Watercolour Painting - All Abilities

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 range processes whilst developing personal expression in your watercolour painting. This exciting course will develop and challenge your learning in Watercolour Techniques. A unique course which introduces a foundation of watercolour techniques then builds a range of specialist watercolour painting techniques applying them to both class themes and your chosen subject area.

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

You will learn with Rose Bramwell, who has 30 years’ experience teaching Art. She works as an editorial illustrator and visualisation illustrator for local architects as well as exhibiting in local galleries and art fairs. Rose also has work in many private collections. Life Drawing, Drawing and Mixed Media and Art History are also part of Rose’s broader practice

What will we cover?

• using different brushes and brush techniques

• Different brush and pen holds and the impact on your work
• Working from photographs creatively
• Using artists to inform your work
• Techniques for working with light and contrast
• Understanding mark making to create texture, pattern and depth
• Techniques for watercolour mixing using colour theory
• Different layering techniques and washes
• Speed painting and watercolour sketching
• Using ‘additives’ in watercolour painting
• Understanding of modern versus traditional palettes
• 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?

Suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience.

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:

• Paper: Watercolour paper –Cold Press 300 gsm or similar, A4 or A3 size.
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round pointed: 12 /14 (Recommend Rosemary & Co Designer SER 344) and a dagger 1 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, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Red, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson and Quinacridone Gold, Phthalo Blue, Burnt sienna
• Large Watercolour palette for mixing paint
• HB, B pencils
• Tissues and/or cotton rags
• Small notebook or sketchbook/ journal (suggested A4/A5). We will use this alongside the course.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The course will provide an opportunity to build a portfolio of work and there will be tips and ideas for showcasing your work and exhibiting and selling work. Learners may wish to progress on a more advanced course or one covering different painting materials in more depth. Learners may also wish to apply for membership of art groups or societies. There are opportunities to exhibit in regular learner-centred exhibitions where work can be sold and promoted

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.

Sessions are designed to inspire you and help build confidence and skills in watercolour. Individual goals are supported so if you have a personal project that you would like to explore, let me know and we can design a pathway for you to do that.

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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