What you will get
College Certificate
Designed for beginners or those with limited experience, the course will explore essential techniques, tools, and materials to help learners build confidence and enjoy the unique qualities of watercolour.
Each week focuses on a different aspect of watercolour practice, including brush control, colours, layering, stretching paper, use of mediums and simple composition. Students will experiment with a range of exercises to develop core skills such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, as well as lifting, blending, and creating texture. Use of thicker watercolour and Gouache.
Subjects will include landscapes, still life, natural forms, and abstract studies, providing a variety of approaches to painting and encouraging creative exploration. Instruction will include step-by-step demonstrations, group discussion, and individual guidance in a relaxed, supportive environment.
By the end of the course, participants will have gained a solid understanding of watercolour techniques, improved their painting ability, and produced a selection of finished works. They will also develop the confidence to continue painting independently.
College Certificate
There are no formal entry requirements – we can accommodate all levels of ability.
You will be issued with a basic artists starter kit at the first class and you may wish to add to this as you progress but there is no requirement to do this.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Alternatively, you can complete a part-time booking form and send it to us.
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
Fees quoted apply to individuals who meet our residency criteria for home fee status. A higher fee may apply if criteria cannot be met; evidence may be required. Please contact enquiry@nescol.ac.uk for further information.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.