Loose Landscapes in Watercolour and Ink | Libby Derham

Join us in exploring the captivating world of watercolour, mark-making and ink, led by the award-winning artist Libby Derham.

About the workshop

In this engaging and relaxed-approach workshop students will learn representational and expressive watercolour painting techniques on paper, as they journey through landscapes in an imaginative way.

What will I learn?

Day 1: Students begin by familiarising themselves with the tools they will be using and loosening up their watercolours with mark-making. Students will experiment with expressive paint mixing to create vibrant colours and tackle various shades of green. Gain crucial insights into pigment saturation and tone, and discover how to apply these concepts to elevate your artwork.

Day 2: Students continue their exploration by experimenting with various methods for crafting expressive, loose landscape paintings using watercolours. Discover techniques for creating dramatic skies and develop intriguing compositions for fresh approaches to landscape art.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Suitable for any level, including absolute beginners.

What do I need to bring?

Brushes:

• Mop brush - (suggested: Micador Revolution Ouill Mop Size 2) 
• 1-2 round brushes (recommend size 4 and size 8 in Taklon, but bring what you have)

Watercolour Paint - Pans or Tubes:

• Warm and cool primaries
• Payne's Gray
• Optional - Opera Pink and Buff Titanium)

Ink:

• Art Spectrum or Liquitex permanent Ink - (Transparent Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna or Sepia recommended)

Watercolour Paper - Fabriano Artistico - 25% cotton (budget), or you may prefer to use 100% cotton:

• 300gsm hot press - 2 full sheets
• 300gsm cold press - 2 full sheets

Other Materials:

• Small spray bottle of water
• Paper towel
• Masking Tape - (suggested Bear 24mm x 50m Washi from Bunnings)
• Plastic pipettes (cheap shops are great for these) optional - nib/dip pen
• HB or 2B pencil 
• Apron (or advise to wear old clothes)

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge at the studio for your convenience.

What else is provided?

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

About the Tutor

An award-winning artist, Libby is a fourth-generation water-colourist, passionate at pushing the medium into the contemporary space. She won the Annie Tan Memorial Watercolour Award - Queensland Regional Art Awards (2021) and has been a finalist in multiple local and national awards including Splash: McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award (2021), QRAA (2020), Local Artist Local Content (2022/2021/2020) and Du Rietz Art Awards (2021/2020). Libby is also representing Australia at the  fabrianoinacquarello watercolour symposium in Italy and USA in 2024.

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