Autumnal Abstract Watercolours - Brighter Futures 

Location:
The Arc
Cost:
£55, £49.50 concession
Date:
22 Nov 2025
Category:
Art and Craft, Workshops
Duration:
6 hours
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm

Fancy trying some abstract watercolour painting? Let’s talk about ethereality and impermanence… Abstract watercolours are a lot of fun.  And you don’t need to ponder over complicated art concepts to enjoy them. But at the same time, there’s no reason why you can’t learn some interesting techniques along the way.  After all… we all want to become better artists! Abstract painting is an excellent way to take pleasure in watercolours without having to worry about getting things just right. The beauty of abstract art is that you can begin to use watercolours, without worrying about your level of experience, enjoying the process in the name of wellbeing. Join a days workshop with Artist Nicky Bell exploring the wonders of watercolour on a seasonal theme of Autumn/Winter, wondering through watery lands, embracing our diverse environment and changing seasons. 

 

What you'll learn: 

Big Atmospheric Skies

  • Exploring ‘wet on dry’ and ‘wet into wet’ methods to create beautiful paintings from reference imagery and the imagination.
  • Creating land laying next the coast, imagine weathered outcrops and Atmospheric Skies.
  • Learn mindful techniques for working in watery mediums, using free flowing methods in a relaxed environment.
  • Nicky will explain the benefits of paper types and paint brands for a more enjoyable painting experience post class.
  • Initial colour mixing introduction on my own unique techniques for creating ‘non muddy’ paintings.

Rough Seas & Calm Seas

  • Exploring ‘wet on dry’ and ‘wet into wet’ methods to create beautiful paintings from reference imagery and the imagination.
  • From calm shimmering seas to rough stormy seas, create simple pleasing artworks exploring the creation of atmosphere in your paintings.
  • Adding a little drama into your art, building on the morning sessions free flowing and therapeutic style.

 

Who is this workshop for: 

This workshop is open to all abilities - whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist, you'll enjoy the chance to learn new skills, connect with others and spend a relaxing day immersed in creativity. All materials are included

 

About the Brighter Futures programme

Our Brighter Futures courses aren't just about learning and developing arts-based skills, they provide time, space and tools to care for your wellbeing through creativity. Each workshop is designed to leave you feeling inspired, supported and recharged. Led by professional artists, these courses provide a gentle, laid back approach to art, which offers a calm, supportive environment to try something new, meet new people and take some time away from the busyness of everyday. Our workshops put an emphasis on allowing people to try something new in a supportive, calm and accepting environment. Want to read more about our Brighter Futures programme, and read about the experience of past participants? Please visit our webpage here: Brighter Futures | Hampshire Cultural Trust

Any questions?

On our Brighter Futures webpage, you can find an FAQ which includes all the information you may need about getting to the venue, accessibility, how to book a space, reasonable adjustments, etc. 

Want to find out more about what to expect on this workshop? Further down this page you can find a link to our visual social story, which will tell you everything you need to know about who is delivering the workshop, who else will be attending, the structure of the day, and much more.

  • Seaside watercolour scene, created with a range of brown tones
  • Seaside watercolour scene, created with a range of blue, green and black tones
  • Black and white seaside landscape scene created with watercolours

Visual Social Story

If you would like read more about what will happen during this programme, including where it will take place, timings, who will be running it, etc, please read through our Visual Social Story which will provide you everything you need to know: Brighter Futures - Autumn Watercolours ARC.pdf

Dates and times

  1. Sat 22 Nov 2025
    10:00am
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