Watercolour Foundations – Intensive

Beginner

Fall 2026

Schedule

Thursdays October 22 - November 12 | 7:00 - 9:00pm (4 weeks)

Location

Course Fee

$250 + HST

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About this course

“Watercolour Foundations” provides a comprehensive framework for students seeking to define their approach to this expressive medium. Over 4 weeks, you will be guided through the foundational aspects of watercolour by Dinesh Subramanian, starting with an analysis of materials, including paper types, brushes, and pigments, ensuring you are familiar with your tools for your personal vision. The curriculum is structured around key technical explorations: you will develop proficiency in techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering, and glazing. This careful practice is coupled with essential concepts like colour mixing and mark-making, helping you understand the delicate balance of water and pigment. As you progress, you will construct compositions inspired by still life, landscape, and abstract forms, all while benefiting from personalized instruction, live demonstrations by the instructor, and a supportive community through constructive group critiques.

What you'll learn

Define the essential characteristics of watercolour materials, including paper, brushes, and pigments, and select them appropriately for various effects.
Construct a range of textures and tones using core techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, layering, and glazing.
Analyze and effectively mix a broad spectrum of colour to achieve desired hues, values, and intensities within a composition.
Develop an eye for interpreting subjects, from still life to landscape, through the specific lens of the watercolour medium.
Refine your intuitive process for balancing water and pigment to control washes and create compelling gradations.
Explore dynamic compositions across different subject matters, translating visual information into expressive, painterly statements.

Watercolor Paints:
Students can use pans or tubes based on their preference. For the class demo, I will use professional grade Winsor Newton watercolours. Winsor Cotman, which is an affordable option for students.
Cool watercolours
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Turquoise – Optional Winsor Dioxine – Optional Alizarin Crimson
Lemon Yellow
Any Pale Green
Winsor Violet – Any Violet Works
Warm watercolours
Yellow Ochre
Raw Umber
Burnt Umber
Burn Sienna
Sepia
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow – Any Yellow works
Grays
Paynes Grey or Neutral Tint
Whites
Chinese White
Gouache White (Any brand works)

*** The listed colours are the colours that will be used by the instructor. As students get used to using watercolours, they will slowly build their own palette. For the class, students can use the watercolour paints that may already be on hand.

Watercolour Brushes:
#12 -24 Round Synthetic Sable Brushes
#2 or Large Rigger Brushes
#4 and #8 Flat Brushes
#8 and #6 and #4 Mop/Quill brushes
For this class: Round Brushes – Different Sizes Mop/Quill Brushes – #4, #6, #8
Rigger/Liner Brush Flat Brush – Optional
Cat tongue Brush – Optional

Watercolor Paper:
When it comes to watercolour paper, always go for 300 GSM (140 lb). I prefer Saunders Waterford and Baohong watercolour paper. You can also see that any watercolour paper of good grade will suffice. For class demos, I will use Baohong watercolour paper as it’s a more affordable option for students. You can find it on Amazon.
Other Essentials:
Palettes:
Watercolour palettes or mixing trays for blending and mixing colours. Porcelain or plastic palettes work well.
Water Containers:
Students will need containers for clean water to dilute and clean their brushes. Plastic or glass containers are suitable.
Pencils and Erasers:
Pencils for sketching and drawing before painting. I prefer mechanical pencils with 0.5 or 0.7 to draw thin light sketches.
Paper Towels or Sponges
These are handy for blotting, lifting excess water or paint, and creating texture.

What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

Laura Krieger

Watercolour Landscape Artist · M.Sc. in Psychological Science · Formative ARAS Alumna

Laura Krieger is a landscape painter and educator whose artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the Avenue Road Arts School. Having grown up spending her summers in the school’s historic day programs, she later returned to its studios to formally train in foundational watercolour theory. Her practice is defined by a dedication to capturing natural scenery, a focus sparked by a definitive 100-day dedicated painting project. With an M.Sc. in Psychological Science, Laura integrates an understanding of the creative mind into her pedagogy, ensuring her studio environment is both structured and deeply rewarding. Her classes guide students through the technical nuances of watercolour landscapes while fostering an encouraging space for individual artistic growth. Laura is based in Toronto, where she maintains an active studio practice.

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com