Introduction to Watercolours

All the basic principles will be covered and participants will be given a guide on the simple, basic painting equipment needed. Students will be shown and then encouraged to paint simple landscapes straight away; a visual record of what they have seen to evoke the memories of a pleasant outing in the countryside.

This course is for anyone interested in learning to paint in watercolour from scratch. It is designed to teach basic skills and to give you the confidence to enjoy the fascinating medium of watercolour. More experienced painters are welcome if they feel they need a fresh injection of enthusiasm.

You will be shown how to handle the materials and although watercolour can be frustrating, it is nevertheless an endlessly fascinating and enjoyable medium.

The aim of the course will be to show, using practical demonstrations, how a simple straightforward painting method can be an effective way of achieving an attractive, fresh-looking watercolour painting.

The purpose of demonstrations is to show students the full potential of pure watercolour and how attractive paintings can be produced by adopting a surprisingly simple and straightforward painting method. Andrew will also probably destroy many myths that seem to surround this medium.

Andrew Pitt has been painting landscapes since he was eleven. He has had over twenty one-man exhibitions and has been teaching and demonstrating painting techniques for over 40 years.

Andrew is particularly well known for his simple, direct teaching methods and the clarity of his explanations. He has contributed many articles to The Leisure Painter magazine and has made an instructional film for Town House Films and his book, ‘Seasons and Reflections: Notes on painting in Watercolour’ was published in 2019. He exhibits at The Serena Hall Gallery in Southwold and has written two books on watercolour painting: “Seasons and Reflections: Notes on Painting in Watercolour” and more recently, “How to Paint Fresh, loose Watercolours”.

In his teaching he not only shows students how to paint but, more importantly, he clearly explains what he is doing and thinking as he demonstrates. There are many free-to-watch instructional videos on his website, www.andrewpitt.co.uk

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.

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at Dinner, and you will have your first session after Dinner.

The morning of the first day will be devoted to a full teaching session involving a demonstration. After that there will be an opportunity for the students to paint – Andrew will suggest a subject, although students are welcome to use their own reference material. Andrew likes to see everyone have a go in order to identify what problems, if any, have been encountered. This is so he can address these difficulties straight away.

If the weather is suitable there will be opportunity to paint outside on the second day – again, Andrew will demonstrate how to go about painting “in the field” and will outline the necessary equipment required to make this task easy and pleasant. The other topics covered will depend on what the course participants will find useful. In the past the problem areas have been: mixing colours, particularly greens and greys, using the brush in a painterly way and how to keep your work fresh and lively.

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  Expert Tuition
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  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and a picnic lunch is included with resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.

What to Bring

Bring any painting equipment you already have. The following are suggestions only and describe the equipment Andrew will use. There is certainly no need to purchase everything. It is best if you are completely new to watercolour to purchase the minimum of painting materials first and see what Andrew uses. You will then be able to find out what suits you. There are several full length free-to-watch video demonstrations, including a video about painting materials on Andrew’s website: www.andrewpitt.co.uk

Brushes - You will need one round (very) large brush for skies and a medium and small brush that point well for detail. So three brushes, probably in the size range 3 – 12. Natural hair (sable or squirrel) is best – avoid synthetic/nylon hair if you can.

Colours - Either pan colours (in small plastic holders) or tube colours are suitable – tubes are the easiest and most convenient to use.

Andrew will use the following tube colours:

• Ultramarine Blue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna,
• Prussian Blue, Light Red, Burnt Umber,
• Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Viridian Green, Alizarin Crimson

Feel free to add a few personal favourites as well. They help give your painting an individual look.

Paper - It is essential that you bring paper made specifically for watercolour painting. A suitable make called Bockingford is obtainable in most art shops.
You may also like to bring a small pad of cartridge paper for making quick sketches and notes. Arches watercolour paper is also good with either a Not or Rough surface. Try to use paper which is at least 140lb in weight i.e. thickness, to ensure it doesn’t buckle when wet.

Pencils - Please bring at least a 3B or softer pencil.

Other materials  - Please bring a watercolour palette to hold and mix your paint in; a water bottle and water container. Bring an easel if you have one, but the Centre does provide drawing boards and table easels. A soft eraser, masking tape and tissues/kitchen roll will all be useful. Optimists should bring a sun hat. Everyone should bring warm clothes.

Other Items - The Centre will provide drawing boards. They also have small sketching stools and easels for hire at a small charge if required.

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 unsuitable 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.