Course Contents & Teaching Methods
The techniques covered (Basic and Advanced) at various stages of the courses are as referenced, but not limited to the list below.
- Instructions on setting palettes – Explanation of colour types, range, and how to select the right colour/shade for each application.
- Demonstration of using graphite paper for tracing.
- Selection of suitable paper, appropriate brushes, and the correct tools for your paintings.
- Preparation of the paper to provide the desired finish such as Soft Edges.
- Graduated Wash, Variegated Wash, and Flat Wash Watercolour Techniques.
- Dry-on-Dry, Dry-on-Wet, Wet-on-Wet, and Dry-Brush Watercolour Techniques.
- A range of Watercolour concepts such as Negative Painting, Layering, and Composition.
- Use of colours to create textures. E.g. Textured versus Smooth wash finish.
By the end of each eight-week course most people will have gained a range of new art skills which you will be able to utilise to create your own masterpieces using images as inspiration.
Teaching Methods
Our aim is to provide maximum painting time and lots of technical advice from Ellie in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
We will provide all reference pictures and will work at an appropriate speed to ensure everyone in the group can get the most out of each session.
A workshop approach is taken for Beginners, Intermediate, and Pre-Advanced levels to provide the students with ample two-way interaction.
Advanced students will select their own subject matters individually. Each Advanced student will therefore be painting a different subject during the same class.
Ellie will provide one-to-one tuition (as opposed to a workshop approach) at the Advanced level in accordance with each student’s painting topic and reference picture.
To achieve the best results in your paintings, Ellie will talk through step-by-step ‘How’, and ‘Why’ various techniques are used from the palette to the paper depending on the subject matter and the desired effects.
Every stroke is shown and explained in real time.
A range of subject matters will be explored and painted depending on the course level. Most subjects will be covered by the time a student reaches the Pre-Advanced level.
They include the following:
- Landscapes
- Portraits
- Cityscapes
- Florals
- Figure
In beginners to Pre-Advance levels students will paint three to four paintings in each eight-week course. By the time the final painting is completed, you will be proud to frame and display it to reflect your improved skills and talent.