Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour

Celebrate the glorious colours found in nature by working from observation of natural forms. You will be encouraged to respond to the subject expressively using paint and other colour media to create a number of studies and one or more finished pieces.
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  • Start Date: 27 Sep 2026
    End Date: 25 Oct 2026
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
    Course Code: VM901
    Tutors:  Sisetta Zappone
    Full fee £409.00 Senior fee £327.00 Concession £266.00
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In stock
SKU
246694
Full fee £409.00 Senior fee £327.00 Concession £266.00

What is the course about?

Learn to experiment with different drawing/painting materials to render nature in colour using pastels, gouache and watercolour. Following an introduction to colour theory, you will be encouraged to make quick sketches which can then be developed into more sustained, multi-layered, and textured images.

What will we cover?

• The use of different textured drawing papers and prepared textured surfaces for drawing /painting.
• The researching of natural objects - one session during the course will be off-site to a museum or a park
• How to explore and experiment with different mark-making and create textures with pastels, gouache, inks and watercolour.
• Introduction to colour mixing in different mediums.

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

  • Have a knowledge of different papers for drawing/painting and know how to prepare different surfaces for image-making.
  • Develop images from nature in a given time frame e.g. quick sketches or sustained studies.
  • Understand the potential of mark-making and colour mixing with pastels, inks, gouache and watercolour in relation to natural objects.
  • Use drawing/ painting materials more confidently.

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

All levels - for beginners and improvers. No experience is necessary.

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

  • Explanation and demonstration.
  • An off-site sketching visit.
  • Images of artists’ work where referenced as examples.
  • Practical work.
  • One-to-one discussion.
  • Informal group discussion.

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

You will need to bring a sketchbook, A4 or A3 for the off-site visit. All other basic materials will be provided.

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

You may wish to continue to develop your work in watercolour by enrolling on the courses below:

Developing watercolour painting, Watercolour painting: focus on still-life, Watercolour painting: urban landscapes, Watercolour painting: mixed-media techniques, Drawing into watercolour painting.

 

Sisetta Zappone

Sisetta studied at the Florence Fine Arts Academy, earning a first-class degree as a Master Printmaker. In 2011, she moved to London, developing her printmaking practice while teaching workshops for adults of all abilities in various communities. She teaches Botanical Drawing, Watercolour, Advanced Life Drawing, and Printmaking, inspiring students to expand their skills and explore innovative approaches. She promotes art as a global language, celebrating diverse artistic traditions. Sisetta’s work is exhibited internationally and held in public collections, including Italy and Morocco’s National Collections, the V&A, and the Museum of Graphic Arts in Pisa.

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.