Get creative, slow down, and make something with your hands.

Watercolour Painting Improvers

Watercolour Painting Improvers

Designed for students with a basic understanding of watercolour techniques, this course will help you take your skills further. You’ll improve your control and explore advanced techniques including wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet and glazing.

Each week builds on key principles such as blending, layering, texture, composition and design, helping you create more refined and expressive watercolour paintings. Guided exercises will also explore how to capture light, shadow and atmosphere, adding greater subtlety and depth to your work.

Combining quick studio exercises with more challenging compositions, including portraiture and botanicals, the course balances technical instruction with creative exploration. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of watercolour painting and a folio of accomplished work.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Take your watercolour skills further as you build confidence with colour, control and expressive technique to create more refined and personal artwork.

  • Build on your existing watercolour experience in a supportive studio setting
  • Develop greater confidence with washes, layering and colour mixing
  • Learn how to create more depth, atmosphere and detail in your paintings
  • Strengthen your control while keeping the freshness and fluidity of watercolour
  • Explore more expressive approaches to composition and subject matter
  • Refine your ability to work with tone, texture and contrast
  • Receive constructive guidance to help develop your personal painting style
  • Use the course as a springboard into further painting, drawing or mixed media classes

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
Mon
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£191.25
15% OFF
07
Sep
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
£191.25
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Offer:15% OFF
Advanced Washes

Develop greater control over watercolour washes, exploring how to create smooth transitions, atmosphere and expressive effects.

Layering and Glazing

Build depth and richness through layering and glazing, learning how to add colour gradually without losing freshness.

Colour Mixing

Refine your colour mixing skills to create more subtle, harmonious and confident palettes.

Tone and Contrast

Use tonal contrast to create stronger form, focus and visual impact within your watercolour paintings.

Texture and Detail

Explore techniques for creating texture, detail and surface interest while keeping your paintings light and expressive.

Personal Painting Style

Develop a more individual approach to watercolour, bringing together technique, observation and creative choice.

Course Content Breakdown: Techniques and Focus Areas

1
Advanced Brushwork & Control
  • Refining line, stroke, and pressure for precision and expression
  • Using different brushes for varied effects
  • Combining dry and wet techniques in a single composition
2
Layering & Glazing
  • Understanding timing between layers
  • Building depth and vibrancy through transparent washes
  • Controlling tone, saturation, and light
3
Light & Shadow
  • Refining your palette with more nuanced tones
  • Using colour to create mood and emotion
  • Balancing complementary and analogous schemes
4
Light & Shadow
  • Creating realistic or dramatic lighting effects
  • Understanding light sources and shadow placement
  • Developing contrast for depth and structure
5
Wet-on-Wet & Texture Techniques
  • Creating soft blends and atmospheric transitions
  • Using salt, sponges, and resist for visual interest
  • Experimenting with granulation and bloom effects
6
Composition & Subject Variety
  • Composing strong, balanced images
  • Working from reference and observation
  • Exploring landscapes, florals, animals, and portraits
7
Personal Style & Self-Expression
  • Identifying and developing your artistic voice
  • Choosing colours, techniques, and subjects that reflect your personality
  • Balancing skill-building with creative exploration
8
Final Projects & Portfolio Building
  • Planning and completing finished watercolour artworks
  • Reflecting on progress and technical development
  • Preparing a mini-portfolio of your best work

Want to learn more?

Continue your creative journey with one of the courses below. Explore new artistic techniques, experiment with different approaches and keep developing your own creative style.

Your Art Supplies

City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.

All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.

BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES
Your Art Supplies

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
Mon
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£191.25
15% OFF
07
Sep
07 Sep 2026 - 05 Oct 2026
£191.25
Day:Mon
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Offer:15% OFF

Payments options

Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead.

 

Intensive courses of five consecutive days or more
Cancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead.

 

We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
Joseph Bucklow
Joseph Bucklow

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