting Studio: Urban Landscapes; Watercolour Painting: Experimental Approaches; Watercolour Painting: Mixed Media Techniques.
Paul is an artist who works with drawing, painting and printmaking. He was educated at Jacob Kramer College of Art, Leeds, where he received an Art and Design Foundation certificate. Then after studying at Cyprus College of Art he completed a BA in painting at Winchester School of Art and later an MA certificate in painting at the Royal College of Art. As a tutor he has experience of delivering a wide variety of art courses, using an open-minded approach to teaching that supports learners, developing the skills they have, while offering demonstrations, guidance and advice that offer a basic grounding in drawing and painting. This attitude relates to his eclectic and varied approach to working. ‘What I enjoy about teaching, is the way that learners respond to projects in different ways, and witnessing the development of their work as a personal exploration. It shows a development of individual thoughts and sensations relating to ideas, and I think the purpose of teaching is to embrace and support this.’
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.