Watercolour - A Guide to Watercolour Painting - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

A Guide to Watercolour will build your skills by teaching beginners the basic skills needed to get started and for returning learners and improvers, how to extend and refine skills by showing and explaining how to use different materials and techniques. Build up your confidence and knowledge in this welcoming and friendly class.

What will we cover?

You will gain a good knowledge and solid grounding in the use of the materials and equipment used in watercolour painting. You will be shown the techniques and processes used in watercolour painting including mixing various washes; using dry brush techniques and you will develop a variety of brush handling techniques. You will be able to record techniques and experiments with colour in your sketchbook to enable you to progress in your watercolour painting.

We will work from photographs, found images or direct observation. You will be introduced to artists who used watercolour in their work and learn about different styles and approaches.

You will gain confidence in using materials, be encouraged to take part in group discussions and receive one to one support from your tutor.

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 all abilities including beginners and those with experience of watercolour painting. Classes are planned so that beginners get a good grounding in watercolour and those with more experience are able to refine their skills.

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

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 further watercolour courses with him, or in other media with other tutors. You could also attend workshops with a particular focus on skills or subject that would develop your skills further with SAL. You may wish to submit your work for competitions or join a local arts society. Your 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.

Find another course

If this isn't what you're looking for, then we've got plenty more courses to offer!