Watercolour Painting for Beginners - adult education class

Course overview

Discover the joy of watercolour painting. Loved by professional and hobby artists for centuries, watercolour paint can be used in a variety of ways, to create gentle washes of colour to evoke an atmosphere or mood, through to bright bold colours to rouse the viewer.

On this course we will learn some of the technical and creative skills associated with watercolour painting from natural objects, and discover some of the history behind this kind of painting.

This is a practical art course and so you will be trying your hand at painting in watercolours from objects set up by your tutor, and you will be encouraged to experiment with a range of approaches, from accurate studies through to more individual and expressive forms of art.

The programme will be tailored to each group, with projects developed by the tutor to support individual progress and creative exploration.

This is an adult education course open to everyone. No previous experience is necessary.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

You will need to purchase your own set of watercolour paints, brushes, palette, palette knife and painting surface (such as a watercolour pad). Details will be sent to you before the start of the course.

Term dates

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2026 until week ending 20 March 2026

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Zoë Dorelli: zoedorelli@icloud.com

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).