About this course
This course is designed for complete beginners, nervous beginners, or those returning to art who want to learn watercolour properly from the beginning. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the essential techniques needed to paint with more confidence, control and enjoyment.
Watercolour can feel unpredictable at first, but with the right guidance it becomes a wonderfully expressive and relaxing medium. Across the course, you’ll learn how to control water, mix colours, create washes, build layers, and develop simple studies into finished paintings.
Each session includes clear tutor demonstrations, guided exercises and individual support, allowing you to learn at your own pace in a calm and friendly studio environment.
What you’ll learn
- How to use watercolour paints, brushes and paper correctly
- Understanding water control and paint consistency
- Creating flat washes, graded washes and wet-on-wet effects
- Colour mixing and creating simple palettes
- Layering watercolour without overworking your painting
- Using tone, light and shadow to create depth
- Painting simple natural forms, still life and landscape-inspired studies
- Building confidence towards a finished watercolour painting
Week by week
- Week 1
Introduction to Watercolour
Get to know your materials and learn how watercolour behaves. Explore water control, brush handling, paint consistency and simple mark-making exercises.
- Week 2
Washes & Water Control
Learn essential wash techniques including flat washes, graded washes and wet-on-wet effects. Discover how to create soft transitions and fresh, flowing colour.
- Week 3
Colour Mixing & Simple Palettes
Explore how to mix colours confidently, create harmonious palettes and avoid muddy colours. You’ll learn how to use colour to create mood and atmosphere.
- Week 4
Layering, Tone & Depth
Learn how to build up transparent layers, create darker tones and add depth while keeping your painting fresh and light.
- Week 5
Painting from Observation & Reference
Use your new techniques to create simple studies inspired by flowers, natural forms, still life or landscape references. Focus on composition, colour and gentle detail.
- Week 6
Final Watercolour Painting
Bring everything together in a finished watercolour artwork, with support on planning, colour choices, layering and final details.
Who is it for?
- Complete beginners
- Adults who have always wanted to try watercolour
- Nervous beginners who want step-by-step guidance
- Those returning to art after a break
- Students who want to build confidence before joining an ongoing art class
- Anyone looking for a calm, creative weekly escape
What’s included
- All materials and equipment provided
- Step-by-step tutor demonstrations
- Guided watercolour exercises
- Individual feedback and support
- Small group teaching
- Watercolour studies and a finished artwork to take home
By the end of the course, you’ll understand the foundations of watercolour painting and feel more confident using washes, colour, layering and brush techniques in your own artwork.
From our classes
FAQs
Do I need any experience?
No – this course is designed for complete beginners, nervous beginners and anyone returning to art after a break.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. All materials and equipment are included.
How big are the classes?
We keep class sizes small so there’s plenty of one-to-one guidance and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Places are limited.
What comes next?
When you finish, you can carry on with Developing Your Watercolour – Level 2.
What if I need to cancel?
Your deposit is non-refundable if you cancel. We're not able to offer free transfers to a different date or course.
