This course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of watercolour techniques and want to take their skills to the next level. You'll improve control, and explore more advanced skills such as refining your technique in working wet on dry, wet on wet, and in glazing.
Each week builds on key principles such as blending, layering, and adding texture, as well as exploring successful composition and design, allowing students to create more refined and expressive watercolour paintings. Through guided exercises, students will also explore how to capture light, shadow, and atmosphere effectively, adding subtlety and complexity to their work.
The course is structured to offer both technical instruction and creative exploration, ensuring that students grow both artistically and confidently with the medium. With a combination of quick studio exercises and more challenging compositions, such as portraiture and botanicals, you will leave with a deeper understanding of watercolour painting and a folio of accomplished works.
What You’ll Learn
In our Watercolour Improvers course, you will cover:
- Watercolour techniques, including layering, glazing, and brushwork
- How to control wet-on-wet methods for expressive, intentional effects
- Colour mixing strategies for mood and atmosphere
- How to add depth, detail, and texture to landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes
- Innovative and experimental approaches to watercolour painting
- How to make confident, deliberate artistic decisions
- Techniques for refining and developing your personal style
- How to build a cohesive body of work that demonstrates your growth and creativity
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 13 Dec 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Benefits of Taking This Course
This course is ideal for those ready to move beyond the basics and grow as confident, expressive watercolour artists. You’ll explore a range of techniques designed to enhance your control, creativity, and personal style, all within a supportive and inspiring environment. With expert guidance and practical exercises, you'll be encouraged to push boundaries, experiment with new approaches, and make intentional artistic choices. Whether you're developing moody seascapes or atmospheric city scenes, the course will help you deepen your technical skill and artistic voice. By the end, you'll have a portfolio of refined, expressive works and the tools to continue your practice with clarity and confidence.
Course Content Breakdown: Techniques and Focus Areas
- Refining line, stroke, and pressure for precision and expression
- Using different brushes for varied effects
- Combining dry and wet techniques in a single composition
- Understanding timing between layers
- Building depth and vibrancy through transparent washes
- Controlling tone, saturation, and light
- Refining your palette with more nuanced tones
- Using colour to create mood and emotion
- Balancing complementary and analogous schemes
- Creating realistic or dramatic lighting effects
- Understanding light sources and shadow placement
- Developing contrast for depth and structure
- Creating soft blends and atmospheric transitions
- Using salt, sponges, and resist for visual interest
- Experimenting with granulation and bloom effects
- Composing strong, balanced images
- Working from reference and observation
- Exploring landscapes, florals, animals, and portraits
- Identifying and developing your artistic voice
- Choosing colours, techniques, and subjects that reflect your personality
- Balancing skill-building with creative exploration
- Planning and completing finished watercolour artworks
- Reflecting on progress and technical development
- Preparing a mini-portfolio of your best work
City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.
All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 13 Dec 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 13 Dec 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
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