Watercolour Painting - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

This course will establish a range of basic methods of watercolour painting through the use of photographs, found images or direct observation. It will also act as an introduction to the history and context of the medium.

What will we cover?

You will gain a basic knowledge of the materials and equipment used in watercolour painting and establish the techniques and processes used: such as mixing and laying various washes, using dry brush techniques and develop a variety of brush handling techniques.

You will gain confidence with one-to-one support from your tutor and be encouraged to take part in group discussions.

You will be able to record techniques and experiments with colour in your sketchbook to enable you to progress in your watercolour painting.

You will find you make the most progress if you attend every 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 beginner and improvers. If you have any queries, please email the tutor on adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

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

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?

A sketchbook for planning and recording techniques

Suggested basic equipment:

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

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto courses in other media and attend workshops on specific topics with SAL. You tutor can advise you about further external courses of study.

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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