WATERCOLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE – TUESDAY 14.30-16.30 (AUTUMN TERM)
WATERCOLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE - TUESDAY 14.30-16.30
COURSE DETAILS AND AIMS:
Watercolour with Confidence aims to develop a confident joyful approach to painting. Watercolour is a very flexible medium which can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. You need not have a vast array of materials but can start with a few key items. These will be highlighted during the sessions. The lessons are focused on developing key skills which can be adapted to a range of painting preferences. Learners will be encouraged to discover their likes and dislikes and to discover a unique painting style. You will learn established “tricks of the trade” in a friendly relaxed environment and be invited to develop and share your own successes and failures, the latter being a very important part of the journey as what does not suite one painting may be exactly what is needed in the next. You will be guided through step by step processes to develop vibrant exciting watercolours. Painting is a journey and risk taking and experimenting are part of the process.
SKILLS OR QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:
This course is aimed at beginners and those who wish to extend their watercolour painting journey.
MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR FIRST CLASS:
Watercolours can be costly but it is better to purchase few colours of a professional grade and good quality watercolour paper. Watercolour is a magical medium which can be used in a variety of ways, but the quality of the materials impacts the results. Watercolour materials can be very costly. I recommend that you start with what you have and gradually increase your supplies. Student brand materials are tempting but they produce muddy results. So that you can join in the initial session I suggest that you bring what you have, and we can discuss any concerns in the class. I have outlined what I recommend but am not expecting you to have everything all at once.
Please bring some paper for drawing, pencils, eraser, sharpener, to the first session and any watercolour materials you already own or wish to purchase from my suggestions. There are many excellent brands and the ones listed are my preference and a guide. Artist quality watercolour is a joy to work with and tiny drop of paint will go a very long way. The same applies to paper and brushes. I recommend fewer colours to start with and the following brands are my favourites: Windsor and Newton Artist grade tubes Daniel Smith Watercolour tubes Sennelier Watercolour tubes If you already use watercolour pans please bring them to class 140g Cold Press a versatile surface. I recommend Bockingford made by St Cuthbert’s Mill or SeaWhite Watercolour paper 2 glass jars for water White china plate for your palette, china is much better than plastic as the puddles of paint do not pool. Paper Towel HB pencil Putty rubber or blue tack Eraser Sharpener Craft knife Masking tape Rough paper for drawing, cheap cartridge or lining paper recommended Recommended online suppliers: Cass Art, Jacksons Art Supplies.
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR: CLARE BASEL
Cläre Basel is a practicing artist with a studio in Cambridge. She teaches art in the life-long learning sector and runs workshops for children and adults in Cambridge. She is passionate about embracing creativity and believes anyone can benefit from the experience whatever their starting point. She is a qualified Life Coach and uses these skills to create a safe supportive learning environment. Her main source of inspiration is the natural world and how artists continue to draw on their environment to inspire creativity. Education: Cambridge School of Art Children’s Book Illustration Post Grad Certificate. Central St Martins BA Fine Art (Hons) Bristol Old Vic, (Post Grad Stage Design). University of the Witwatersrand, BA Dramatic Art (Hons) Creative Visionary Programme – Art2Life For as long as I can remember I have been excited by the vibrancy of the natural world; specifically, shapes, textures, colours and the smells.
Since childhood my drawing, painting and photography have focused on these elements trying to capture an emotional response to my experiences. My childhood memories of holidays outdoors exploring the South African landscapes, and my father’s passion for plants focused my interests early on. I continue to use drawing, painting and photography in my enquiry. My art practice is eclectic, and I use a range of materials depending on what interests me. Currently I am discovering the pleasure of being mindful with watercolours and allowing the medium to dictate my practice.