Watercolours for Beginners with Curtis Tappenden

Who this workshop is for

This full-day session is for complete beginners and for anyone who has tried watercolours before but felt stuck. Books and online tutorials can be useful, but they often fail to show you how to paint in a way that feels personal. Guided by Curtis’s expertise, you’ll learn to handle water, pigment, and brush in a way that brings out your own style.

What you’ll explore

To start, Curtis gives a warm welcome and a short talk on the joy of watercolour. He also shares stories of well-known artists, past and present, who used this medium to capture light, place, and atmosphere. Together, these examples set the tone and provide inspiration for your day of painting.

Morning session

First, you’ll loosen up with playful warm-ups. These quick activities show you how colour flows, how to control water, and how to balance freedom with structure. Next, Curtis will guide you step by step through a painting. Before long his clear instruction and encouragement will help you grow in confidence right from the start.

Afternoon session

Following lunch, the focus shifts to independent practice. During this stage, you’ll try new exercises that let you apply the skills in your own way. You may also choose to work from an object in front of you or from a favourite photo. While Curtis supports you, you’ll learn how to edit your marks, shape your composition, and build a final artwork that feels truly yours.

Sharing and reflection

Finally, the group comes together to share the day’s work. Overall, this is a chance to celebrate progress, enjoy different approaches, and reflect on how far you’ve come. By the end, you’ll leave with finished pieces and fresh motivation to keep painting.

What will you take away?

You’ll leave at the close of the day, with both guided and independent artworks to take home. Just as important, you’ll carry new skills, a sense of freedom, and the confidence to continue exploring watercolour.

✨ A full day of practical, hands-on learning
✨ Perfect for beginners or those who struggled before
✨ Inspiration from great watercolourists, past and present
✨ Guided practice and personal exploration
✨ All materials included — just bring your curiosity

Curtis Tappenden is a master watercolourist, illustrator, and author with over 38 years’ experience working freelance for magazines, books, advertising, and The Mail on Sunday. Meanwhile, his paintings have been widely exhibited, with more than 40 works now held in the V&A collection. He was recently elected to the Sussex Watercolour Society, one of only 25 members selected on merit.

In addition to his professional practice, Curtis has written 23 books, performed poetry, and lectured in art and creative writing at leading universities. Above all, he is passionate about sharing his love of creativity — inspiring both academic and hobbyist students to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of making art.

Important Information Before You Book

Cancel up to 7 days in advance via the website for a full refund. We cannot offer refunds after that point, for missed sessions, or for arrivals more than 20 minutes late. If you have food preferences or accessibility needs, please tell us in advance so we can make your visit as smooth as possible.

All workshops are beginner-friendly unless stated otherwise, and we provide all the materials you need. Adult sessions are for ages 16+, teen classes for ages 11–16, and family workshops for ages 7+ with an accompanying adult. Everything you create is yours to take home.

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