Watercolour workshop wrap

We had another fabulous workshop this past week-end – this time on watercolour painting. The workshop was funded by RADF and conducted by watercolour artist and tutor Maria Field. Eleven people participated and their skills ranged from beginner to intermediate.

The first day concentrated on the essential techniques of watercolour and practising these through a range of painting exercises across a five different subjects including a mountainous landscape, a sunset scene and flowers. There was an emphasis on washes, edges, and quantities of water on the brush and on the paper. The differences in the quality of watercolour paints, brushes and paper were also shown. Each participant completed the five paintings applying the techniques at the end of Day One.

The second day commenced with an overview of essential theory to develop a pleasing outcome. These were the main elements of a painting (shape, size, tone and colour) and design principles (repetition, harmony and unity and change through variation, dominance, contrast, texture, gradation, rhythm and balance). The previous day’s theory was revised again and more useful techniques were introduced including “beading”. The theory and technique were shown through practical exercises across different subjects which were painted throughout the day. This included a landscape and a focus on reflections.

The last session on the Sunday afternoon focussed on composition and the use of personal photos and manipulating these into pleasing compositions. Movement in a painting was covered off with the last painting exercise of an animal.

The tutor, Maria Field, was skilled in catering for both beginners and advanced participants and much was learned during the two days.