Raw Umber Studios, 16 Nelson Street, Stroud GL5 2HN
12/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
For bookings please contact Raw Umber Studios directly (links also at bottom).
*THIS IS A FOUR DAY, NON-RESIDENTIAL COURSE.*
Level
Jem’s courses are thoughtfully structured with the ‘serious improver’ especially in mind. ‘Beginners’ are welcome, but previous watercolour experience would be helpful, along with a sunny disposition and full willingness to try – and try again!
Expectations about progress in this challenging medium over just four days need to be realistic. Drawing skills are also fundamental to representational watercolour; however, the course is designed to keep drawing to a minimum, to focus on the paint. Likewise, a limited palette of colours is used so that other, equally important, aspects of painting are well covered.
The ‘direct’ approach to watercolour
In this method, fewer layers (or ‘glazes’) of paint are used than in the other main approach to watercolour.
Ideally, the paper is covered no more than twice, meaning that what goes onto the paper is often the final mark, tone, colour, edge, texture (etc). Effectively aiming for the end result straight away, resulting in a fresh and immediate look. These paintings will contain ‘errors’ in the eyes of the painter, and learning requires taking chances and trying again, without fear or expectation. A bold ongoing attitude of adventure and experimentation is essential to enjoying this process.
Course description
Over four days we will touch on all fundamental aspects of painting landscape in watercolour, including:
Paint mixing and understanding of all materials
Brush control & mark-making
All traditional ‘techniques’ of the medium (on wet, on dry, ‘edge’ control, etc.)
Subject selection and composition
Colour and tone/value
How to see, interpret, analyse and reflect
Planning, strategy, and even the best psychological approaches
The course opens with some ‘back to basics’ on materials and paint mixing but will move quickly, continually integrating further concepts. Jem stresses how all aspects of painting are interconnected, relative, and equally important to the ‘whole’. The whole painting, whole approach and a whole understanding. Fundamentals of observation and technique are continually emphasised within this.
The course comprises a range of different paced learning methods including:
Short, fast exercises
Guided ‘step-by-step’ painting
Illustrated ‘lecture’ sections
Close up demonstrations of individual aspects of technique
Analysis, critique and reflection periods, looking at each others work
We will work from a range of provided subject references, including skies, trees, water, whole coastal and landscape scenes, with buildings, boats and the odd figure. Bringing your own photo references is optional and may be used towards the end of the course if appropriate.
There is no right and wrong in terms of how to apply technique, because all depends on the painter’s intended outcome, whether or not they want a particular effect, convention or surprise. Jem’s teaching shows the aspects of interaction with the visual world that a painter interprets, and a range of ways that the medium can be directed or (eventually!) controlled, to achieve your aims.
With an emphasis on the importance of process over results, much paper and paint will be used, so please bring plenty (see provided Materials List for full details). Jem loves to help people progress and there will be plenty of individual guidance. Ultimately, it takes ongoing practise and he expects you to leave not with fully accomplished masterpieces but many ideas to work on and hopefully a lot of inspiration.
Please refer to the suggested Materials List (below) and don’t hesitate to contact Jem before booking if in any doubt that the course is suitable for you.
Materials & Preparation
Click here to download the recommended Materials & Preparation List for this course.
To book a place
Cost: 480.00
Type: Non-residential
Status: Places Available
See Also Workshops
I also run shorter format Workshops which are usually one or two-day,
and non-residential.
If you would like to be kept up to date on future opportunities please send me an email to be added to my email list, or you could keep up to date by subscribing to my blog.
Contact Me
If you’d like to contact me to discuss purchasing original watercolour paintings, arranging tuition, attending a painting holiday or for any other reason, then please feel free to email or call me and of course you can also network with me on social media.
E: contact@jembowdenwatercolour.co.uk
T: 0117 9711735