Wirral Festival of Firsts 2018 includes a theme of Open Spaces – there are over 240 across the peninsula! On Sunday 13th May I’m leading a Poetry Picnic at Royden Park, which will include walking and writing using aspects of mapmaking for inspiration. Book via this link. Continue reading
Category Archives: Classes & Workshops
Watercolour Lessons
A new video by Patrick Pinion advertising my watercolour classes, in time for this Friday’s Culture Tank event at Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, part of the BBC Get Creative initiative. Come along, pick up some information and try out materials 3-8pm. Enjoy watching! Please also note I have created a new page for general information on classes here.
Questions, queries and to book – complete form below:
Observing
I love experimenting with watercolour as there are so many variables – type of pigment, wet or dry surface, granulation and transparency, degree of drying-ness of the painting in progress, brushes, tools and masking. Many of my sketches and experiments focus on playing with any of these, but recently I’ve been drawn to observational work. Continue reading
‘The Beauty of Incoming Rain’ watercolour demo
I hope you’ll enjoy watching this demo on blending colour and developing deep, rich tones using the wet-in-wet technique. Continue reading
Last Available Dates for Summer School | August
*NEW* EVENING CLASS 3 x Thursdays 7-9pm – 3rd, 10th & 17th August – All levels (previously Intermediate) £20 each, discount for returners £15. Book all three for £50 (materials included) or £45 (using own materials) *PLACES AVAILABLE*
DAY CLASS Saturday 5th August *NOW FULL* Improvers 10.30am – 3.30pm (please note this has changed from a Beginners’ Day) £45 (discounts for returners and using own materials)
I am still taking bookings for groups at their own venues, though. I will also take bookings from groups of 3-5 who wish to enjoy a class together at my studio. Group rates apply – please enquire.
During term time it is challenging for me to run classes as my job takes up much of my energy, however I am happy to plan an occasional half day masterclass (demo plus focus on particular technique) if there is enough interest – let me know your thoughts. Beginners – I will upload information on my website shortly which will enable you to get a head start.
Please register your interest via the form below, stating your experience with watercolour. Feel free to ask any questions. Your comment will not appear.
Best wishes for the rest of the summer
Watercolour Classes 2017 – August Update
Full Days
1st July Beginners’ Saturday – FULLY BOOKED
14th July Beginners’ Friday 10am – 3pm – ONE PLACE LEFT
15th July Improvers’ Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm – 1 PLACE LEFT
21st July Improvers’ Friday 10am – 3pm – 1 PLACE LEFT
5th August Beginners* Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm *changed to Improvers – FULL
£45 each, discount for returners / bringing own materials
Download 1Watercolour Beginners Information
Download Watercolour Materials (for those wishing to purchase their own)
Short Courses
*NEW* EVENING CLASS 3 x Thursdays 7-9pm – (27th July possibly) 3rd, 10th & 17th August – STILL BOOKING
*NEW* AFTERNOON CLASS 3 x Tuesdays 1.30-3.30pm – 1st, 8th & 15th August – FULLY BOOKED
£20 each, discount for returners £15
Please register your interest via the form below, stating your experience with watercolour. Feel free to ask any questions. There are information brochures available, which I’ll add to the site (hopefully!).
Wirral Open Studios Tour 2017
This year over 60 artists are taking part across Wirral in 36 venues – shared spaces and studios – on 10-11 June (Saturday 10-5 Sunday 11-5). You can download the brochure with listings and maps here or pick up a printed version from any of the artists or venues across Wirral. Continue reading
Watercolour Classes 2017
1st July Beginners’ Saturday – FULLY BOOKED
14th July Beginners’ Friday – ONE PLACE LEFT
15th July Improvers’ Saturday – 3 PLACES
21st July Improvers’ Friday – 2 PLACES
Late July and August dates to follow.
Please register your interest via the form below, stating your experience with watercolour. Feel free to ask any questions. There are information brochures available, which I’ll add to the site (hopefully!).
Experiments & Sketches
Watercolour is a feisty medium – I refuse to say ‘difficult‘, though it’s often said to me by those either keen to learn or keen to avoid it. I also refuse to talk about ‘rules‘ because that implies a power imbalance between the artist and the paint. It may begin that way but, like learning the rumba, eventually the dance starts to look and feel more sensual and natural. Continue reading
Watercolour Day for Beginners

Wet-in-wet, run-backs, granulating pigments and dry brush are used in this miniature seascape.
Friday 23rd September 10-3
Five hours of watercolour bliss in a small group (max 4) – open to all levels of artistic ability but with little or no experience of watercolour painting. Tuition in my studio near New Brighton, Wirral, close to the prom and historic Magazines area.