Learn to Paint in Watercolour

Art Splash Classes real-life and online

Absolute Beginners Watercolour

NEW CLASS starting 22 January 2026. Only 4 places left!

Learn to paint in watercolour from scratch!
Join Francine at Cricklewood Library, London NW2.
Thursdays 1pm-3pm, £16 pp. See all dates below

In this friendly 8 week course Francine will introduce you to the joy of this accessible medium. You’ll learn basic drawing skills, plus: • the three essential watercolour techniques • why the quality of paper makes a difference • how to mix colours without them becoming ‘muddy’ • the secret to creating light and bright paintings

What to bring? see below, but all materials are provided for the FIRST class.
Venue: Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Road, London NW2 6UY

Thursday Absolute Beginners Dates

Week 1. Thursday 22 January 2026
Week 2. Thursday 29  January
Week 3. Thursday  5 February
Week 4. Thursday 12 February 
(NOT Thursday 19 February)
Week 5. Thursday 26 February
Week 6. Thursday 5 March
Week 7. Thursday 12 March
Week 8. Thursday 19 March (last class of this ‘term’)

Please email by clicking here to book your place and how to pay.
Booking is essential – places are going fast.

Online Monday Creatives

Get your week off to a good start with our regular Monday Zoom class. Suitable for those who have some drawing and watercolour experience.
Mondays from 12 January 2026. 10am-12pm/UK time
£18 pp inc recorded video. See all dates below

Every Monday morning Francine demonstrates a new subject or technique. You can ask questions while she paints and then we all create our own painting using watercolour, acrylic or mixed media during the session. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and constructive feedback is given - if requested!

Each live session is recorded so you can catch up if you miss a week. This class is perfect if you like to experiment with new mediums, create portraits, landscapes and still lifes – all at your own kitchen table!
Try a class to see if you like it!

Monday Creatives Online Dates

Week   1   Monday 12 January 2026
Week   2   Monday 19  January
Week   3   Monday 26  January
Week   4   Monday  2 February
Week   5   Monday  9 February 
(NOT Monday 16 February)
Week   6   Monday 23 February
Week   7   Monday 2 March
Week   8   Monday 9 March
Week   9   Monday 16 March
Week 10   Monday 23 March (last class of this ‘term’)

Please email Francine to find out more by clicking here

What you’ll need for Watercolour classes

  • A set of GOOD quality watercolours* - we recommend Winsor & Newton ‘Artist’ or ‘Professional’ quality.

  • NB - Winsor & Newton Cotman paints are cheaper and are OK… but the pigments are not as strong and vibrant as W&N Artists’ or Professional Quality colours.

  • A4 or A3 pad of 140gsm CARTRIDGE OR DRAWING paper - for drawing with pencil and charcoal

  • A4 or A3 Cold pressed watercolour paper 300gsm pad/book with a HARD back .We recommend Cass Art shops in London, or Artway online

  • Several flat and round watercolour brushes. I recommend Transon professional artists’ watercolour brushes

  • A white ceramic palette or plate (not plastic) to mix colours

  • Masking tape and kitchen towel

  • Small bottle of black Indian Ink (not drawing ink)

  • A couple of drawing pens – 0.3 and 0.6 and/or a dip-in pen

For supplies try Jackson’s, Artway, Cass Art or Hobbycraft