Introduction to Watercolour Techniques

Unlock the secrets of watercolour techniques with award-winning local artist Samantha Brockway.

On this six-week introductory course, Sam will share her enthusiasm and love of this medium by introducing you to simple and effective techniques so you can tackle your watercolour painting with confidence. This course is also suitable for those who’ve attended any of Sam’s previous watercolour courses, as you will be able to have a choice of subject matter.

You will explore paint effects and methods to build texture, learn how to deal with mistakes and which brush to use before tackling composition and how to plan your painting.

We will look at master artists David Hockney and Van Gogh, examining their mark making techniques in their watercolour sketches. This course will also cover the basics such as:

• paper stretching
• creating washes
• colour mixing
• maintaining vibrancy with your colours
• development of brush techniques and effects.

By the end of this course, you will have completed a minimum of 2 pieces of work. The first will be following a step-by-step process, thereafter working from a selection of images provided (multiple subject matter) or you can bring in your own to work from.

WHO IS THE COURSE AIMED AT?
From beginners to those who already have experience with watercolours, this course offers something for everyone. Join us to enjoy the subtle and mysterious world of watercolours!

WHAT TO BRING
Please bring with you a basic set of starter / beginners watercolour brushes.
Recommended websites: (just search for watercolour brushes)
Cass Art have good value starter and Winsor and Newton sets.
Hobbycraft has a basic pack with flat and round brushes (Gold flat and round Taklon Brush 6 pack) and a Shore & Marsh 15-pack set and case - either are fine for beginners.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
All required paper, paints and other materials and equipment.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be supplied free of charge.

DATES AND TIMES
Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:30pm
12, 19 & 26 November and 3, 10 & 17 December

COST
£149 per person.
Suitable for ages 18+.
Spaces limited to 12 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!

BOOKING
Book your space direct through Yardley Arts.
You can email [bookings@yardleyarts.org](mailto:bookings@yardleyarts.org)

ABOUT THE TUTOR: Samantha Brockway
Samantha is a professional illustrator who works in many mediums but has loved working in watercolour since she saved up as child for her first boxed set of paint. She has always loved the translucent nature of watercolour and the texture of the pigments in the water.

Graduating from Bristol with a BA Hons in Graphics and Illustration, Samantha was shortlisted for the Macmillan Children’s Book Illustration Competition. She went on to illustrate several books and exhibited her work in London, Bristol, Kings Lynn, St Ives and Cambridge before becoming an in-house illustrator for the Greetings Cards industry where she worked for 15 years.

Samantha is now working as a freelance artist and illustrator and runs regular workshops in Northamptonshire. She believes everyone can paint and with the right skills become more confident in the process.

Sam was a prize winner at Northants Open Studios 2023, 2024 and 2025 Exhibitions and first prize at KDAS 119th Exhibition 2024.

To see examples of her work and more information, please visit her website or find her on Instagram.

“Sam takes you through the stages to make your own beautiful paintings. Lovely teacher and fun class to do for all levels. ”
— Katy Burdett