Watercolour - Painting Your Local Landscape (3 Days) [SSK]

Course intent

Develop your creativity and personal expression through this fresh approach to drawing into watercolour course. Learn to observe your local landscape as an artist, building reference material in a more creative way. Use observational and exploratory drawing, watercolour sketching and ideas and influence from other artists. We will use a range of specialist techniques designed to upgrade both your drawing and painting but also cover and build basic watercolour techniques. You will also benefit from a bespoke worksheets designed by Rose and contextual material linked to the course.

What will we cover?

This exciting three-day course will develop and challenge your learning. The course introduces a foundation of exploratory observational drawing techniques based on your local landscape. You will learn to use photos creatively as reference, adapting new drawing practices and enhancing your observational skills, and personal creativity. You will then use your observational drawing to inform your watercolour, developing specific watercolour techniques for a successful painting.

You will learn to build a range of drawing and watercolour techniques specific to rendering form, tone, textures and seasonal mood and light. Developing skills in using the larger brush, different brush techniques and learning to work with light and tone are important. You will also learn how to use mark making from your drawing to inform your watercolour, building an understanding of mixing paint using specific seasonal colours. During the course you will gain confidence to push processes, challenge yourself, take risks and move your practice forward. Learning to select from second-hand references will be important. We will also be looking at the wider context of both historical and contemporary watercolour artist’s techniques to help inform our ideas and watercolour techniques.

You will be encouraged to take part in group discussions and build your confidence within the group. There will also be one to one support to help with individual goals and targets.

The overall aim of the course is to help you learn, build skill and develop your practice through a sharing of ideas, practical work, discussion and regular tutor demonstrations.

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

Suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience. There is an emphasis on tailored individual support and targets.

For adults aged 18 years or older.

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:

• A4/A3 cartridge paper pad
• 2B and HB pencil
• Fine liner pens, various sizes
• Ink pen holder and nib and waterproof ink
• Putty rubber
• Waterproof fine liner black pen and if possible, a dip pen and drawing ink
• Paper: Watercolour paper – Bockingford 300 gsm or similar, A4 or A3 size.
• A3 Cartridge paper approx. 250 gsm for worksheet experiments
• Brushes: Synthetic or synthetic/hair mixtures, Round: 12 & 14 or larger and a flat brush 2 inch plus a larger wash brush (Hake or ½” round Mop Brush), ½ inch Dagger brush (not essential)
• 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, Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Gold (not essential)
• Watercolour palette for mixing paint
• Tissues and/or cotton rags
• Small natural sponge
• Small notebook (suggested A4/A5)

If possible- printed own photos of local landscape where you live.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The course will provide an opportunity to build a small portfolio of work. Learners may wish to progress on a more advanced course or one covering different painting materials in more depth in the Autumn term. 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

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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