The Art of the Unexpected: Creative Watercolour for Beginners

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Instructor	Chris Simonite
Level	Beginner

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The Art of the Unexpected: Creative Watercolour for Beginners

Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
September 15 – November 17, 2026
Ten Weeks

Are you eager to dip your brush into the world of watercolor painting?

Discover the creative possibilities of watercolour, in this beginner-friendly course inspired by artists who transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary! Artist and instructor Chris Simonite will guide students to explore how unexpected ideas, imaginative combinations, and creative storytelling can bring their paintings to life.

Learn essential techniques, including washes, wet-on-wet painting, dry brushing, layering, and texture. Study subjects like still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. Grow skills and develop confidence to work with a unique approach and complete a final painting that reflects a personal vision. No previous watercolour experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment!

Class Fee: $290

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Please note, supplies are not provided for adult classes (unless explicitly stated so).

Recommended Materials:

Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolour sets, or any decent set of student, artist’s or professional grade paint. Preferably tubes to pans, but either is acceptable.
Brushes: Round synthetic watercolour brush (#10 or #12) Round synthetic watercolour brush (#4 or #6) 1″ synthetic flat wash brush *Important! Brushes can vary in size depending on manufacturer. I would recommend Princeton Brushes. These can be purchased at Artist’s Emporium or Michaels.
Paper: I would recommend a 9” x 12” pad of Canson XL or (better yet) Strathmore watercolour paper. These are good for small studies and practice. For more finished pieces you will want 140 lb, acid free and 100% cotton watercolour paper. This paper comes in 22” x 30” sheets that can be torn or cut down into smaller sheets. You can also purchase watercolour blocks. Arches brand paper is recommended for cotton paper. It is best to purchase watercolour paper at Artist’s Emporium. Alternatively, Meeden watercolour blocks are available on Amazon at a reasonable price. Important! Do not buy the Artist’s Loft Watercolor pads from Michaels Or watercolour paper from Walmart. They do NOT LIKE WATER!
Spray bottle Masking tape (optional craft tape AKA butcher’s tape)
Paper towel or rags
2 containers for water
Pencils and erasers (instructor likes kneaded erasers, but a variety is a good idea)
A wooden drawing board to use as a backing board. Offcuts of ply wood at Home Depot work. These are inexpensive and you can stretch paper on them. Another option is a plastic corrugated sheet, which is available at Michael’s, but craft tape is needed as stretching paper will not stick to plastic.
Kitchen sponge and natural sponges
Watercolour palette

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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.