Watercolour painting studio: urban landscapes

What is the course about?

The course entails the following; the first session takes place in the studio at the City Lit where you will be introduced to basic watercolour skills and mark making; eg textures for painting outdoors. We then will spend each week at a location in central London painting different aspects of the urban environment.
For example, we will go to Embankment Gardens to focus on trees and architectural details. Another session will be based on the South Bank to be inspired by the River Thames and it’s bridges.
A full list of locations will be given to you at the start of the course.

What will we cover?

We will cover colour mixing both primary, secondary and tertiary colour mixing.
We will cover mark making to portray different skies, buildings, trees , leaves, water and bridges.
You will learn seven ways to make watercolour marks and textures relevant to the urban environment, for example, wet on wet or dry brush.
You will be introduced to atmospheric perspective and learn how to portray this in the paintings.

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

• have an understanding of how to mix specific colours to paint outdoors. For example, different green tones for leaves and textures for trees.
• use four to five different watercolour techniques to portray different aspects of the urban environment.
• portray the sense of atmospheric perspective with watercolour.
• For refresher students, you can start deconstructing the images of the urban landscapes to make abstract images or use just one watercolour technique ie dry brush to complete the image.

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

The course is aimed for refreshers or students who have had a minimum amount of watercolour experience. It would be useful to know one or two techniques. There will be some walking involved on the course and we will be outside except for the first day.

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

You will be taught by demonstration and discussion. There will be a brief introductory talk at the beginning of each session then group discussion to review homework and discuss the days topic. At the end of the session there will be a group discussion to review the work.
There will be homework set each week that is relevant to the teaching session to increase confidence and practice your skills in watercolour painting.

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

You will need to have a largish watercolour brush and some watercolours at home. There are some brushes and a small amount of paint to use in the classroom on the first day as well as watercolour paper.
Students will need to buy a watercolour pad A2/3 size for working outside. Advice will be given on purchasing products.

Need art supplies?
Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.

To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card 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/.
Other good websites to purchase relevant materials are Jacksons and Great Art.

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

Watercolour studio; Still Life.
Watercolour and mixed media course.
Drawing in the urban environment.
Watercolour painting Studio Personal Project
Watercolour painting Studio Nature and Colour.