One must paint with the outer eye and inner eye, backward and forward, inside out and upside down, sideways, as a metaphysical aeroplane might go. Eileen Agar.

This course will explore the dancing, light-filled medium of watercolour and investigate ways to create dynamic compositions through the use of line, colour, texture and form to build rhythm and balance. Learn to harness both the potential for glowing delicacy and the deep expressive power of this fascinating medium.

Each week, students will examine examples of paintings that employ the watercolour medium to powerful effect. This includes artists such as Paul Klee, Frances Hodgkins, Georgia O'Keefe, Eileen Agar, Francesco Clemente, Charles Burchfield and Cecily Brown. There will be discussions on the strengths of those artists while students experiment with similar painting techniques and approaches.

One exploration involves collage techniques as a tool to stimulate visual ideas, allowing the freedom to cut and juxtapose imagery to build our compositions, creating rhythm and structure. Students will experiment with gouache, acrylic ink and graphite in combination with watercolour paint on paper to create contrasting and textural elements.

The course is suitable for beginners and for those who wish to work further with the medium and will focus on an experimental mixed-media approach. 

NB: Please remember to bring materials from the course materials list online.