This course is designed for intermediate and advanced practitioners who want to extend their watercolour skills, learn different techniques and new ways of developing their skills, including developing own individual projects. You will learn through one-on-one tutorials, demonstration with support and guidance. Some previous knowledge of using watercolour is important as this course is aimed for the intermediate to advanced practitioners.
By the end of the course, you will be able to able to create your own watercolour paintings using composition and tone, different washes (plain, gradated, varied, wet-in-wet), a broad tonal range in watercolour painting and a wide range of colours from the three primary colours. Throughout the course, we will look at how artists use and have used watercolour and how this can then be translated into watercolour exercises and to develop your own ideas and work.

There will be specific technical exercises and demonstrations, which will allow you to proceed with the task of the lesson, set by the tutor.
These set tasks are also designed to work alongside those more advanced practitioners who want to work more independently on their own work. In the first session, the teacher will assess your skills and your personal goals for the course. You will be working at your own level in your own time. There will be plenty of 1:1 feedback throughout the lessons, and you will be given verbal and written feedback on your progress. There will be a group review at the end of each lesson.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which will outline the learning objectives for the course. You will also be invited to set your own goals. You will receive feedback against the achievement of these outcomes during the course from your tutor, and in written form at the end of the course. The college has an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. Your tutor will make you aware of these and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject in the Creative Arts department. For Art and Design courses, once you have developed a portfolio of work, you could consider applying to the accreditted courses including L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as a pathway into higher education. Advice and Guidance for further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.