This tranquil early morning scene, of the River Colne near Wivenhoe in the English county of Essex, is the setting for Mike Willdridge’s latest online, interactive painting session hosted by the Watermill.
Mike says: “The early morning light, flooding its way across the landscape and onto the water and moored boats, seems such a suitable metaphor for a new beginning; for the start of a new year – hence this choice for my first painting of the year.â€
He adds: “As with all of our paintings, there’s a challenge in this painting: it’s so atmospheric and so subtle. As I discovered in my practice painting, it’ll be a great exercise in using lots of water and painting so much of the composition with a ‘wet – into – wet’ technique. The only piece of equipment that I found useful (and I don’t often use) was a fine water spray bottle.â€
Mike’s session is on Thursday 19 January at 2:30 pm, British time (Greenwich Mean Time). You can register to join it by clicking here.
Unlike many online painting tutors, Mike will not expect you to ‘look over his shoulder’ for a long demonstration, and perhaps be allowed to ask the odd question or two. No, you will be painting along at more or less the same time, trying out the watercolour techniques that Mike has shown you, step-by-step. He will demonstrate some basic techniques for only a few minutes before you start painting the same subject at home. Then, after you have had your turn, Mike will move onto the next part of the process. Lois Breckon from The Watermill at Posara will be on hand during the session to feed your questions. The session will last two to three hours. You can register by clicking here.
When you register for the session you will be asked for a donation. Some people ask how much this should be and so we suggest a minimum of £20 GBP. Our Zoom painting demonstrations do take quite a bit of time in preparation and administration and your support is very much appreciated. With your generosity we can plan and run further sessions and, more importantly, provide a regular meeting place for creativity, camaraderie and fun. We hope that you enjoy the international, online painting community that we have created.
Once you have registered you will be provided with two links. The first is the Zoom link for you to join the session. Please note that the start time is 2.30pm (UK time, GMT). Please check what this means in your own time zone.
The second link is where you can download the source photo (above) that Mike has chosen for you, his practice painting (below) to show you where you are heading, a sample line sketch and a list of materials (including paper, paint and brushes) that he suggests you may need for the session.
After the event, you are invited to add your painting to an exclusive on-line gallery. In addition, we will send you a link to a video within 48 hours of the end of the session, that will enable to you revisit Mike’s step-by-step teaching. You can register for everything by clicking here.
When you have painted with Mike online, why not join him for real at the Watermill in Tuscany Italy next summer? We would love to welcome you here.
Mike Willdridge
9 – 16 September 2023 A couple of spaces left
Watercolours and drawing (also gouache and acrylics)
To learn more about Mike and his course at the mill, please visit his 2023 Tutor Profile Page.