Creative Fundamentals in Watercolour for Beginners

Additional information

Instructor	Chris Simonite
Level	Beginner

Creative Fundamentals in Watercolour for Beginners

Explore the exciting world of contemporary watercolour! In this intermediate course with artist and instructor Chris Simonite, students will learn to create a dynamic range of images in watercolour through weekly demonstrations and hands-on projects.

Study the work of internationally respected watercolour artists. Examine how today’s painters bring new life to traditional subjects such as still life, landscape, and portraiture through expressive brushwork and bold composition. Expand technical skills, deepen understanding of contemporary watercolour, and discover new ways to express an artistic vision. This course is for experienced watercolour students ready to move on from the basics!

Note: Students should have experience with watercolour painting and be comfortable drawing their own images prior to taking an intermediate watercolour class.

Class Fee: $290

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Required Art Supplies

Please note that supplies are not provided for adult classes. You must purchase your materials before the first session.

Recommended Watercolour Paint

- Quality sets: Buy Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolour sets. Any decent student or professional grade paint is acceptable.
- Paint format: Choose tubes over pans if possible.

Required Brushes

- Large round: One round synthetic watercolour brush (#10 or #12).
- Small round: One round synthetic watercolour brush (#4 or #6).
- Flat wash: One 1-inch synthetic flat wash brush.
- Brand advice: Princeton Brushes are highly recommended because sizing varies by manufacturer.
- Where to buy: Purchase these at Artist’s Emporium or Michaels.

Recommended Watercolour Paper

- Practice pads: Buy a 9” x 12” pad of Canson XL or Strathmore watercolour paper for small studies.
- Finished pieces: Use 140 lb, acid-free, 100% cotton watercolour paper.
- Paper sheets: Buy 22” x 30” sheets and cut them down, or buy watercolour blocks.
- Premium brand: Arches brand is recommended for cotton paper. Buy this at Artist’s Emporium.
- Budget brand: Meeden watercolour blocks are available for a good price on Amazon.
- What to avoid: Do not buy Artist’s Loft pads from Michaels or any watercolour paper from Walmart. They do not handle water well.

Studio Tools and Drawing Boards

- Backing board: Bring a wooden drawing board to stretch your paper. Inexpensive plywood offcuts from Home Depot work well.
- Board alternative: Plastic corrugated sheets from Michaels work, but require craft tape because standard tape will not stick.
- Water containers: Bring two containers for water.
- Sponges: Pack a kitchen sponge and natural sponges.
- Palette: Bring a standard watercolour palette.

Essential Miscellaneous Items

- Spray bottle: Needed for wetting paints and paper.
- Masking tape: Optional craft tape or butcher’s tape.
- Cleanup items: Bring paper towels or rags.
- Drawing tools: Pack pencils and a variety of erasers. The instructor prefers kneaded erasers.

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Land Acknowledgement

Forum Art Centre is in Treaty 1 territory, the traditional and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. Our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 territory, and much of our hydro-electricity comes from Treaty 5 territory in northern Manitoba. We are committed to learning and engaging in reconciliation and decolonization.