*ONLINE* Beginner-Friendly Watercolour Tutorial: Paint a Toucan

How many of us have watercolour paints lying around, bought with good intentions but as yet unopened... or maybe you've had a go before but you're needing a bit of guidance?

Well...grab a ticket and let's meet up online to paint this colourful little toucan resting on a branch!

No experience is needed for this workshop. It's led step-by-step making it easy for complete beginners to follow, although it's suitable for people of all painting abilities. Plus you get to do everything from the comfort of your own home!

The worksheet and drawing guide are sent out the night before along with the googlemeet link. Please look out for this and have your animal drawn out in pencil before the class.

Painting is a meditative activity meaning it's great for your mental health and well-being. It's the perfect way to spend an evening. For me I like to make the most of it by brewing a cosy cup of herbal tea and lighting a candle to really help me wind down for the evening. I encourage you to make the most of the experience and do the same!

So, grab a ticket and let's get painting together...

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Please check the below list for what you need. I've added some link suggestions for paper but if you already have stuff at home then you can just use what you have:

Watercolour paper - You can use any pad of watercolour paper that you may already own if you'd like to just use what you already have. However, if purchasing new I suggest using a block because this means you don't have to deal with any paper rippling. Ideally, you want Hot Press (HP) watercolour paper which is very flat with no bumps which will allow the watercolour to move around in the right way. I've listed two options below:

A good quality but still cheap option can be found here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bockingford-Watercolour-Block-300gms-228x305mm/dp/B00LIYPZO8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2YT7FXNTS0OOA&keywords=watercolour+block+hot+press&qid=1666520904&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=watercolour+block+hot+press%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-5

Brushes - I will be using one large, one medium and one very fine 'rigger' brush but if you only have the medium and the fine that will work. The fine brush must be able to paint thin lines. Message me if you'd like to invest in some good brushes and I can recommend!

Paint - I always recommend tubes of paint as they are more versatile, but if you have pans that's fine we can work with anything :)

With colours we will be using blue and purple for the body, lime green, bright lemon yellows as well as oranges, some dark red (I favour 'alizarin crimson'!) and if you have some turquoise we can use that too! However do not feel that you have to invest in anything special - use what you have at home and adapt the colours! Oh and some white too!

Palette - I use plastic trays but feel free to use anything e.g a plate

Generous water pot - glasses like old jam jars work fine

Pencil, a rubber, a black fineliner, kitchen paper