Learn to build up an image using watercolour, coloured inks, masking fluid and a variety of tools.

Day 1 will be spent exploring different kinds of mark, using these to build up an image using mark-making in pencil. Day 2 will involve monochrome mark-making in masking fluid and ink/watercolour. Day 3 will be an introduction to colour - building up an image using a limited palette of complementary colours. Day 4 will involve the creation of a large-scale final piece incorporating all of the above techniques.

You will learn 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.

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.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a large scale (A2) final piece.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including coloured inks, Indian ink and masking tape to share amongst the group, plus watercolour paper, masking fluid, a natural sponge and a wooden stylus per student.

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, and 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: 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