Introduction to watercolour painting
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VM837
- Dates: 29/10/24 - 03/12/24
- Time: 10:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rebecca Allen
Course Code: VM837
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.
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.