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Introduction to Watercolours
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
There are two weekly tutorial slots available. Please select the time of the session you wish to attend using the 'Book Now' page. This course will run from Monday 15 September to Monday 27 October, there will be no live session on Monday 13 October, please see the attached programme for full details.
Discover the lively personality of watercolour. Through a series of exercises with expert tutor Leo Crane, each week, you’ll explore a different way to use this versatile medium, from luminous manuscript painting to precision illustration and spontaneous mark-making.
By the end of the course, you will have tried out a variety of techniques, creating a mini portfolio of sample pieces and a final project:
- Learn from our world-class experts wherever, whenever: watch classes live or view the recording later in your own time.
- Time to explore: 12 hours of live classroom sessions over six weeks.
- Consolidate your learning: watch over 20 specially commissioned How To videos to support your course. Receive feedback from the class tutor on your work.
- Deepen your understanding: weekly Spotlight Sessions with V&A Curators, art historians and practicing artists explore the background to the projects.
- Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials are available for six weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a minute.
There are two weekly tutorial slots available. Please select the time of the session you wish to attend using the 'Book Now' page. This course will run from Monday 15 September to Monday 27 October, there will be no live session on Monday 13 October, please see the attached programme for full details.
Workshop Leader
Leo Crane
The course is led by Leo Crane, author of Contemporary Figures in Watercolour (Pavilion, 2021) and lead artist of the award-winning watercolour animation Nude Triumphant (Animate Projects 2020).
Leo was an exceptional instructor - his knowledge and delivery were amazing Previous V&A Academy Student
Course overview
Week 1: Materials and techniques. Introduction to brushes, paper, paints and how to apply them
Week 2: From Opaque to Luminous. Overview of early manuscript painting; exploring opaque and transparent paints.
Week 3: Illustration and Enchantment. Washes and line inspired by Dulac, Rackham and British watercolour illustration.
Week 4: Expressive Figures. Painting from life, quick poses, gestural marks
Week 5: Inner Energy. Overview of East Asian ink wash painting; tree study in sumi-e style.
Week 6: Final project and individual feedback. Project brief and one-on-one tutorial time with a final group critique.
Materials are not included. You will receive a short list of readily available materials to purchase prior to the start of the course.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 25 June. General Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Monday 7 July 2025.
Enrol now
Online course: Introduction to Watercolours
15 September 2025 - 20 October 2025
£260.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
