This weekend course is for anyone who has attended a beginners’ course, or painted with watercolours before, and feels in need of new inspiration to be able to make further progress. Tuition will be through a mixture of demonstrations and individual guidance, according to your prior experience.
Tutor: Andrew Pitt
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 instruction DVD for Town House Films. He exhibits at The Serena Hall Gallery in Southwold. 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.
Example Timetable
Arrival Day
Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can arrange a self check-in.
You will meet the tutor at dinner, following which you will have your first session.
What's Included
Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.
Before You Attend
What to Bring
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.
Bring the 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 special. If you are new to watercolour it is probably best to avoid buying too much before seeing what Andrew uses. You will then be able to find out what suits you. There are two free-to-watch videos which cover all of Andrew’s painting materials on Andrew’s website: www.andrewpitt.co.uk
BRUSHES - You will need one round, large brush for skies and a medium and small brush that point well for detail. So, three brushes, probably in the size range 3 – 10. 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 colours:
Ultramarine Blue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna,
Prussian Blue, Light Red, Burnt Umber,
Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Viridian Green, Alizarin Crimson.
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. Paper will be available for sale. Arches watercolour paper is also good. 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 2B or softer (3B) pencil.
OTHER MATERIALS - Please bring a watercolour palette to hold and mix your paint; a water bottle and water container. Bring an easel if you have one, but the Centre does provide drawing boards and table easels. A plastic eraser, masking tape and tissues/kitchen roll will all be useful. Optimists should bring a sun hat.
OTHER ITEMS - The Centre will provide drawing boards. We also have small sketching stools and easels for hire at a small charge if required.
