Watercolours for beginners

What You’ll Learn Each Week

Week 1 – Getting Started with Watercolour

• Understanding materials: brushes, paper, paints

• How water affects pigment

• Flat washes, gradients, and basic control exercises

• Creating simple colour charts

Week 2 – Light & Transparency

• Layering techniques (wet-on-dry)

• Preserving whites and highlights

• Building depth with transparent washes

• Simple still life focusing on light

Week 3 – Wet-on-Wet & Soft Blends

• Controlling water for soft edges

• Creating atmospheric effects

• Blending colours naturally on the page

• Loose landscape or sky study

Week 4 – Colour Mixing & Harmony

• Mixing clean, vibrant colours

• Understanding warm vs cool tones

• Limited colour palettes

• Summer-inspired subject (flowers, fruits, or coastal tones)

Week 5 – Texture & Detail

• Dry brush, lifting, and mark-making techniques

• Adding finer details without overworking

• Combining loose and controlled techniques

• Developing a more refined piece

Week 6 – Final Painting & Composition

• Planning a complete composition

• Balancing light, colour, and detail

• Creating a finished summer-inspired painting

• Individual guidance and personal style development

Outcome

By the end of the course, you will:

• Feel confident using watercolour techniques

• Understand how to control water and pigment

• Create fresh, light-filled paintings

• Have completed a series of studies and a final piece