Tulips provide a wonderful opportunity to study botanical painting, exploring watercolour techniques whilst at the same time getting to grips with the rigours of observational drawing. During this course you will be guided through tips to simplify drawing to help get a faithful representation of what you see, essential to botanical painting.

At the same time, and importantly, there will be the opportunity to discover the potential of watercolours to create a rich, glowing and vibrant palette, associated with the beauty of tulips. Simple colour theory will be examined, starting with a limited palette. Through this, you should be able to understand the effect of a strong directional light to create a good three-dimensional interpretation so the tulip looks as if it could be plucked from the page. It will also be an opportunity to understand how the light affects colours and how to interpret this through demonstrations.

Techniques will be discussed and demonstrated, including tips for good composition. Through exercises on a worksheet, you will be able to experiment with ideas before committing them to your final study painting.

The course will follow a step-by-step process, which makes this suitable for those new to the subject. At the same time you will be encouraged to work at your own pace, as individual guidance will be given to suit the more experienced botanical artist. You will also have the opportunity to look at botanical painting references, both contemporary and historical, for inspiration, analysing what makes a successful composition – or otherwise.

At the end of the course, you may not have completed your painting, but you will leave with plenty of exercises, ideas on your worksheet and course notes to enable you to finish your painting at home.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including two sheets of A3 hot-pressed watercolour paper, one A4 sheet of tracing paper, two A4 sheets of smooth cartridge paper, one no. 3 watercolour paint brush, plus three tubes of watercolour paint (French ultramarine, Permanent Rose and Lemon Yellow) to be shared by the group.

What students need to bring

• HB pencil
• Ruler
• Putty rubber and plastic eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• White china watercolour palette - a white saucer or plate will do
• Magnifying glass (not essential)
• A pair of dividers (not essential - only if you already have them)
• Any watercolour paints you might have
• Any watercolour paint brushes you might have
• Do bring any references you might have or any previous work

Available to buy

Available from shop: Additional watercolour paints, watercolour paintbrushes, hot pressed watercolour paper (Bockingford/Fabriano or Arches), tracing paper, cartridge paper, pencils, erasers, rulers

Additional information

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

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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