Beginner watercolour course with Chris Simonite

Additional information

Instructor	Chris Simonite
Level	Beginner

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The Art of the Unexpected: Creative Watercolour for Beginners

$290.00

Fee: $290.00 | Schedule: 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 watercolour painting? Discover the creative possibilities of watercolour in this beginner watercolour course inspired by artists who transformed the ordinary into the unexpected. Designed for beginner watercolour painters, this class focuses on building confidence, embracing artistic play, and mastering foundational techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment.

10-Week Overview

- Weeks 1–3: Essential Techniques, Discuss watercolour materials and introduce colour mixing, washes, wet-on-wet painting, dry brushing, layering, and texture
- Weeks 4–6: Embracing the Unexpected, Practice techniques by creating still life, landscape, and portrait paintings
- Weeks 7–9: Composition & Perspective, Grow skills and develop confidence to work with a unique approach
- Week 10: Final Painting, Complete an original painting that reflects a personal vision

Meet Your Instructor

This course is taught by local Winnipeg artist Chris Simonite, who has always wanted to do and make funny things. Today he specializes in a Cubist inspired painting style he calls Cubo-Weirdism. He believes that art can be fun and entertaining and still engage with big ideas.

Important Details

Location: All classes are held in-person at 120 Eugenie Street, Winnipeg, MB.
Skill Level: No previous watercolour experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment!
Missed Classes & Refunds: Registration fees are non-refundable once the course begins. For a full breakdown of our cancellation timelines, please review the Registration & Refund Policies Page.

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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.