About this course

Learn to widen your understanding of using pen and wash using line with watercolour, or adding watercolour washes to your line drawings and produce paintings with greater energy by combining mediums and techniques.

Course Description

Work in pen and wash and widen your understanding of the two mediums. You will learn how they can be combined in different ways as you experiment with alternative approaches to creating exciting images. The subject matter will be varied, and you will have the opportunity to try a number of ways in which different inks and pens can be used together. Try new techniques in applying both ink and watercolour where the emphasis will be on producing some lively and interesting results.

On the first evening, you will be taken through some simple exercises using the two mediums.

As well as using pen and watercolour wash in its traditional form, you will also examine ways in which this combination of mediums can be used to produce some more contemporary paintings, which will help you in establishing a favoured style. You will be able to choose the kind of subject matter that interests you, including landscapes, flowers, still life and figures, etc. Your tutor will provide a selection of images for you to work from. Several paintings will be on display in a wide range of styles and techniques to inspire you. There will also be demonstrations throughout, and you can be assured of plenty of individual attention.

At the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills needed to produce good watercolour sketches, competence in using pen and ink, and the ability to combine the two different mediums.

Most art materials and reference images will be provided, but you are welcome to bring along any of your favourite materials and images that you would like to work from.

Some previous experience in drawing and watercolour painting is advisable, but not essential.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the College will supply most of the materials including watercolours, watercolour paper, pens, ink, pencil, rubber and masking tape.

What students need to bring

  • Brushes – your tutor recommends a round size 5, 8 and 10 synthetic watercolour brush (available online from Jacksons or can be purchased at the craft shop)
  • Palette – large rectangular palette preferable (your tutor recommends Loxley Arts plastic oblong watercolour palette)
  • Paper towel or tissues

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A good variety of art materials including synthetic watercolour brushes round in sizes 5, 8 and 10, large white rectangular palettes and any extra watercolour paints, paper, palettes, brushes, etc.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Kevin Scully

Kevin trained at Wimbledon School of Art and is an experienced artist and tutor. He is the author of several books on painting and writes regular articles for ‘The Artist’, and ‘Artist & Illustrators’ magazines. He is an elected and active member of the Oxford Art Society.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.