Painting with Watercolour for Beginners (8-week course)

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Discover the relaxing world of watercolour painting in a gentle, structured 8-week course designed for absolute beginners. Held at Lionel Bowen Library in Maroubra, this course gives busy parents a creative escape to learn watercolour techniques and unwind.

Watercolour painting is celebrated for its luminous washes and expressive marks, and this program introduces techniques that make the medium approachable and forgiving. You will learn basic brush control, colour mixing and simple compositions while developing confidence to create your own pieces.

This course is tailored for beginners and prioritises patience and practice, making it ideal for parents juggling school routines who want a calm, focused hobby. The sessions are compact (two hours) so you can fit creativity into your weekly rhythm.

What to Expect

Expect friendly, step-by-step instruction from an experienced teacher who breaks down watercolour basics into manageable skills for beginners. Each class focuses on one or two techniques so you leave with a clear takeaway and something tangible to practice at home.

Classes will cover washes, layering, edges, and simple landscapes or still life exercises — practical skills you can repeat with minimal equipment. The emphasis is on confidence-building, not perfection, so parents can relax and enjoy the process of making art.

You will meet other local parents and community members at Lionel Bowen Library, creating a supportive environment where beginners can share tips and inspiration. The relaxed pace and short commute from nearby suburbs make it easy to combine with school drop-offs or errands.

Activity Details

The course runs weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 between 2026-01-20 and 2026-03-10, meeting for eight sessions in total. This consistent schedule is perfect for parents who want a regular creative slot in their week.

What to bring and what to expect during class:

- Recommended: 4–6 premium artist brushes (participants must bring their own brushes).

- Bring basic watercolour paper, a small palette, tube or pan watercolours, a container for water and a pencil.

- Comfortable clothing that can get paint on it; aprons are optional.

Bookings are essential and places are limited, so plan to reserve your spot early. The teacher provides paper and shared materials for practice, but having your own brushes is strongly advised.

Location and Access

The course is held at Lionel Bowen Library and Community Centre, 669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra — a familiar local venue with good public transport links and parking nearby. The library setting provides quiet, well-lit spaces ideal for watercolour painting and learning.

Lionel Bowen Library is committed to accessibility and inclusivity; if you have access requirements, contact the library in advance so staff can assist. The venue is family-friendly, making it easier for parents to attend while managing school schedules.

You can phone the library on 02 9093 6400 for directions or accessibility support; plan to arrive 10 minutes early so the class can begin on time and you can settle into your workspace.

Important Information

This class is for beginners only — participants should not have attended previous watercolour classes to ensure the course pace works for everyone. Library membership is required to attend but membership is free and easy to obtain online or at any branch.

Refund and cancellation details: cancellations made up to 1 day before the event start date are eligible for a refund for Eventbrite tickets (minus fees); late cancellations are not eligible. If you miss three or more consecutive weeks without notice, your booking may be forfeited to allow others to attend.

Please be aware that by attending you may be photographed for promotional purposes used by Randwick City Council; advise staff if you do not wish your image to be published. Covid-19 safety terms may apply and can change, so review the library's guidance before attending.

Booking and Prices

Cost: $25.00 for the full 8-week course. Payment and bookings are made online via Eventbrite (booking link provided on the library events page) and must be completed before attending — online bookings are essential.

Bookings open according to the library's schedule; if you have trouble booking online you can contact library staff by phone for assistance. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended to secure your spot in this popular beginners' watercolour class.

If the event is cancelled, refunds for Eventbrite purchases will be returned to the original payment method; tickets purchased at the library kiosk will be credited back to your library card. Please cancel promptly if you cannot attend so others may take your place.