Learn how to build up an image using masking fluid, watercolour and ink. Use mark-making techniques with a variety of tools to apply masking fluid creating an underdrawing, which you will then work over with successive washes of watercolour, masking fluid and ultimately ink to develop a tonal drawing.

The first day of the course will be spent building up mark-making and tonal exercises to familiarise yourself 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.

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

Suggested images: reflection of trees, the sky, boats, buildings and bridges – in rivers, ponds and puddles.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including some watercolour paper, a watercolour sponge, tube of black watercolour paint per student, plus some masking fluid and black Indian ink to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• A pencil and sharpener
• A hard (as opposed to putty) rubber
• A small bottle of masking fluid (optional extra)
• 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 your tutor.
• Tools for mark-making in masking fluid – these may include: toothbrushes, old (unwanted) brushes, cotton buds, skewers, wooden stylus, etc.
• Paintbrushes of varying sizes - 0 detail brushes, wide flats for applying washes, round brushes up to size 8

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including watercolour papers, pencils and sharpeners, rubbers, masking fluid, paintbrushes in various sizes, including size 0, wide flats, wash brushes and 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).

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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