Watercolor has long been treated as a delicate, rule-bound medium—transparent washes, careful control, no surprises. But the moment you stop treating it as fragile, it becomes something far more powerful.
Freeing watercolor means embracing what it naturally wants to do: run, bloom, bleed, collide. Let the water think for you. Encourage accidents as part of the process. Work boldly, mix materials, use unconventional tools, and let curiosity and risk take the lead.
When you release watercolor from tradition, it stops behaving like a medium to be managed and becomes a partner in creation—alive, unpredictable, and full of energy.
Ask Questions
Anything you are not sure of please ask. Asking questions helps the whole group - If there is something you want explained, there are bound to be others in the group needing the same clarification.
Photos.
I will do the demonstrations in stages, so you don't have to remember too much. If you have a camera, tablet or smartphone it is a good idea to get a photo of the demo at each stage. I am happy for students to take photos but no videos please.
Relax
Fronting up to a workshop can be a nerve-wracking experience. I like to keep my workshops relaxed and informal. There is no required skill level, and I am very happy for beginners, as well as experienced painters, to join my classes. The atmosphere is always friendly and encouraging, never competitive, so relax and enjoy what we do.
Use of Paintings Done In Workshop
You are welcome to use the paintings produced in this workshop. I just ask that if you post them online, exhibit or sell the paintings, you reference the fact that they were done at a John Lovett workshop
Demo Paintings
Demo paintings, from this workshop and some from previous workshops, are for sale at $350 for students.
Website
You will find detailed information on techniques, materials and approaches to painting on my website - johnlovett.com
Go to Lessons and scroll down to the Painting Lessons Index for links to all the available information. There are also a number of streaming video tutorials available for purchase.
MATERIALS LIST
Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click Materials List tab.
LOCATION
Sculptors Society Gold Coast, 173 Ashmore Rd/Carrara St, Benowa QLD 4217
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Please note that Artable does not provide refunds for workshops under any circumstances. If you provide more than 7 days notice, you can apply for a credit to another workshop. Check our refunds page for further details and COVID-19 related policies.
Please note that if a workshop is sold out a sold out sign will appear on the listing and you will be unable to book in. If a workshop does not have the number or spots that you require, a note will pop up saying 'out of stock'.
LUNCH
There are food options in walking distance at Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre and a fridge/microwave on site if you'd prefer to bring your own.
PARKING
You can park in the carpark onsite or in the surrounding streets next to the venue.
IMPORTANT NOTE
From time to time, we have to cancel workshops for reasons well outside of our control. We try very hard to limit this. Artable will give you a confirmation 21 days in advance. Please make sure that you book accommodation that is flexible if you are travelling to us and we recommend travel insurance.
Location:
Sculptors Society, 173 Ashmore Rd, Benowa 4217
