Learn to build up a tonal image from complementary colours using watercolour, masking fluid, and a variety of tools.

The morning of the course will be spent learning about complementary colours and experimenting with blending, layering and mark-making to create tone and texture. Tonal exercises will include watercolour applied with brushes or sponges. Mark-making tools for the application of masking fluid may include skewers, toothpicks, toothbrushes, cotton buds and old brushes.

In the afternoon you will apply the techniques practised to produce a tonal painting based on a black and white image of your choosing. Images chosen should incorporate a variety of tones and textures. Alternatives will be provided by the tutor.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials including watercolour paper, masking fluid, masking tape, watercolour sponges and skewers (for applying masking fluid).

What students need to bring

• An image or images to work from printed on A4 or A3 paper in black and white.
• Images may include portraits, landscape, still life, animals or figures, architecture and should incorporate a range of tones and textures. Your tutor will supply some alternative images
• A small set of watercolour paints with a red, yellow and blue and black.
• A selection of paintbrushes of various sizes – 0 detail brushes, wide flats for applying washes, round brushes up to size 8
• Pencils and sharpeners
• A hard (as opposed to putty) rubber
• An apron
• Mark making tools including old (unwanted) brushes, toothbrushes, cotton buds, toothpicks

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