Art Practical: Ways into Watercolour - Experiments with Collage and Texture

This course will cover a variety of experimental approaches to working with watercolour to allow you to work in a more spontaneous and free way and help you avoid the literal.

It is suitable for beginners who want to have their first exposure to the fun elements of using watercolour as well as those with more experience who are looking for challenging ways to free up their marks and image making.

Some of the experimental approaches include using collage created from watercolour, making various pigment placers (e.g. clingwrap, tissue paper, polystyrene) and combining wax /salt or alcohol with watercolour processes and using spray bottles.

Whilst experimenting with the different textures made, we will look at different ways to interpret the subject and how to develop ideas, tell a story, or create something more decorative. Subjects can include natural forms, land, and seascapes as well as imagined spaces, abstract or personal themes.

Basic watercolour sets (12 pans) and hot/cold pressed paper A4 pads are provided. However, it is recommended you purchase and gather some of your own materials so you have more mastery and can personalise the experimental processes. Materials list will be given at the first session to help you with this.