Watercolour painting for beginners – 'en plein air'
Petworth offers the unique opportunity to explore the wonders of watercolour in this iconic location. From blank paper to finished work, your tutor will help and encourage you to learn and gain confidence.
- Booking essential
This course is for those new to watercolour who would like to learn to paint outdoors in the surroundings of Petworth House and Park. You will meet at Petworth House and spend the whole day discovering where JMW Turner was inspired. You will work in the grounds and in the studio at Petworth House.
The day will consist of demonstrations, explanations, guidance and encouragement. You will be shown how to use the materials supplied to produce a series of exercises that will enable you to move forward with this wonderful medium. You will use the small quick exercises to experiment and develop the options available and progress to complete at least one finished painting.
You will be encouraged to explore the flexibility of watercolour, mixing pigment on the palette and the paper's surface. You will be guided with subject selection, how to construct a painting using composition and collective areas to draw the viewers focus.
At the end of the course, you will have a selection of studies and at least one finished painting. Join your tutor to explore and learn.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £209.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 01243 818300
- Suitability
Not suitable for children
- Meeting point
Please meet at Petworth House reception from 10am for a 10.15am start (the car park opens at 10am).
- What to bring and wear
Please see Course Materials section on the West Dean course information page.
- Accessibility
It is a 10 minute walk from the main visitor car park to the studio at Petworth. There is a mobility vehicle for those who might find this walk difficult.
- Other
Please be aware that in the event of extreme weather forecast, such as high winds, the site at Petworth may be closed. We will inform you the day before if a cancellation becomes necessary and refund the cost of the course in full.
Upcoming events
Little Antlers: Wild Wednesdays
Join us for some hands-on fun! Roll up your sleeves and dive into our crafts and activities, specially designed for our littlest visitors. These activities include make and take crafts, and may take place outdoors, so come prepared!
Little Antlers: Story Time
Join us for a special story time at Petworth Park, designed specifically for toddlers aged 2 to 4 and their caregivers. Learn new stories or enjoy some classics, and afterwards take part in a ‘make and take’ crafting activity based on the book!
Spring Festival 2025
Join us from 5 - 27 April for our annual Spring Festival to celebrate the arrival of a new season with spectacular bulb displays, events and activities.