Watercolour Painting - Focus on Techniques - All Abilities

Course intent

With tutor demonstrations of techniques which will help you discover and develop your abilities this course will establish a range of basic to more refined methods of watercolour painting and drawing using photographs, found images or direct observation. It will also introduce you to the history and context of the medium. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment

What will we cover?

• Drawing skills and techniques

• Watercolour techniques
• Mixing washes
• Brush handling techniques
• Tone
• Colour mixing
• Composition
• Creating texture
• The different tools, papers and materials used in watercolour painting.

You will gain confidence in using materials, be encouraged to take part in group discussions and have one to one support from your tutor. The overall aim is to help you develop the skills that will enable personal expression through a mixture of practice, recording in your sketchbook, discussion and demonstration of techniques.

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?

All abilities are welcome.

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?

Suggested basic equipment:

• A sketchbook for planning and recording techniques
• Paper: Watercolour paper – Bockingford 140lb. (300 gsm) or similar.
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round: 2, 6 and 8 or larger and a flat: ¾ or 1”
• Paints: 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.
• Gummed brown paper strip 1½ of 2”
• Watercolour palette for mixing paint
• F, HB, B pencils
• Tissues and/or cotton rags
• Small natural sponge
• Bring whatever watercolour materials you may already own

Please ask for advice from your tutor if you are not sure what to buy by emailing: william.lawrence@surreycc.gov.uk

You will need to complete some course documentation to help assess your progress

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor you may like to progress onto a course covering different painting materials in more depth. The course will provide an opportunity to build a portfolio of pictures. Learners may also wish to apply for membership of art groups or societies. Further courses are offered by Surrey Adult Learning, including Saturday Watercolour and Drawing workshops

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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