Watercolour gradient study created during Fundamentals of Watercolour in-person workshop.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
ENGLAND

FUNDAMENTALS OF WATERCOLOUR

In this relaxed and friendly workshop, Helen will introduce you to the wonderful world of watercolour.

Perfect for complete beginners - or anyone returning to watercolour after a long break - this class will give you a solid foundation to build your confidence with watercolour.

This is the beginning of a beautiful creative practice.

Who this workshop is for:

What you will learn:

  • How to stretch watercolour paper for consistent results

  • How water, pigment, and timing work together

  • Core techniques including wet-in-wet, layering, blending, and dry brush

  • Guided exercises to build confidence and understanding

About Helen Cousins

Helen Cousins is a botanical illustrator based in Kent, England. She completed the Society of Botanical Artists Distance Learning Diploma with distinction and the Award for Excellence in 2016.

Alongside her medical career, she has continued to develop botanical illustration courses and workshops, sharing a structured approach to botanical art.

Helen Cousins guiding a student painting a flower during an in-person botanical art workshop in England.

Workshop details

Format: In-person, full-day workshop
Duration: 10:00–16:00
Level: Complete beginner
Price: £80
Location: Varies by date (see individual event listing)
Materials: All materials provided
Food: Please bring a packed lunch

UPCOMING DATES

Select one of the workshops listed below to save your place. If there aren’t any dates available right now, you can join the waitlist to be notified when new workshops are announced.

  • Marietta

    “As a complete beginner to any form of painting this course was absolutely perfect.”

    Do not hesitate. As a complete beginner to any form of painting this course was absolutely perfect. The pace, content and delivery could not have been better. It was a really fun and hugely informative day.

    I left understanding how to get started with watercolours, not only the basic techniques but also guidance on materials and paints to get started at home.

  • Shelley

    “I feel more confident in watercolours now.”

    A thoroughly enjoyable day. Helen is a wonderful tutor, very encouraging and inspiring, showing techniques clearly and concisely so you are not overwhelmed and have time to practice between each step. Helen’s calm encouraging manner, to the group and individually, gives you the confidence to try things out.

    Having Helen’s personal teaching in a small group has helped me clarify how to create a smooth wash, build up gradients, and use water and paint more effectively. I feel more confident in watercolours now.

    Highly recommend, the personal tuition is so rewarding.

  • Eve

    “Excellent to focus on just learning how to paint, to have time to practise and to be given permission to do just that.”

    I enjoyed learning and the information given.

    I really enjoyed the very clear explanations of why we paint in certain ways, the mistakes that can happen, and how to make corrections. There was also useful information about painting, colours and paper stretching.

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Fundamentals of Botanical Art