Abstract Florals: Experimenting with Expressive Watercolour Techniques
Day Course
High-quality materials included
£65pp Early Bird Price Until 4th May £80pp
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Minimum numbers required
What You Will Do
You will begin by getting familiar with your equipment and follow along with Caroline’s demonstration of fun, dynamic watercolour techniques. Learn how to accurately mix colours. Experiment with different types of watercolour brushes to create different types of mark-making, using water-soluble and permanent pens. Discover how to get the best out of different, classic watercolour brush shapes, such as a fan, angled and comber brushes. You’ll also learn basic watercolour techniques, such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-damp. Let the paint take charge and allow for happy accidents during this fun day. Use collage to help with composition. Within your handouts, you’ll be given sheets of leaves and flowers to help you through the drawing and composition process. You’ll learn Caroline’s process, which will allow you to take what you have learnt on the day, and implement it for future projects going forward. Transfer your unique composition from tracing paper directly onto watercolour paper and enjoy the fun process of painting up. No experience necessary, no drawing required, you’ll be provided with equipment for the day, as well as templates. Caroline will demonstrate how she’s created her drawings of leaves and flowers, using the trace technique, you will borrow Caroline’s drawings, creating your own unique composition.
All you need to bring with you is your sense of adventure and play, and be open-minded about experimenting with the materials. Suitable for all levels: you’re welcome to fo your own drawings for this course, or if you’re newer to the world of creativity, borrow Caroline’s. We’ll be on hand for support. You’ll be given high-quality step-by-step handouts and templates.
For our colour palette, we’ll be taking inspiration from Emma’s fantastic garden photos from Gossington Hall. We’ll also be taking inspiration from moodbaords of tropical leaves, and florals
Creative Processes
We will be taking inspiration from one of Caroline’s free weekly sheets for our colour palette. After the course, you are welcome to join our free community Creative Space, to post future work using what you’ve learnt on the course for ongoing feedback.
The art prompt sheets used, are posted every week within the Creative Space group.
During the course, art materials will be provided, including top quality paints and highest quality watercolour paper. You’re also welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer.
No Experience Necessary
This course is suitable for all levels of art experience, whether you are new to watercolour and gouache painting or are experienced and just want to hone your skills.
Caroline will demonstrate techniques for you to practice before you begin the major artwork for the day
Caroline and Emma will be on-hand throughout the day, to offer support and advice.
You will also be given high-quality step-by-step handouts, allowing you to revisit what you learnt during the course.
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FAQs
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Caroline will demonstrate several traditional watercolour techniques for you to try out during the course.
There will be several exercises to get you familiar with the course materials and how to use them including colour mixing and combining.
You will learn how to combine gouache with watercolour effectively.
You will leave the day with your completed exercises as well as landscape painting, using guache and watercolours.
Caroline has included comprehensive handouts for you to also take away with you, so that you will be reminded of the step-by-step process that you have learned. Your handouts will include clear instructions.
There will be a welcome tea or coffee and internet access.
Free parking is available.
Materials are included in the course cost, except for extra sheets of paper.
You will be provided with 2 sheets of paper. If you require more sheets, you can buy them from us for £1.50 each.
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Lunch is not provided, please bring a packed lunch with you.
Extra paper is not included in the course cost.
You will be provided with 2 sheets of paper. If you require more sheets, you can buy them from us for £1.50 each.
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Your tutor will be Caroline Tatham, a qualified lecturer who has a lifetime of experience teaching creativity.
Your teaching assistant will be Emma Tatham who will offer lots of encouragement and practical support.
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Not at all. We specialise in supporting and encouraging those with no previous experience. You just need a ‘can do’ attitude!
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Materials are included in the course cost, including top quality paints and highest quality watercolour paper.
You’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
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Do not worry! We are all creative and Caroline specialises in connecting people to their inner creative voice.
You just need to be willing to give it a go. Absolute beginners are most welcome.
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You will gain a greater understanding of the tried and tested techniques of watercolour painting, including combinations with gouache.
You will also have an understanding of Caroline's creative process and how this can inspire your own creative artwork.
You will have practical technique examples as well as a gouache and a misty, layered watercolour landscape painting, to take home.
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Yes! You are very welcome to join our free online community ‘Creative Space’ where Caroline offers encouragement and feedback to posting members. In this free group, Caroline also shares weekly botanical art prompt sheets, designed to inspire your artwork (#CreativeSpaceNatureSpark). Explore colour, shape and texture with this free resource.
There is also the chance to win prizes in the group challenges.
Please see the button below.
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This course is suitable for all levels of art experience, whether you are new to watercolour and gouache painting or are experienced and just want to hone your skills.
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6th September 2025.
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The course cost is £75.
Including art materials.
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Doors open at 10am where tea and coffee will be available.
The course finishes at 4pm.
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Join our community Creative Space and meet other like minded creatives and see some of the techniques from our courses in action.
