Beginners' Light and Landscape: Painting Atmospheric Scenes in Watercolours

Paint glowing skies and soft horizons — and learn the secrets of light, colour, and mood in this beginner-friendly relaxed class
Join award-winning watercolour landscape artist Ann Mackowski for an inspiring session exploring the beauty of light and atmosphere in landscape painting. Ann, who exhibits with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours and was a featured contestant on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year, will guide you through the process of creating luminous, expressive landscapes step by step.
Through follow-along demonstrations, Ann will share her personal techniques for capturing glowing skies, soft horizons, and the ever-changing play of light across land and water. You’ll learn how to simplify complex scenes into strong compositions and translate your observations into paintings filled with mood and harmony. This class is designed with beginners' in mind, and even the most inexperienced artist can expect to leave with wall worthy work.
All materials are provided, so you can simply relax, paint, and enjoy the creative process in good company — with plenty of encouragement, guidance, and time to explore your own unique style.
You will learn:

• How to mix and use watercolours to create soft and sharp effects
• How to simplify landscapes into clear, confident shapes and tones
• Techniques for painting skies, clouds, reflections, and atmospheric effects
• How to create a sense of depth and distance using colour temperature and tonal contrast
• Easy approaches to composition and perspective for balanced, engaging paintings
• How to work with limited palettes to achieve harmony, unity, and glowing light

Midway through there will be a tea and refreshment break and a chance to get to know your fellow beginner artists.
Whether you’re new to watercolour or looking to refine your landscape skills, this session offers a welcoming space to learn, experiment, and be inspired by the beauty of the natural world.