Using Layers in Watercolour with Paul Talbot-Greaves RI

Course Details

Date

Monday - Tuesday 9 - 10 June 2025

Expired!

Time

10:00 am - 4:30 pm

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Course Description

We are delighted to have top class professional landscape painter Paul Talbot-Greaves RI join our talented line-up this year. Paul has worked as a professional artist since 1998 and has been teaching painting for 26 years. He was made a member of the RI in 2023. He has written four books, contributed to numerous others, is a highly regarded contributor to The Artist magazine and has written many articles for other art magazines. Paul’s demonstrations and workshops are always extremely popular and he is highly sought after as a teacher.

In this course we will examine a layering process in watercolour that helps you achieve clarity and light in your painting. The layers make use of thin washes, wet into wet techniques and dry brush work, and when worked in a certain order, will yield amazing results. You will learn about the connection of using layers and the role of values in each layer. Each layer has its own relevance in the building of a painting and when you focus on each one independently, the painting makes itself, with a looser, fresher finish.

Each day will begin with some theory work relating to layers and values, followed by a demonstration painting to put it into context. During the afternoon you will have the opportunity to put the information into practise, working on your own paintings with my guidance. The day will conclude with a second demonstration to consolidate the theory and help you recognise any areas you might have overlooked in your work.

Course Information

Ability level

Beginner level to enthusiast/intermediate

Medium

Watercolour

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Reference material – Please bring along some photo references to work from, either printed or on an i-Pad or tablet. Try to keep the subject simple (uncluttered) if possible, and for best results make sure it contains some light and dark. I will have some spare photos with me that can be used if necessary.
Paints – There are no specific colours required as there are always workarounds with what you already have. If you are buying new paints, tubes are a better option over pans. I prefer tubes as they allow you to use changing consistencies of paint. I never insist you should buy any specific colours, but if you need a basic guide, I have listed the most useful colours first. The following list is my usual palette which you might use for reference:
Most useful – Cerulean blue, ultramarine, yellow ochre, Winsor yellow, cadmium red, permanent alizarin crimson, ivory black, titanium white (or white gouache)
Other colours in my palette – Permanent sap green, Hooker’s green, Winsor blue r/s, cobalt blue, Perylene violet, light red, burnt umber, burnt sienna, raw sienna, cadmium yellow pale.
Brushes – Natural hairbrushes such as sables and squirrel mops hold lots of colour and are ideal for free-flowing washes. I use DaVinci series 418 brushes but feel free to use your own choice. Synthetic brushes hold less colour and work well for smaller areas and details. I use a few synthetic flats, which retain their shape and spring. It is beneficial to have a selection of one large, one or two medium sized round or mop types, a small synthetic round and a fine rigger brush.
Paper – Paper is the most important element of watercolour painting, so use good quality such as Saunders Waterford, Arches, Winsor Newton Professional or any similar cotton paper. If using cellulose paper, make sure you use a quality brand such as Bockingford. I would recommend a piece of paper no bigger than 15x11in unless you are confident in applying large washes of paint. Please bring a few sheets.
Other equipment – Waterpot, palette, Pencils 4B or 6B, putty rubber, cartridge pad or spare paper (for any preliminary sketches, designs and notes), kitchen roll, masking tape, water spray, household sponge wipe (thin moppet type).

Provided by Cornwall School of Art if required

Easels
Drawing boards
Water jars
Pencils
Erasers
Rulers
Scissors
Clips

All art materials are available to purchase in the Truro Arts shop, 26 River Street Truro TR1 2SJ, and you will receive a 10% discount on all supplies for the course.

Paul Talbot-Greaves

We are delighted to have top class professional landscape painter Paul Talbot-Greaves RI join our talented line-up this year. Paul has worked as a professional artist since 1998 and has been teaching painting for 25 years. He was made a member of the RI in 2023. He has written four books, contributed to numerous others, is a highly regarded contributor to The Artist magazine and has written many articles for other art magazines. Among his many accolades he has been made a companion of the International Guild of Artists, an Associate of the British Watercolour Society, a Professional Associate and advisory panellist of the SAA, president of the Halifax Art Society, as well as an advisory panellist for Artists and Illustrators magazine. Paul has won numerous awards including Best in Show at Holmfirth Artweek, The Artist award and the Canson award at Patchings Festival. He regularly exhibits with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour.
Find Out More

Our courses usually begin at 10am and end at 4:30pm, with a half an hour lunch break at around 1pm. There will also be brief morning and afternoon breaks, with free tea and coffee available in the kitchen area. At Lunch time you can make things nice and easy by pre-ordering a freshly prepared Coach House Lunch. Alternatively, you're very welcome to bring along a packed lunch and any other refreshments you like.

On sunny days students and tutors are invited to enjoy breaktimes outside in the leafy courtyard or gardens surrounded by birdsong.

Location

Cornwall School of Art

The Coach House, Bodrean, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9AG

Opening Hour Directions:

Website https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cornwall+School+of+Art/@50.2922014,-5.0281874,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x486b17ee72da9861:0x50787f1497bcc23b!8m2!3d50.2921191!4d-5.0225226!16s%2Fg%2F11t66n4zj1?entry=ttu

Cost

£180.00

Date

Monday - Tuesday 9 - 10 June 2025

Expired!

Time

10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Cost

£180.00

Book Course

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Cancellations

Cancellations must be made in writing/email more than 4 weeks prior to the course start date to guarantee a refund. Read our full policy on the Course Terms & Conditions page.