Each week in this ongoing class, we will create a different watercolour illustration in order to build a range of painting skills. I am a qualified art teacher with over 14 years experience and I love to help students develop their abilities! All my exercises are tried and tested and have helped thousands of children and adults to improve their art skills.

Weekly paintings will cover different watercolour techniques including wet on wet, wet on dry, dry brush etc. Using a second camera showing my live demonstration I will walk learners through the process. (We will sometimes do the picture twice in class so that one can dry while we work on the other.) We'll begin by creating a simple pencil drawing together before adding colour in stages. I will explain everything learners need to know about colour mixing, paint application and more. Over the weeks, we will experiment with a range of fun ways to create different textures and effects. Students will be able to ask questions and then follow along with me while I give encouraging feedback and tips for progressing further. Each week will be a standalone exercise and after about 40 different paintings the class topics will repeat to give everyone a chance to cover popular subjects. 

Over a few sessions, participants will learn how to handle the brush and the characteristics of the watercolour medium. Where possible, I always try to include some "freestyle" time towards the end of the lesson, where learners are free to finish their paintings in whichever way they like, for example adding a background or more detail. In this way they can use their imaginations to make their watercolours unique to them!

No experience is necessary and this class is very suitable for beginner artists as I will explain everything, giving time for learners to work. During my classes, there are lots of opportunities for English conversation while learners complete each step of the painting or we wait for a section to dry. I have a friendly, chatty style of teaching and for this reason I encourage learners to unmute and engage with me and each other. In this way, lots of my learners have become friends and enjoy catching up each week!

Learners will need: (amazon link in supplies section for guidance plus a video from me on enrolment!)
- Supply of thick watercolour paper, such as a small watercolour sketchbook 
- Soft, pointed brushes (one small and one slightly larger)
- Starter set of watercolours: either solid watercolours in a tin (OR watercolour tubes) 
- Plate or palette to mix colours
- Jars/cup for water
- Kitchen towel/ tissues
- Sharp pencil (ideally a light pencil like 2H or similar)
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener 
- White wax crayon/oil pastel or candle (for wax resist technique)