Introduction to Watercolours

Watercolour is a medium of great subtlety and power!

This condensed 4-week course offers insights into the techniques of this beautiful form of expression. Learn the basics of working with watercolours including the use of watercolour pencils, colour mixing, brushes and paper choices and undertake various exercises to become comfortable with the medium. Embrace a variety of subject matter from still life to landscape and portraiture using a loose style that utilises the transparency and fluidity of the watercolour medium. 

Course Breakdown

Week 1: students focus on dry application techniques using a toucan as their subject matter. They explore the medium of watercolours, work with vibrant colours, and use light and shadow to define forms. Students also work on a simple landscape or grove of trees, building up depth and layering paint.

Week 2: Continue with dry application techniques, this time using shells as the subject matter. Students concentrate on exploring tones of colour and shading using watercolours and pen.

Week 3: shifts to wet application techniques, where students paint a cat, a still life, and a Tuscan landscape. Students learn to control the paint on wet paper, a key aspect of wet application techniques.

Week 4: continues with wet application techniques, focusing on creating images of Venice with suggestions of atmosphere and using smaller brushes to define detail. Students also work on a maritime scene, mixing and diluting colour to create different effects.

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of watercolour techniques and materials, as well as hands-on practice and skill development through various projects.

Term Dates

Term 4 runs from Friday 15 November to Friday 6 December

2025 Term Dates

Term 1 runs from Friday 7 March to Fridaay 28 March

Term 2 runs from Friday 30 May to Friday 20 June

Term 3 runs from Friday 22 August to Friday 12 September 

Term 4 runs from Friday 14 November to Friday 5 December

 Outcomes  

By the end of the course, students will likely have gained a solid understanding of watercolour painting techniques and materials, developed their skills in creating watercolour paintings, learned how to create a range of visual effects with watercolours, and have the ability to create original watercolour works with their own personal style. 

Materials List

• Watercolours in a tray format
• Watercolour pencils and paints
• Watercolour paper or cartridge paper (150 grams or more)
• HB pencils
• Watercolour brushes (standard sizes)

If you join any of our creative courses, you will receive a 10% discount off full-priced items at Eckersley’s Art & Craft. Discount applies on presentation of course receipt. Stores included are Eckersley’s Chatswood & St. Leonards.

Testimonials

"I enjoyed Richard’s watercolor workshop. As a novice I found his teaching methods easy to follow and he was very patient."

"This was a course that was hands on and allowed me to try different techniques for watercolours. It was a fun course, the teacher made you relaxed and comfortable to try everything."

"Enjoyed watercolour course. Excellent tutor and great variety of images to tackle. Liked demo approach each time and follow-up."

"Had a wonderful time at the Introduction to Watercolour class. Richard was informative and a lot of fun! I will definitely be looking at joining one of his long running classes to learn a lot more."