Watercolour is simple
Without training or experience you can produce a watercolour someone will treasure for life. Colour in water is clean, flows easily, and is delightfully mobile. Washes are immediate and direct. However, watercolour can be frustrating. Flowing colour can get out of hand. It takes skill to harness the immediacy of watercolour. And a page of weak shapes, garish colours and messy washes can be especially disheartening. The reputation “watercolour is hard” is warranted.
Here is the good news!
Watercolour responds readily to learning and practice. Each new technique you take on can make your next watercolour a little better. With some focus and intent the process of moving colour in washes can become delightful, fruitful and captivating.
Watercolour out in the field is fun
The weather, changing light, sounds and smells – painting in the field is always an adventure. To complete a watercolour in the field requires focus, economy and decision-making. And the results have an energy that really only happens in the field. Though coordinating paper, palette brush and water can be a challenge.
Comments from participants in the current course:
Carolyn: Stephen J Quirke has a quiet reverence for everything: cloud, mountain, river, boulder and sea. He brings this level of care to each student. As if our progress really matters to him. What a privilege to experience this!
Join the watercolour class
In these classes you will learn techniques to mix colour and water, let them run, settle and dry in ways to make the most of the unruly brilliance of watercolour.
The course will prepare participants for watercolours in the field.
Comments from participants in the current course:
Lindy: Whenever I’m painting I think WW SD – what would Stephen do? “I don’t think you know what a huge impact you’ve made on us all Stephen❤”
The “Watercolour Journey” class covers a roughly 50 week curriculum of challenging exercises to improve your watercolours. Participants meet once a week.
The “Kitting Up” class covers foundation skills required to make the most of the Watercolour Journey. Four classes usually cover the foundational skill set. Practicing these foundation techniques will set the beginner on the path to mastering watercolour.
Kitting Up prepares beginners to benefit from the regular class, which they can join at any time.
Comments from participants in the current course:
Trixi: How privileged and fortunate we are that Stephen shares his process. That he shows us ‘how’ before we try to emulate. “I love that you share your artworks as they develop … such a gift … and we can join you in your journey to their completion.”
Courses are held at:
Helderberg Fine Art Studios
Somerset West
Time: Friday afternoon 13:00 to 16:00
Dates: We hold classes throughout the working year. The group decide whether they would like to meet on public holidays.