What to expect 

This watercolour master class invites you to explore imaginative techniques by focusing on the negative spaces that surround your subject. Instead of painting the subject directly, you'll learn to create depth by layering colour around it, as though carving the form from the background. Emphasis will be placed on shaping, underpainting, and layering to develop rich, complex compositions. The workshop also covers colour mixing, planning, and composition, offering strategies to make your work uniquely your own. 

 

Annette will supply you with photographic references, while encouraging individual interpretations of the subject. You will learn what negative painting is and how it can build depth and mystery in your paintings. Annette will dedicate plenty of time to skill-building, guiding you through techniques such as wash work, brush control, and colour mixing. 

 

About your tutor 

Annette is a professional artist with a Bachelor of Fine Art and an Advanced Certificate in Art and Design. With over 26 years of experience teaching regular watercolour classes and workshops across various mediums, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her students.  

 

Passionate about watercolour, Annette's workshops cater to different learning styles, encouraging students to explore possibilities, embrace mistakes, and deepen their skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. 

 

What will I need to bring? 

Morning tea and lunch are included in your fee! 

Suggested Materials List: 
Watercolours: 

I encourage you to bring the watercolour paints you already own, as they may be of use. Just make sure they are transparent, and staining. 

 

You'll need at least one from each colour group, there are many colours that can be substituted, though names may vary by brand. For this reason, It is best to choose your colours by checking the pigment numbers.  

 

The manufacturer's website gives this information, or you can ask the shop assistants at the art shop. Some pigment numbers will also be available in some less expensive brands—just ensure they contain the same single pigment (check the number). If you're unsure, please contact the organisers. 

 

Some suggested colours include the following: 

Cool or neutral yellow—Suggestions are: PY150 or PY40 

Cool red (Magenta)—Suggestion:  PV19 

Cool blue (Cyan)—Suggestions are:  PB15 or PB16 

Warm yellow—Suggestions are: Quinacridone Gold (now known as Transparent Gold Deep) or Indian Yellow 

Cool Violet—Suggestion: PV23 

A neutralising dark—Suggestions are:  Neutral Tint or Payne's Grey 

 

Optional 

Staining and Transparent greens of your choice 

Other colours that you may have already especially those that are staining and transparent 

 

Brushes: 

Please make sure your brushes are actual watercolour brushes, not the stiff bristle type. You need a variety of sizes and shapes. Here are some suggestions: 

 

Minimum 1” flat synthetic brushes that when wet have a defined edge (not fluffy), e.g., Roymac or J Burrows or similar 

 

1 x small approx 3 mm short haired flat watercolour brush (for lifting, refining, mixing)  

 

Round watercolour brushes - well pointed - sizes 6, 12 or 14 and a couple of larger ones 

 

Toothbrush: for flicking paint 

 

Water spray bottle:  regular "household" type for a variety of droplets 
 
Paper:  

Please make sure your paper has not lost its sizing (paper has a shelf life and you may need to test it if it is older than 6 mths or humidity has affected it. 

Minimum of 6 x A4 sheets or similar size OR 1 full sheet 100% cotton cold pressed “medium” or rough 300 gsm watercolour paper.  **It is essential that these be either Arches, or Fabriano Artistico brands.  (Other brands are of inferior quality and don't stand up to the multiple washes we will be applying.)  

 

Minimum of 2 x A3 size sheet of cheaper cold pressed paper of reasonable quality, for practicing and warm ups, AND 1 other spare sheet of watercolour paper for testing your paint (these papers can be the back of an old painting). 

 

Arches and Fabriano Artistico paper can be purchased in large separate sheets, which can be cut (see below) into smaller sheets (more economical than the pads). You will need no more than 1/2 full sheet per day.
NOTE: Your paper does not need to be stretched in preparation for this workshop. 

 

Water Container: x 2  

Pipette or small squeeze bottle for adding water 

Apron 

1 x Household cleaning sponge cellular type (pictured) 

Tissues in a box (box can be used to rest your board on too) 

Palette – Inexpensive palettes are fine, however make sure you have plenty of room to mix colours and the wells are large enough for mixing.  Extra small dishes can be helpful too.  Pictured here are some inexpensive palettes that work well.  Please do not bring coloured plates or dishes. 

 

Suggestion: Minimum 3 x Small flower palettes (lid doubles as a second palette giving you 6 small palettes if you buy 3) 

 

Graphite Pencil:  1 x HB is recommended (please make sure your pencils are well sharpened) 

Coloured pencil:  light to medium colour brown ordinary coloured pencil (not a watercolour pencil) 

Masking tape 1” or ¾” 

Kneadable eraser 

Crumbly brown art eraser (Factis brand or similar) 

 
Supports: 2 x lightweight supports, no larger than A3 to support your work. Corflute
pictured) can be purchased usually at Bunnings or Officeworks in either black or white.
The colour doesn't matter. Old pieces of light ply board purchased and cut to size at a
hardware