Watercolour Painting - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience of watercolour painting you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to develop and expand your range of techniques and design skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse range of processes whilst developing personal expression in your watercolour painting.

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

What will we cover?

The course will establish a range of basic methods of watercolour painting through the use of sketchbook, photographs, found images or direct observation. You will learn:

• The correct use of watercolour painting tools and paper including brush holds
• Watercolour techniques, both traditional and modern
• Distinguish the use of tone and ‘lighter darks’
• Mix colour including both traditional and modern palettes.
• Composition: Leading eye, focus and ‘lost & found’
• Perspective: Eyeline levels, focal points and establishing different viewpoints
• Creating texture
• The different tools, papers and materials used in watercolour painting
• 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?

Beginners and Improvers level. For those who are starting out, or who need a refresher and those who are becoming more confident in their skills and wish to refine them.

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?

For the first session:

• a pad of A4 cartridge paper
• soft grade of pencils (HB, 2B, and 4B)
• soft rubber and sharpener
• bring whatever watercolour materials you may already have purchased

Materials and resources you will need through the course will be discussed at induction.

As a guide a suggested list is below:

• Paper: Watercolour paper – Bockingford 300 gsm or similar, A4 or A3 size.
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round: 8 & 12 and 14 and a flat brush 2 inch plus a larger wash brush (Hake or ½” round Mop Brush)
• Paints: Artist’s Quality in tubes or pans. Most are usually contained in a beginner’s set or can be bought separately. Suggested colours: Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Phthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Red, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt sienna
• Large Watercolour palette for mixing paint
• Tissues and/or cotton rags
• Small notebook or sketchbook/ journal (suggested A4/A5)

If you have any queries, please email the tutor at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

Your tutor can advise you, but you could continue onto a Watercolour class for Improvers, or you may like to progress onto accredited courses or prepare for exhibition or submit work to competitions

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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