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Tate Modern Workshop

Introduction to Watercolour Technique, Experimentation and Process

20 May 2023 at 13.00–16.00
8 July 2023 at 14.30–17.30
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John Singer Sargent, The Piazzetta, Venice c.1904. Tate.

Join us for an introduction to watercolours at Tate Modern with Artist Educator and Art Therapist Alice Davies

This practical one-day workshop invites you to explore some traditional and more experimental watercolour techniques, looking at a brief history of watercolour and how artists from the Tate Collection have used the material. Techniques learnt will then be applied to your own larger scale artworks.

Over the course of the session, you will build up the introductory skills and techniques needed to get you started making your own masterpieces.

The price of the workshop includes materials to take home with you, including a set of Winsor & Newton: John Singer Sargent Watercolours, produced in collaboration with Tate.

This session is for people aged 16 and over.

Introduction, 15 minutes: A brief introduction to Tate and an introduction to the workshop and what it will entail, with a brief history of watercolour.

Part One, 50 minutes: In this part of the workshop, you will learn 10 different watercolour techniques following examples through hands-on exercises. Examples include wet on dry, wet in wet, wash/graded wash/variegated wash, bleeding, negative painting, palette Knife, fading Out, salt, rubbing alcohol and wax resistance.

Tea Break, 15 minutes

Part two, 30 minutes: After learning the above techniques see artists within the Tate Collection and ways artists have used this material.

Part three, 50 minutes: Use learnt techniques and knowledge to make an inspired finished piece. Individual tips and any questions that you might have during the process will be answered.

Exhibition, 20 mins: View completed works, discuss the making process and how similar techniques were used differently by members of the group.

All Tate Modern entrances are step-free. You can enter via the Turbine Hall and into the Natalie Bell Building on Holland Street, or into the Blavatnik Building on Sumner street.

There are lifts to every floor of the Blavatnik and Nathalie Bell buildings. Alternatively you can take the stairs.

  • Fully accessible toilets are located on every floor on the concourses.
  • A quiet room is available to use in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 4.
  • Ear defenders can be borrowed from the Ticket desks.

To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

Download Tate Modern map PDF

For more information before your visit:

  • Email hello@tate.org.uk
  • Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00)
Check all Tate Modern accessibility information

Tate Modern

McAulay Studio, Natalie Bell Building, Level 0

Bankside
London SE1 9TG
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Dates

20 May 2023 at 13.00–16.00

8 July 2023 at 14.30–17.30

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