Watercolour workshops, classes and a little bit about me
St John’s Church, Cambridge, CB2 8RN. FREE PARKING.
Watercolour painting is a beautiful art form that requires an understanding of technique, patience and creativity. If you are interested in learning how to create beautiful watercolour paintings, my classes and demonstrations might be just what you need!
New one day workshop dates will be announced for Spring 2025.
Autumn Term Weekly classes are fully booked.
Places are available for the Weekly Classes for the Spring Term 2025, they start on Friday 1st November for a 7 week term at St John's Church, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8RN Free Parking. Booking in advance is essential. Dates:January 10th,17th,25th,31st and February 7th,14th, and 21st.
A little bit about me and my teaching.
I love the challenge of making a succesful watercolour painting. There are always interesting subjects wherever I go. I make sketches and take photographs and use these as inspiration for the varied subjects and scenes I paint. It might be storm clouds rolling in over the sea, reflections in water, a busy street scene, the silky folds in petals or the colours in the old doorways and boats that inspire me to paint.
I use a combination of techniques to help me describe the many varied colours and surface textures I see in objects and in the places I visit. I am very attracted to textural elements, especially those found on old surfaces, peeling paint on old doors, boats, rust and rocks on the shore line.
Watercolour painting is a beautiful art form that requires patience, skill and creativity. If you are interested in learning how to create stunning watercolour paintings, my classes and demonstrations might be just what you need!
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In my demonstrations I explain my process step-by-step, providing valuable insights and tips . During a demonstration I will show you various techniques and methods for creating different effects with watercolours. I will also provide tips and tricks for using different brushes, paints and paper. One of the great things about attending a demonstration is that you can see the techniques being used in real-time and ask questions during the demonstration.
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My workshops include demonstrations but are more hands-on, allowing participants to practice their skills with guidance and personalised feedback. This allows you to ask questions and get feedback on your own work. Additionally you can learn from other students in the class and see how they approach the same painting subject.
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In my weekly art classes I provided a structured course that covers the basics of watercolour painting with pre prepared projects. I provide illustrated step by step notes to accompany the projects as well as demonstrations and personalised feedback.
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Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, my demonstrations, workshops, and art classes are a great opportunity to learn and grow in the world of watercolour painting. With my passion for the craft and dedication to my students, I hope to inspire and motivate you to reach your full potential as an artist.
If you would like to read reviews from students see the review section below.
Reviews
Complete Beginners Workshop "Denise is a very experienced artist and tutor. She is also very friendly and accommodating. I love coming to her workshops as they suit my learning style. The workshops are very well organised and structured with Denise always explaining the activity in great detail and answering all questions. She models the relevant techniques and step by step instructions how to achieve the painting/ paintings. Denise is always very well prepared for the sessions. The booklets produced for them are high quality and the big screen on a wall behind her makes it much easier for everyone to see what she’s doing. I will certainly put myself on another one." Gabriela April 2024
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Complete Beginners Workshop "I really enjoyed today's workshop. I'm very happy that we have a completed painting to take home. The teaching and individual guidance was fantastic. I'm very satisfied with what I learned and the painting I did" Màtè April 2024
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Complete Beginners Workshop "I enjoyed the session today. Best part for me was applying the techniques on a real picture and completing it. Denise was really patient and helpfful to each one of us. Loved the individual attention" Priya April 2024
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Complete Beginners Workshop "Loved this workshop. As a beginner, Denise gave a wonderful introduction to watercolour. Would definitely do another class" Susana April 2024
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Complete Beginners Workshop "Very informative and an all round intro to painting with watercolours. Good explanation and demo by Denise. Thank you. Great venue too!" Sarah April 2024
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Complete Beginners Workshop "Very enjoyable and friendly course. Thank you" Alison April 2024
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Improvers Workshop " I found the course both informative and enjoyable and would not hesitate to advise budding young artists to give it a go." Gary. Jan 2024
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Improvers Workshop " Loved the whole day! My second lesson with Denise and I'll certainly sign up for more" Lori. Jan 2024
Complete Beginners Workshop "Thoroughly enjoyed Denise's watercolour class and subject matters. Denise has an excellent way of describing and showing techniques. Learnt lots of tricks and great effects. Would be very interesed in other sessions to attend. Thank you". Amanda Nov 2023
Complete Beginners Workshop "Really enjoyed today's class! I've come away with so much useful information on brushes, paper, colours and techniques and a piece of work to put in my home! Would definitely come back for another class. Lovely teacher and lovely atmosphere". Amy Nov 2023
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Complete Beginners Workshop "A wonderful positive and inclusive style of teaching. A great introduction and I would value emersion in the techniques with our progressing to images." Alison Nov 2023
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Complete Beginners Workshop "Fantastic, good pace, lots of techniques covered" Hans Nov 2023
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Complete Beginners Workshop "Very good overall! Really enjoyed it! Orion Nov 2023
Complete Beginners Workshop "It was a great mixture of demonstration and hands on experiences. I did learn lots!" Mica Nov 2023
Complete Beginners Workshop "Very good instruction for complete beginners" Tony Nov 2023
