Watercolour Painting - Urban Sketching and Landscapes - All Abilities

Course intent

In this course, you will learn all the fundamentals of urban sketching; from how to pick perfect locations, to unique pen work techniques, choosing and applying the right colours, simplifying your work, mastering perspective, drawing on paint, sketching from photos versus first hand, and so much more. Learn how to find inspiration around you and throw the rules of 'precision' out of the window to create energetic and expressive sketches that are packed with personality and mood. You'll learn how to play with perspective, apply distortion and add the subtle details that bring your pictures to vivid life.

Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment

What will we cover?

This exciting course will develop and challenge your Observational Sketching, pen and ink techniques and Watercolour Techniques. We will be working outside (weather permitting) in the local environment and then translating this in the studio.

You will gain an understanding of:

• Sketching Techniques
• Discovering a range of shorthand sketching techniques and mark making
• Using a variety of drawing media such as ink, pencil and brush pen
• Learn to observe and select and design your composition to engage an audience.
• Using ‘pops’ of colour and understanding focal points and leading eye
• Using colour wash as an abstract ground to drawing

Watercolour Painting Techniques:

• Using different brushes and brush techniques
• Working both ‘plein air’ and from our sketches and photos
• Exploring Watercolour Sketching Techniques and speed painting
• Techniques for working with light and contrast
• Mixing methods using colour theory. Exploring modern and traditional palettes
• Different layering techniques and washes
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner to complete the required Individual Learning Plan.

For courses of more than one session, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience. Every session will involve tailored individual support and targets.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

• Cartridge Paper Pad or Sketchbook: A4 size and at least 120gsm

• HB, 2B and 4B pencils
• Paper: Watercolour paper – Cold Press 300 gsm or similar, A4 or A3 size.
• A4 Cartridge paper pad
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round (with a point): 12/ 14 or larger (Recommend: Rosemary & Co Designer SER 344) and a dagger 1 inch plus a larger wash brush (Hake or ½” round Mop Brush)
• Paints: Artist’s Quality or Student watercolours in tubes or pans; (Artist’s Colours if you can afford them). Most are usually contained in a beginner’s set or can be bought separately. Suggested colours: Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Lemon Yellow, Burnt Umber. Yellow Ochre and Quinacridone Gold
• Large watercolour palette for mixing paint
• Fine Liner Pens/ Dipping pen, nib and ink.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The course will provide an opportunity to build a portfolio of work and there will be tips and ideas for showcasing your work and exhibiting and selling work. Learners may wish to progress on a more advanced course or one covering different painting materials in more depth. Learners may also wish to apply for membership of art groups or societies. There are opportunities to exhibit in regular learner-centred exhibitions where work can be sold and promoted

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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