Watercolours One Day course Sunday 2 August

Morning Session 10am-12.30pm

In the morning, we’ll begin with a series of small observational sketches, taking time to really look at the arrangement in front of us. We’ll focus on the spacing between objects, tonal shifts, light, and overall balance — building an understanding of how the composition sits together as a whole, perspective, negative spacing and shaping. We’ll explore how to simplify what we see and translate it into a strong, considered composition. You’ll learn how to prepare your paper, map out your drawing, and mix a thoughtful, harmonious palette.

Working in transparent layers, we’ll explore how watercolour can be built gradually — allowing light to pass through each wash and reflect back from the paper. Sophie will guide you through colour mixing and how to create subtle tonal shifts, helping you to notice the quiet interplay of warm and cool, light and shadow that gives a still life its sense of presence.

Lunch 12.30-1.30pm

Enjoy lunch at the Farmer’s Market, with time to find visual inspiration in the colours, textures, and atmosphere of the market.

Afternoon Session 1.30pm-4pm

In the afternoon session, we’ll deepen our paintings through layering, developing richness, contrast and clarity while still preserving the translucency that watercolour offers. You’ll explore how to build form by gradually building up tonal washes,, and how to let the medium do the work. The focus will be on creating paintings that feel both structured and fluid, where edges soften, colours bloom, and light remains at the heart of the work.