Landscapes & Florals Watercolour for Beginners - New! St George & Sutherland Community College

Landscapes & Florals Watercolour for Beginners - New!

This watercolour workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of painting flowers, foliage, and simple landscapes in a supportive and welcoming environment. It’s
designed for anyone who would like to develop their watercolour skills while exploring the beauty of botanical and nature-inspired subjects.

We will begin by learning essential techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering to create soft blends, depth, and natural textures. Through guided demonstrations and step-by-step practice, you’ll explore how to paint delicate petals, expressive leaves, and gentle landscape elements with confidence.

As the session progresses, we’ll bring these individual components together into a simple floral arrangement and soft landscape study. You’ll learn how to balance composition, build colour harmony, and add subtle details that bring your artwork to life. The focus is on building skills gradually while encouraging personal interpretation and creative expression.

Whether you’re continuing from a previous drawing or ocean-themed course, or just starting your creative journey, this workshop offers a relaxed and inspiring space to grow. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a completed floral watercolour piece, practical techniques to continue exploring at home, and a renewed sense of creative joy and accomplishment.

Course Outline:

Introduction to Materials

  • Watercolour setup and workspace
  • Brushes, paper types, paints, and palettes

Foundational Techniques

  • Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry
  • Colour blending and layering
  • Creating soft washes, textures, and depth

Sketching & Colour Mixing

  • Sketching simple floral shapes, leaves, and landscape elements
  • Mixing natural floral and landscape tones
  • Understanding light, shadow, and atmosphere

Painting Practice

  • Painting common flowers, leaves, and stems
  • Creating a soft landscape study (sky, trees, or fields)
  • Exploring texture, perspective, and dimension

Composing the Final Piece

  • Planning layout and arrangement
  • Balancing colour, focal points, and composition
  • Adding finishing touches and details

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn basic watercolour techniques (wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering)
  • Develop skills in painting flowers, leaves, and simple landscape
  • Understand how to mix colours and create soft textures for watercolour painting
  • Create a watercolour artwork
  • Enjoy a relaxing and creative painting experience

What to bring:

  • Watercolour paints : https://www.eckersleys.com.au/winsor-newton-cotman-watercolour-half-pan-sketchers-pocket-box
  • Watercolour brushes round size 3,5,8 from Ecklersley or other art stores
  • Watercolour paper pad preferably 300 gsm : Reeves Watercolour Pads Size A3 (smooth) from Ecklersley / office works (please bring spares paper if not buying a pad)
  • Waterproof black fine liner https://www.eckersleys.com.au/sakura-pigma-micron-pens
  • White Gel Pen

https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/uni-ball-signo-broad-gel-pen-whitemi153wh12

  • Paint mixing palette (from Kmart or any discount store) or a flat dinner plate
  • Low adhesive masking tape
  • Pencil for sketching H / HB
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Tea towel / paper towel
  • Empty jar to was brushes
  • Water in a bottle to wash brushes
  • A small selection of flowers or leaves for inspirations.
  • Hair dryer (optional to dry paint quicker)

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

'Aileen is an experienced educator and artist with a passion for helping others explore their creativity. With over seven years of experience in teaching and interior design, Aileen has developed a strong ability to break down complex concepts into simple, enjoyable activities for learners of all levels. As an artist specialising in watercolour, Aileen has created a range of original artworks for both adults and children. Her work reflects a love for nature and a commitment to creating positive, immersive experiences through art.

Aileen’s teaching philosophy is centred around gentle guidance, allowing students to express their creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re new to drawing or looking to refine your skills, Aileen is dedicated to helping you feel confident and inspired throughout the workshop.'

Other Information:

  • To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
  • All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.