Watercolour Painting (Online) - Stage 1

Course intent

This online course introduces you to the expressive and versatile world of watercolour painting. Through a series of structured, practical exercises and demonstrations, you will develop a solid understanding of watercolour as a medium. You will work closely with sketchbooks, photographs, and your own ideas to explore a wide range of techniques, building your skills week by week. The course concludes with a final personal project to showcase your progress and creativity.

You will have access to one-to-one support, the opportunity to engage in group discussions, and the chance to review and evaluate each other's work in a supportive, creative environment.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• Material Knowledge: Gain a solid understanding of the tools, materials, and techniques essential for watercolour painting. Learn how to prepare and use equipment effectively and with confidence.
• Design Techniques: Explore how to work from photographs while understanding copyright considerations. Study the work of other artists to inspire your own creative approach.
• Production Process: Learn a range of watercolour techniques including brush handling, layering, and mixing washes. Develop your painting step-by-step through structured weekly projects.
• Craftsmanship: Express your personal style through guided practice, demonstrations, and creative experimentation. Improve precision, control, and confidence in your technique.
• Online Studio Practice: Work in a safe environment, following best practices for tool safety and maintaining an organized and efficient workspace.

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

  Stage 1 - This stage is for learners who are new to their chosen subject area. With the focus on introducing individuals to basic materials, tools, and techniques, and to inspire confidence in creative expression.

This course will be delivered through live online sessions using Zoom.

To fully participate in this course, you will need:

• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop /tablet with a fully updated browser (preferably Google Chrome), microphone and webcam.

Once enrolled on this course you will receive detailed instructions for taking part online.

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

This course will be using ZOOM for Education.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring:

• A notepad and pen
• An A4 or A3 watercolour pad (300 gsm - cold press/rough)
• Sketch pad/book
• Pencils 2H, HB, 2B, 4
• A rubber and sharpener
• A set of watercolour paints (tubes and/or pans)
• A set of watercolour brushes: small and larger round and flat brushes
• White permanent Gouache (Winsor Newton)
• A watercolour palette for mixing paint.
• Masking tape
• Small natural sponge
• Toothbrush
• Clingfilm and tissue
• 2 jars for water

For the Zoom lesson: you will need access to a computer/laptop/tablet with a reliable internet connection, working microphone, and webcam. If you struggle to read printed text on a screen, you may find it beneficial to have access to a printer to make your own hard copies of resources.

If you have any queries, please email the tutor at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to enrol onto a Stage 2 course or other Arts & Crafts courses at SAL.

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.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion 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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