The Figure in Watercolour

This is a 7-week course that will run every Sunday morning, starting on January 31st and ending on March 13th.

Class Times:  10:00am - 1:00pm

With Tutor: Jake Fairweather

Explore the human figure through the immediacy and fluidity of watercolour.

Working directly from a life model, this seven-week course invites you to loosen up, look closely and learn to capture the essence of a figure without getting caught up in every detail. You’ll explore gesture, proportion, light and shadow, colour, line and expressive brushwork while developing confidence in making creative decisions in the moment.

Rather than aiming for highly finished or precise studies, you’ll learn to respond to what you see: noticing the character of a pose, identifying its essential shapes and movement, and using watercolour and drawing to tell a visual story.

Suitable for all levels, this is an opportunity to spend seven Sunday afternoons immersed in figurative drawing and painting, experimenting with different approaches and developing your own way of responding to the human form.

What You'll Explore:

Across the seven weeks, you’ll:

• Develop your ability to quickly observe and capture the essence, appearance and character of a figure
• Explore gesture and proportion through drawing and painting from life
• Learn to recognise light and dark and translate these into a painting
• Experiment with colour mixing and expressive watercolour techniques
• Use line, brushwork and mark-making to create movement and character
• Practise making creative decisions quickly and intuitively
• Become more confident and relaxed when working directly from a life model.

With repeated opportunities to draw and paint from life, you’ll be able to experiment, loosen up and discover approaches that work for you.

What You’ll Create:

You’ll produce a collection of figurative drawings, watercolour studies and experiments developed directly from observation of a life model.

The emphasis is on exploration rather than producing one perfect finished piece. Over the course, you’ll build experience in capturing gesture, proportion, light, colour and character while developing a more confident and responsive approach to figurative work.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for all levels.

You might be new to drawing and painting the figure, or already have an established creative practice and want more opportunities to work from life. Jake will support you to work at your own level while encouraging experimentation and a loose, expressive approach.

What Do I Need to Bring?

All core art materials will be provided, along with the life model.

You’re welcome to bring your own favourite drawing or watercolour materials if you’d particularly like to work with them.

Meet Your Tutor:

Jake graduated from Massey with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. He currently tutors painting, both watercolour and acrylic, at a range of institutions in Wellington.

Term 1 Dates:

• January 31st
• February 7th
• February 14th
• February 21st
• February 28th
• March 6th
• March 13th

This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!