Abstract Watercolour Landscapes

11.30am-5pm  | 16+ yrs

Discover the basics of watercolour painting through loose landscape subjects. Explore equipment, tools, painting techniques and layering in a series of practical tasks, building skills and confidence with watercolours.

What will the workshop cover and how will it be taught?

In this workshop you will learn the basic techniques of watercolour painting through a series of fun, practical exercises using loose landscapes as inspiration. You will explore equipment, brushes, colour mixing, colour palettes, layering and expressive mark-making through demonstrations, guided activities and examples from other artists. Drawing on the techniques and confidence gained throughout the session; you will be supported to create your own finished landscape painting/s.

This course will be taught through a series of demonstrations and practical watercolour painting activities. Looking at other artists paintings, the work of peers, and having one-to-one time with the tutor will facilitate your individual learning to enable you to achieve on this course.

What do I need to bring?

Drawing boards and easels will be provided.

All painting materials need to be provided by the students.  

Please bring: 

• Watercolour paper (NOT or Rough surface is recommended).
  • At least one large A2 sheet (it will be okay to attach smaller sheets together).
  • Plus some smaller sheets. 
• Watercolour Paints (preferably good quality (student quality like Cotman is good).
• Watercolour brushes – at least one round brush No.8, 10 or 12 in size  
• A larger mop style brush would also be useful but not necessary. 
• Water pots.
• Kitchen roll. 
• Palette or plate for mixing colours on. 
• Salt, clingfilm, sponge (optional extras) 
• Photos of landscapes/seasons that inspire you (digital or photos). 
• Hairdryer will be useful.  
• Masking Tape. 

NB – if purchasing art materials at Youdells access a 10% discount. Say that you are attending an Art Class at the Brewery. 

When using art materials your clothes could potentially get dirty so you may wish to bring an apron and/or dress for mess.  

Are there any additional costs?

No  

Important Information

This course will be held in Studio 3.

About the tutor

Catherine MacDiarmid brings over 30 years of teaching experience to her role, combining extensive classroom practice with the insight of a dedicated, practising artist. She has exhibited widely, including the BP Portrait Award (2001/02), the New Light Art (2021/22 and 2023/24), and regularly at the Mall Galleries. Her work has received numerous accolades, most recently the Watercolour Materials Award at the Jackson’s Painting Prize in 2023 and the People and Faces Award 2025 at the Lake Artists Society. She is an elected member of the Lakes Artists Society and the Contemporary British Portrait Painters. Catherine has also appeared on Portrait Artist of the Year (2014 and 2018), reaching the semi-finals in 2019.Alongside private portrait commissions, her work is collected internationally, and she is based in her home studio in Kendal.

See all Creative Learning courses here.