About this course
Building on the techniques introduced in Level 1, you’ll explore more expressive brushwork, richer colour relationships, stronger compositions and a wider range of textures and effects. You’ll learn how to plan a painting without losing the freshness and spontaneity that make watercolour so distinctive.
Across the six weeks you’ll work from observation and reference images while developing your own artistic choices: how to simplify a subject, identify a focal point, create atmosphere and balance loose passages with carefully chosen details.
Each session includes tutor demonstrations, focused exercises, individual guidance and time to develop your own paintings in a calm, friendly studio environment.
What you’ll learn
- Developing confident and expressive brushwork
- Selecting and simplifying subjects for watercolour
- Creating stronger compositions and focal points
- Mixing sophisticated, harmonious colour palettes
- Using warm and cool colour to create depth and atmosphere
- Building transparent layers while preserving light
- Creating convincing textures and varied edges
- Using negative painting techniques
- Balancing loose washes with controlled detail
- Planning and completing more developed watercolour paintings
Week by week
- Week 1
Refreshing Skills & Expressive Brushwork
Refresh the essentials from Level 1, then explore more expressive brushwork and mark-making – how water, pressure and brush angle produce lively, confident results.
- Week 2
Composition, Focus & Simplification
Thumbnail sketches, cropping, focal points and positive/negative space – simplifying complex references into clear, effective compositions.
- Week 3
Developing Colour & Atmosphere
Warm and cool relationships, limited palettes and subtle neutrals – creating distance, light, mood and atmosphere without muddiness.
- Week 4
Texture, Edges & Negative Painting
Suggest foliage, stone, wood and reflections; explore hard, soft and lost edges and negative painting.
- Week 5
Developing a Personal Painting
Begin a more ambitious painting from your own subject or a tutor-provided reference, planning composition, palette, tonal structure and layers.
- Week 6
Completing & Refining Your Painting
Finish your painting with individual tutor support, learn when a painting is finished, and close with an encouraging group review.
Who is it for?
- Adults who have completed Watercolour Painting Foundations
- Beginners who already understand basic watercolour techniques
- Returning students who want to strengthen their skills
- Painters who would like to work with greater confidence and independence
- Anyone wishing to loosen their painting style while retaining control
What’s included
- All materials and equipment provided
- Step-by-step tutor demonstrations
- Focused technique exercises
- Reference images and composition guidance
- Individual feedback and support
- Small-group teaching
- Watercolour studies and a finished artwork to take home
From our classes
FAQs
What experience do I need?
No advanced drawing skills are required. You should have some experience of flat and graded washes, wet-on-wet painting, colour mixing and basic layering – for example from Watercolour Foundations – Level 1.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. All materials and equipment are included.
What if I need to cancel?
Your deposit is non-refundable if you cancel. We're not able to offer free transfers to a different date or course.
