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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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/watercolour-painting-focus-on-nature-and-colour3030688Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colourhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/sisetta_zappone_-_developing_watercolour_painting_4_1.jpg409409GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Watercolour painting22851132191619281228511321916Celebrate 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.003030538Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/sisetta_zappone_-_developing_watercolour_painting_4_1_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-09-27T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM901409409Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour327266409Sisetta Zapponewatercolour-painting-focus-on-nature-and-colour/vm901-2627Celebrate 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.0000-Available|2026-09-27 00:00:00<p>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.</p>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.<p>• The use of different textured drawing papers and prepared textured surfaces for drawing /painting.<br/>• The researching of natural objects - one session during the course will be off-site to a museum or a park<br/>• How to explore and experiment with different mark-making and create textures with pastels, gouache, inks and watercolour.<br/>• Introduction to colour mixing in different mediums.</p><ul><li>Have a knowledge of different papers for drawing/painting and know how to prepare different surfaces for image-making.</li><li>Develop images from nature in a given time frame e.g. quick sketches or sustained studies.</li><li>Understand the potential of mark-making and colour mixing with pastels, inks, gouache and watercolour in relation to natural objects.</li><li>Use drawing/ painting materials more confidently.</li></ul><p>All levels - for beginners and improvers. No experience is necessary.</p><ul><li>Explanation and demonstration.</li><li>An off-site sketching visit.</li><li>Images of artists’ work where referenced as examples.</li><li>Practical work.</li><li>One-to-one discussion.</li><li>Informal group discussion.</li></ul>You will need to bring a sketchbook, A4 or A3 for the off-site visit. All other basic materials will be provided.<p>You may wish to continue to develop your work in watercolour by enrolling on the courses below:</p><p><em>Developing watercolour painting, </em><em>Watercolour painting: focus on still-life, Watercolour painting: urban landscapes, Watercolour painting: mixed-media techniques, Drawing into watercolour painting.</em></p><p> </p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual3067666Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/i/sisetta_zappone_-_developing_watercolour_painting_4_1_2.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027Art & designVH011409409Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour327266409Hilary Rosenwatercolour-painting-focus-on-nature-and-colour/vh011-2627Celebrate 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.0000-Available|2027-04-29 00:00:00<p>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.</p>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.<p>• The use of different textured drawing papers and prepared textured surfaces for drawing /painting.<br/>• The researching of natural objects - one session during the course will be off-site to a museum or a park<br/>• How to explore and experiment with different mark-making and create textures with pastels, gouache, inks and watercolour.<br/>• Introduction to colour mixing in different mediums.</p><ul><li>Have a knowledge of different papers for drawing/painting and know how to prepare different surfaces for image-making.</li><li>Develop images from nature in a given time frame e.g. quick sketches or sustained studies.</li><li>Understand the potential of mark-making and colour mixing with pastels, inks, gouache and watercolour in relation to natural objects.</li><li>Use drawing/ painting materials more confidently.</li></ul><p>All levels - for beginners and improvers. No experience is necessary.</p><ul><li>Explanation and demonstration.</li><li>An off-site sketching visit.</li><li>Images of artists’ work where referenced as examples.</li><li>Practical work.</li><li>One-to-one discussion.</li><li>Informal group discussion.</li></ul>You will need to bring a sketchbook, A4 or A3 for the off-site visit. All other basic materials will be provided.<p>You may wish to continue to develop your work in watercolour by enrolling on the courses below:</p><p><em>Developing watercolour painting, </em><em>Watercolour painting: focus on still-life, Watercolour painting: urban landscapes, Watercolour painting: mixed-media techniques, Drawing into watercolour painting.</em></p><p> </p>PaintingWatercolour paintingvirtual327409266VM901,VH011NONESun,Thu27/09/26 - 25/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekend,WeekdayKSKeeley StreetSisetta Zappone,Hilary RosenBeginners,Beginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-09-27T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026,Apr 2027Art & design409409Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colourwatercolour-painting-focus-on-nature-and-colour/vm901-2627,watercolour-painting-focus-on-nature-and-colour/vh011-2627Celebrate 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.0000-Available|2026-09-27 00:00:00<p>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.</p>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.<p>• The use of different textured drawing papers and prepared textured surfaces for drawing /painting.<br/>• The researching of natural objects - one session during the course will be off-site to a museum or a park<br/>• How to explore and experiment with different mark-making and create textures with pastels, gouache, inks and watercolour.<br/>• Introduction to colour mixing in different mediums.</p><ul><li>Have a knowledge of different papers for drawing/painting and know how to prepare different surfaces for image-making.</li><li>Develop images from nature in a given time frame e.g. quick sketches or sustained studies.</li><li>Understand the potential of mark-making and colour mixing with pastels, inks, gouache and watercolour in relation to natural objects.</li><li>Use drawing/ painting materials more confidently.</li></ul><p>All levels - for beginners and improvers. No experience is necessary.</p><ul><li>Explanation and demonstration.</li><li>An off-site sketching visit.</li><li>Images of artists’ work where referenced as examples.</li><li>Practical work.</li><li>One-to-one discussion.</li><li>Informal group discussion.</li></ul>You will need to bring a sketchbook, A4 or A3 for the off-site visit. All other basic materials will be provided.<p>You may wish to continue to develop your work in watercolour by enrolling on the courses below:</p><p><em>Developing watercolour painting, </em><em>Watercolour painting: focus on still-life, Watercolour painting: urban landscapes, Watercolour painting: mixed-media techniques, Drawing into watercolour painting.</em></p><p> </p>PaintingWatercolour paintingconfigurable
