Tuesday 1:00 – 3:00 pm -Watercolour for Beginners – with Aimee Li

Fundamental Watercolour by Aimee Li

Are you at the beginning of your watercolour journey, unsure how to navigate painting in layers or the correct order of painting steps? Do you struggle with achieving the right darkness or find your paintings lack life and light? Perhaps you’re uncertain about planning a painting from start to finish or tackling more complex subjects despite knowing watercolour techniques?

Aimee’s Fundamental Watercolour class is designed to guide you through these challenges, focusing on fundamental techniques and providing expert instruction and supportive feedback. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine and expand your skills, this course will equip you with the confidence to create stunning watercolour paintings. Join us and transform your frustration into artistic fulfillment.

Course Description in Mandarin download below. Though the class is taught in English, Aimee can offer bilingual support.

Course Outline

Class 1: Major Fundamental Techniques

Explore essential techniques: flat wash, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brush.

Gain foundational skills to confidently explore the endless possibilities of watercolour.

Class 2: Colour Mixing and Harmony

Understand principles of colour mixing and harmony.

Learn techniques for achieving realistic and harmonious colour combinations.

Class 3: Mastering Values and Depth

Techniques for achieving accurate values in watercolour paintings.

Create a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork.

Class 4: Keeping it Fresh and Clean

Strategies to maintain a clean and fresh appearance in your paintings.

Techniques to avoid overworking and preserve spontaneity in your artwork.

Class 5: Creating Depth Through Layering

Explore layering techniques to enhance depth and dimension.

Understand interactions between layers in watercolour painting.

Class 6: Exploring Atmosphere and Light

Learn to capture desired atmospheres in your paintings.

Understand the role of light and shadow in creating depth.

Class 7: Simplification and Composition

Principles of simplifying painting compositions.

Techniques for creating balanced and visually appealing compositions.

Class 8: Timing and Paint Consistency

Manage timing and paint consistency for optimal results.

Techniques to achieve the right balance between wet and dry paint.

Class 9: Plein Air Painting Practice

Introduction to plein air painting techniques.

Tips for setting up and painting in outdoor environments.

Embark on your watercolour journey with us and discover the joy of creating vibrant and expressive artworks. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to refine your techniques, this class is tailored to support your growth as an artist.

Materials List

• Paper: 18 x 26 cm pad or sheet of 300 GSM watercolour paper for practice and value studies. Saunders Waterford 300 GSM rough paper, 56 x 76 cm sheet (cut into four 28 x 38 cm sheets), for paintings.
• Palette: Watercolour palette with at least three separate good mixing areas.
• Pigments: Any good quality pigments. Colours that I recommend: Sap Green, Cerulean, Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Violet, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Neutral Tint, Paynes Grey, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, White Gouache.
• Brushes:  Use brushes what you’re comfortable with. I normally use: Squirrel mop brush #14, #18 for the first wash. Synthetic brush #10, #12, #14 for the intermediate washes and detail work. Rigger for tiny details and lines. Sable or any soft brush #10 for foliage and trees.
• Others:
• 2B pencil and kneaded eraser
• Small Spray Bottle
• Water container
• Household sponge or natural sponge
• Paper towel
• Roll of Artist’s tape

Download Materials List below:

All paintings by Aimee Li, including above feature painting montage

Below: Plein Air Painting during class, class demo’s, and student work.