Beginners' Watercolour Animals

A relaxed, beginner-friendly watercolour animal painting class focused on creativity, connection, and confidence
Beginner’s Watercolour Animal Painting Class
This relaxed and welcoming class is all about enjoying the process of painting animals in watercolour, whatever your experience level. It’s a gentle, step-by-step session designed especially for beginners, but equally loved by painters who’ve attended Ann’s classes before and want to build confidence, refresh skills, or simply enjoy some creative time. Expect a calm, friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged.
Painting together is as much about connection as it is about technique. There’ll be a break midway through with refreshments, giving you time to chat, share work-in-progress, and get to know others who love watercolour just as much as you do. Many students find these sessions deeply therapeutic—a chance to slow down, focus, and enjoy a few hours of creativity in good company.
You’ll be guided through clear demonstrations and supported throughout, with the freedom to work at your own pace. You can follow along with the class reference during the paint-along, or bring your own animal image if you’d prefer. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with new skills, a finished painting, and (hopefully!) a few new creative friends.
What we’ll cover:

• Creating soft, believable fur effects in watercolour
• Painting lively, expressive animal eyes
• Drafting animals using simple shapes and easy proportions
• Using special effects such as salt and “dropping in” colour to create texture
• A guided paint-along demonstration
• or: bring your own reference image and paint that during the demonstration time

About your teacher
Ann Mackowski is an award-winning watercolourist with over 15 years of teaching experience and a warm, encouraging approach that puts students instantly at ease. She exhibits internationally, including with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours, appeared on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year, and was the winner of the Espronceda 2020 residency in Spain. Ann is known for making watercolour feel accessible and enjoyable, while offering thoughtful guidance that keeps even returning students inspired and growing.