Course details
Explore unique techniques of watercolour and how it can be used to portray the atmosphere of sea, sky and coast in an impressionistic style.
Spend three days with renowned watercolourist David Webb as he leads you through his process to create an impressionistic seascape in watercolour.
The sea is in constant motion so we will endeavour to capture the essence of what we see in our sketchbooks, which we can later use to create seascape paintings in the studio.
From the calm harbour with boats and glossy, shimmering water to the crashing waves, golden sands and rocky headland of Porthmeor there is a wealth of source materials for our paintings within a few minutes’ walk.
Every morning, weather permitting, we will spend time outside, sketching the stunning viewpoints of the St Ives peninsula before returning to the studio to develop our field work into watercolour paintings. David will show you how to capture a coastal landscape with a loose and impressionist style. You will learn how to build up a painting using transparent washes and learn different watercolour techniques.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.
Day 1
After introductions and a brief talk on materials and sketching techniques, we will walk down to Porthmeor beach to make sketches of the sea, sky and rocks by the headland.
In the afternoon David will show you the watercolour techniques that you will need to create watercolour paintings from your sketches.
Day 2
Today we will visit the harbour and sketch boats, ripples and reflections.
Back in the studio we will work up these sketches into more finished watercolour paintings.
Day 3
Another different location today. In the morning we will walk to Porthgwidden beach, and the surrounding area. Here we can sketch the beach, rocks and the scenery around Bamaluz beach.
In the afternoon we will create studio paintings from our sketches and finish off any uncompleted paintings.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to sketch and understand the formation of waves and the sea.
You will gain tips on perspective and sketching rocks, boats and other features.
You will learn key skills of watercolour technique, including colour mixing and how to build up paintings in transparent washes.
Who would this course suit?
This course will suit beginners and improvers alike. Some experience of drawing would be useful but David will provide demonstrations and exercises in sketching coastal scenes.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn is always a good start. Watercolour is a difficult medium and mistakes are easily made, but perseverance and learning from your mistakes is the key to success.
We will be walking to the harbour and beach but these are all within easy reach of the studio.
Ahead of your watercolour course with us if you would like to brush up your skills, you are entitled to 25% off our online ‘Getting Started with Watercolour Painting’ course here‘. You will be given a code after purchasing our studio watercolour course. NB – The online course uses a different palette to our studio course.
Our studio ‘Beginner’s Watercolour’ courses can be found here.
Taught by
What to Bring
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
FAQs
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