You will use mark-making techniques with a variety of tools to apply masking fluid to paper creating an under drawing, which you will then work over with successive washes of watercolour, masking fluid and, ultimately, ink to develop a tonal drawing.

The morning of the course will be spent building up mark-making and tonal exercises to become familiar with the materials. Mark-making tools for the application of masking fluid may include skewers, cotton buds, old brushes, and toothbrushes. Tonal exercises will include a combination of ink and watercolour applied with brushes and sponges.

In the afternoon, you will apply the techniques practised to produce a monochrome drawing of a reflection in water, incorporating a range of tones and textures.

Included

The College will provide watercolour paper, a watercolour sponge per student, and some masking fluid, Indian ink and black watercolour paint to share amongst the group.

All necessary equipment will be provided for use on the course.

What students need to bring

• A pencil and sharpener
• A hard (as opposed to putty) rubber
• A small bottle of masking fluid (optional extra – some will be provided)
• A photographic reference of a reflection in water, printed in black and white. For example, trees reflected in water, buildings, boats, etc. Some backup images will be supplied by tutor.
• Tools for mark-making in masking fluid – these may include toothbrushes, old (unwanted) brushes, cotton buds, skewers, wooden stylus sticks
• Paintbrushes of varying sizes - 0 detail brushes, wide flats for applying washes, round brushes up to size 8

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions