Watercolour course
Time to take a watercolour course! Here you will find everything you need to know to choose the right watercolour painting course. JNArt is a watercolour artist and teacher who gives his tips on how to find the right one among all the different courses.
Why take a watercolour course?
A growing number of people are realising the beauty of watercolour painting. It can provide new inspiration, time for yourself, mindfulness and above all, it's fun to create! You can take a watercolour course if you're a beginner, want to learn more, to hone your technique or to see how teachers do it. Overcome frustration and let your creativity flow!
One of the oldest art forms in the world
Aquarel, as it's sometimes referred to, derives its meaning from the Latin aqua (water), meaning colour diluted with water. Since ancient times, artists have mixed pigments with water and painted on different surfaces. Today, watercolour is mainly associated with watercolour paint, which is painted on special watercolour paper that often contains cotton. With watercolour, it is possible to paint both abstract and fluid, as well as incredibly detailed and figurative.
Once you've learned watercolour painting, you'll be able to create varied strokes and control how the watercolour moves and creates effects on the paper.
What is a watercolour course?
A watercolour course is one or more sessions where you learn watercolour painting either in person or online from a watercolour teacher. The number of participants can vary between 5 to 10 people in face-to-face courses and 5 to 20 people in online courses. In beginner courses, you will learn the basics of the technique and try painting simple subjects. More advanced watercolour courses allow you to deepen your theoretical and practical knowledge of watercolour painting and paint more advanced subjects. A watercolour course often teaches what materials are needed, how to use the materials, goes into the theoretical aspects of art and gives the chance to practice free or teacher-led creation.
Are there different types of watercolour courses?
Anyone who has taken a couple of watercolour courses, or just art courses in general, can easily distinguish between two types. Some courses are more about giving participants a place and opportunity to create, the teacher in these courses is more focused on creation without right and wrong. The focus is not on teaching theories of visual creation, and practical tools are only taught to a limited extent. This type of course is great for those who like undemanding creation.
Technically orientated courses
Other courses are more or less structured around the participants' technical development in watercolour painting. Procedures, in-depth knowledge of materials, how the painter builds up images, or how to evaluate their work to improve, are usually included in such a watercolour course.
For those who want to develop artistically, both forms can be suitable, it's more about what you prefer.
JNArt provides more technically orientated courses.
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What level is suitable?
Beginners
Learning something can be divided into different stages. Firstly, if you are completely new, the learning curve is often steep because you need to grasp the new in some way and everything you encounter is new. At this stage a beginner's course works well, it should be focused on teaching the basics as well as providing reasonably easy tasks to inspire you to keep going, not get bored because everything is too difficult.
Intermediate
In the next stage, you will have learnt most of the basic techniques and will begin to get a grasp on painting subjects of varying difficulty. In this intermediate mode, you will benefit from more advanced courses. It is common to find that some things are repeated, but you still find new things in the courses you take.
The intermediate level often lasts a long time depending on what you learn. In watercolour painting, in addition to the theory, you need to train your hand and be able to practically perform all the different steps.
Advanced
In the next level, you will have become an advanced painter. Now it is more demanding to find new theoretical and practical information. You usually need to study other people's paintings or seek out teachers who you can see have mastered something you don't know in order to learn something new.
Those who have mastered watercolour painting in this way can take on commissions, explore their own abilities, seek out other art forms to gain new impressions, or in some way try to push the boundaries of what can be done in watercolour painting.
How much does a watercolour course cost?
The cost of a watercolour course ranges from 0-1000 SEK per session depending on the type of course you are taking.
Folk high schools and study associations
Folk high schools and study associations offer really affordable courses if you want to learn watercolour painting. Especially if you find a good teacher. They often have nice facilities and sometimes you can buy materials cheaply, or they are included in the course. You get to meet other participants and have a teacher who specialises in watercolour painting.
Self-study
The cheapest way is to teach yourself. Today, there are virtually free online watercolour painting courses on various websites, social media and YouTube. The downside can be that a teacher doesn't give tips on gaps in your knowledge, or teach painting in a way that suits you. Sometimes you can overcome this by participating in forums.
Private watercolour courses
Private watercolour courses are also plentiful. Some give you the opportunity to paint in scenic areas, abroad, or at home in an artist's studio. Private courses can be more expensive, but if you like the teacher's style and way of teaching, it can be worth the money.
