About the course
This course is aimed at anyone wishing to learn or practice painting in watercolours - complete beginners are most welcome.
Weather permitting, we'll be working outdoors, in and around the village of Monflanquin. Most weeks there will be a short practical demonstration, followed by plenty of time to work at your own pace with as much help and guidance as you would like.
We're working in the mornings as afternoons, even in late August, can be quite hot. It also leaves the opportunity, should you wish, to continue painting into the afternoon.
Over the previous eight years many people have found my art courses helpful, relaxed and fun.
We'll work from life using pen or pencil then add more life and colour using watercolours, painting a range of different subjects.
I'll help you with techniques for getting proportions right, shading, detail and perspective.
You’ll learn to paint buildings, landscapes, still life and architectural details.
We'll look at ways of achieving dramatic skies, realistic stone, trees and creating contrast with light and shade.
The main language will be English, but if you can forgive my French, I would welcome any French speakers.
A taste of previous outdoor watercolours:
Times and dates
The course will run on five consecutive mornings from 09:30 to 12:30, starting on Monday 25th August 2025 and finishing on Friday 29th August 2025.
Materials
If you already have watercolour paints and brushes you wish to use, please feel free to bring those instead
Included in the cost:
- A sheet (approx A4 or A3 depending on the subject) of Arches 100% cotton watercolour paper per day
- A basic range of brushes
- A range of pencils, pens etc
- A basic range of watercolour paints available to use each day
- Drawing boards and tape
- Tables, chairs etc
- Refreshments (tea / coffee / water)
I'll send a list of recommended materials (and suppliers) once your place on the course has been confirmed, should you wish to purchase your own materials.
Venue & cost
The venue will be Galerie JS in the heart of Monflanquin. We'll be using the gallery as a base. There is ample free parking within a short walking distance. Thursday 28th will be at a nearby location as the morning market makes parking difficult in the village.
To provide a high level of personal attention, the number of places is limited to 8 people.
The cost of the full 5-morning course is 130€ per person, payable at the first session and includes all tuition, paints and paper as mentined above and refreshments. We accept cash, cheques and most payment cards.
To reserve a place (or request more information)
Please complete the form below (if you have any problems with the form, email: info@galerie-js.fr)
Please note that sending an email doesn’t guarantee a place. I will reply as soon possible to confirm. Places are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. To be viable, the course needs a minimum of 4 people. In the event that there are more requests than places, I’ll keep a waiting list.
All details above are accurate at the time of writing (April 2025), but are subject to change.
Would you like to buy this as a gift for someone? Let me know in the 'Message' field below and I'll send you a payment link and a personalised gift certificate in the recipient's name.
