Watercolour Resist Techniques

Suitable for any level of experience, this workshop introduces the key aspects of using specific resist materials along with watercolours.

Wax markers/candles and white acrylic paint will be provided to use, all you need is your watercolours, paper, brush and palette. The potential and limitations of the media will be investigated through different ways of applying the watercolour to create the effects using either method. There will be demonstrations to show the methods and examples of the different effects to guide you. You can bring your own source material to work from or use the ones provided.

About the tutor

Stephen Joyce

Steve has been practicing his art and teaching art in a variety of further education colleges and other contexts for over 25 years. He studied Fine Art at Norwich School of Art and attained a BA (Hons), then later MA in Contemporary Art & Professional Practice at Colchester Institute. He has a wealth of experience from his diverse practice and teaching and great enthusiasm to share his fascination for how pictures can be made differently.

Steve will be the Flatford Artist in Residence for 2026

For further information and examples of previous student work:
Instagram: stevejoyceartist
www.stevejoyce.co/teaching/

About Flatford Mill

We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Explore our range of mixed media courses or oil and acrylic painting courses. They are hosted by our engaging tutors enabling you to learn from their expertise and skills. Our art courses are a chance to meet like-minded people and a chance to unwind from everyday life. They are a great opportunity to experience the UK’s glorious countryside surrounding our field centres.

This course is open to participants aged 18 and over only. For under-18s, please contact the centre directly or see our young people courses and activities for families.

What's Included

Expert Tuition
Free Wi-Fi
Hot and Cold Drinks

Refreshments are included, but please bring lunch with you.

Before You Attend

What to bring

Essential basics you need to bring:

Paper - Watercolour and/or Cartridge papers*
Watercolour Paints - Tubes or Pans to your own preference
Brushes - 6 or 8 either sable, synthetic, or a sable/synthetic mix, as preferred, and maybe a smaller 2 size if you prefer details
Brush for washes - a mop brush made of squirrel hair or synthetic size 8 or 10 optional
Palette - ideally with sections and some space to mix out on flatter or sloped areas too
Pencil/s - HB standard or propelling pencil etc as preferred

Optional Useful Additions

Source images/photographs or objects to work from
Sharpener
Eraser

These items will be provided and included in the price for exploratory tests:

Wax markers/candles
White acrylic paint
Source images/photographs
Masking tape

*Notes for Paper - Watercolour Papers, come in different types and thicknesses Not, Rough or Hot Pressed finish, and thickness or weight from 109lds/160gsm at least, but thicker is better. Choose your own preference but a variety is good. As paper comes in separate sheets as well as pads. Standard cartridge paper can be used also the thickness or weight should be at least 140 gsm or about 65lb, brands vary greatly, so aim for that or even thicker.