Someone is painting blue watercolour onto a drawn picture of a lake and boat

About Watercolour Painting (VA83 Summer)

Discover watercolour painting as a practice for creative exploration. Give yourself permission to play, experiment and enjoy the unexpected whilst learning the various techniques required to create watercolour paintings.

What will you learn on this course?

Learn about materials and experiment with techniques to produce exciting watercolours.

You’ll discover techniques and inspirations to develop greater creativity and artistic confidence. The course will cover a range of topics including:

  • Watercolour techniques “wet on wet” and “wet on dry”
  • Creative brush mark-making
  • Spattering and masking
  • Combining watercolour with other media
  • Creating texture
  • Working with colour
  • Creating a sense of three dimensionality
  • Sources of inspiration

While teaching practical drawing and painting techniques, the course will focus on experimentation and inspiration. The emphasis is on building up a working knowledge of watercolour techniques.

The class will be taught through tutor demonstrations, exercises and discussion. As the course progresses and your confidence builds, individual projects will develop and you will be encouraged to work independently with one-to-one support from the tutor. Guidance will be tailored to your level of experience to help you achieve your personal aims.

On completion of this course, students will have produced a range of experiments or paintings and the beginnings of an artist’s portfolio. You will have gained new skills and confidence in watercolour painting.

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners who have no prior drawing experience, and improvers who are looking to refine their skills.

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.

Do you need to bring anything?

Basic art materials are provided but you may wish to bring your own specific materials and resources as the course develops.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs. All additional materials must be provided at the participant’s expense.

Who teaches this course?

Mike Martin

During the summer term, April 2025, this course may be affected by building work taking place at MAC. Participants will be notified in advance of any updates.

Dates and times

  • May – July 2025