Watercolour Painting - Drawing Into Watercolour - All Abilities

Course intent

You will learn the knowledge and skills needed to develop your keen observational skills and expand your range of techniques and design skills, gaining a deeper understanding of artistic processes through repetition whilst developing personal expression in both your drawing and watercolour painting.

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

What will we cover?

This course uses a fresh approach to learning. Ideally suited to those wanting to improve their observational skills for painting. We start by covering:

• fundamentals of basic drawing techniques - 3D forms, describing light and shade, tone, texture, pattern
• explore different drawing media and mood
• selecting pencil lead weights
• using different paper surfaces

The drawing part of the course will also cover important elements such as

• managing line weight
• understanding proportions, perspective, viewpoints, eyeline levels and scale
• shading techniques
• simplifying the photograph to work from
• working from first hand compared to second hand
• using light effectively

Throughout the course we will link our drawing techniques and use them in simple watercolour painting. Start at the very beginning and understand:

• the basics of colour mixing: both modern and traditional palettes
• selecting the correct brush for your work
• different brush techniques
• using 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 an Individual Learning Plan.

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

We will also integrate other drawing media, such as watercolour pencil, conte crayon, pen and ink and pastels.

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

Those who have attended either workshops or longer art courses.

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?

Materials for the First Lesson:

• HB, B and 2B pencils
• A4 Cartridge paper pad
• Soft rubber
• Black Fine Liner
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round pointed: 12 or larger (Recommend Rosemary & Co Designer range size 14 SER 344) and a flat brush 2 inch plus a larger wash brush.
• A pen holder and drawing nib
• Black Indian Ink (waterproof)

What can I do when I finish the course?

The course will provide an opportunity to build a portfolio of work. Learners may wish to progress on a more advanced course in drawing and watercolour painting or one covering different painting materials in more depth. Learners may also wish to apply for membership of art groups or societies

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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