Introduction to watercolour painting

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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.
Choose a starting date

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.

7 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 17 May 2025
    End Date: 07 Jun 2025
    Last Spaces Left
    Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 16:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)
    Course Code: VM307
    Tutors:  Rebecca Allen
    Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00
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  • Start Date: 30 May 2025
    End Date: 04 Jul 2025
    Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: VM305
    Tutors:  Lindsay Pickett
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00
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  • Start Date: 16 Jun 2025
    End Date: 21 Jul 2025
    Mon (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: VM860
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00
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  • Start Date: 11 Sep 2025
    End Date: 16 Oct 2025
    Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)
    Course Code: VM894
    Tutors:  Hilary Rosen
    Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £194.00
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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.

Book your place
In stock
Only 5 left
SKU
230016
Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00

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.

Rebecca Allen See more See less
Lindsay Pickett See more See less
Anne-Marie Foster See more See less
Hilary Rosen See more See less

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.