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Complete Beginners Workshop "I enjoyed the introduction into the different techniques and that we got to practice those before doing the big piece. The whole session was absolutely great!" Tina October 2023
Colourful old Doorways "I have learnt so much. Found the steps by steps very good and a lot of different techniques. Good choices of paintings for all levels. I would love to have another workshop on colour mixing. Thank you!" Marion Sept 2023
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Colourful old Doorways "Another most enjoyable day. Learnt some new techniques. Such an informative day in a relaxed atmosphere." Judy Sept 2023
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Colourful old Doorways "Super day. Great to learn new techniques in a step by step manner ih a manageable time frame. Thankyou!" Jane Sept 2023
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Colourful old Doorways "As always a very enjoyable afternoon's painting and all abilities catered for" Cherry Sept 2023
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Flower Painting Workshop "Such a wonderful day being enabled to find a completely different way to paint. A very friendly group and utter fun" Sally July 2023
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Flower Painting Workshop"Great day learning a few new techniques lots of friendly new people, I enjoyed flower painting, Thank you" Helen July 2023
Flower Painting Workshop "Thank you so much for today is what I needed to start painting again" Jane July 2023
Flower Painting Workshop "Really enjoyed the class, felt very relaxed, and Denise was very helpful and positive" Annette July 2023
Painting Birds Workshop "As always, thoroughly enjoyable day of painting.Denise caters for all abilities and her demonstrations are excellent, plus very helpful comments" Cherry. April 2023
Painting Birds Workshop "Very enjoyable, inspiring day" Judy. April 2023
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Painting Birds Workshop "A very relaxed day thank you. Challenging, but enjoyable and supportive. Did not feel it was impossible, which is really encouraging" Gill. April 2023
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Painting Birds Workshop. "Super day- as ever- Denise. Thank you so much" Frances
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Seascapes and landscapes "Excellent course, well organised and friendly. Good tuition - very systematic and unhurried" Stephen April 2023
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Seascapes and landscapes "Thank you for another excellent workshop on Saturday on painting a seascape. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I was glad to be reminded of the techniques for creating texture, and the tips for mixing colours were really helpful. I really liked the staging of the demonstrations interspersed with us putting the techniques into practice. It made it much easier to remember your advice. A very good day !" Ann. April 2023
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Painting Flowers "Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop full of ideas, information and inspiration. It's always a good reminder of all the watercolour techniques, to watch you demonstrate and encourage us to keep practising our skills as well as trying new ones. A bonus bunch of beautiful flowers to take home!" Janet March 2023
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Painting Flowers "A lovely day - just the right mix of demonstrations and personal one to one help and tuition. Thoroughly enjoyed myself- Thank you." Sarah March 2023
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Painting Flowers "Very relaxing, I liked the pace as there was plenty of time to experiment. Denise was very supportive and helpful" Michelle. March 2023
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Painting Flowers " Thank you for so much for your encouragement and techniques. I love your teaching" Kathy. March 2023.
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Painting Flowers "Great day. Your demonstration of how to loosely paint a bunch or flowers in vase was really helpful. I loved the whole day, but it is always too short. Many thanks." Muriel. March 2023
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Painting Flowers "Thanks you for the options and personal input! Thoroughly enjoyed it" Cathy-Joan. March 2023
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Improving Beginners workshop "The workshop built so well upon the Complete Beginners day. A great mixture of demos plus painting projects that covered an exciting set of new techniques. I was delighted with the work I achieved and went home energised and enthusiastic! thank you so much Denise!" Una March 2023
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Improving Beginners workshop "Thank you, Denise. Once again I found the day inspiring and illuminating, I very much look forward
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Improving Beginners workshop "The workshop built so well upon the Complete Beginners day. A great mixture of demos plus painting projects that covered an exciting set of new techniques. I was delighted with the work I achieved and went home energised and enthusiastic! thank you so much Denise!" Una March 2023
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Colour Theory workshop "Excellent!, Engrossing, highly informative and enjoyable" Bob March 2023
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Colour Theory workshop "Amazing as always: I learnt so much and discovered my hidden abstract Watercolourists through granulation! Thank you so much Denise" Christina
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Colour Theory workshop "V.good! Granulation technique and people very helpful for me" David
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Complete Beginners Workshop February 2023 "A hugely informative and above all encouraging days course! A great learning experience" Jenny
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Complete Beginners Workshop February 2023 "Lovely day-great explanations. Surprised how much I achieved" Jac
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Complete Beginners Workshop February 2023 "Pitched just right for beginners - more intense re concentration than I was expecting but I felt I learnt a lot!" Nat
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Complete Beginners Workshop January 2023. "Excellent intro to fundamental techniques in watercolour and insider tips and knowledge to apply and practice at home. This covered all the aspects I'd hoped for including materials as well. Well structured with personal attention. Thank you" Marianna
Complete Beginners Workshop January 2023."A wonderful introduction to watercolour painting! Denise explains everything and gives you confidence to paint! Many thanks" Chris
Complete Beginners Workshop January 2023."Great Course, felt I learn't a lot. Also very enjoyable." Roz
Complete Beginners Workshop October 2022. "Thank you so much Denise! It's been a brilliant learning experience. Your explanations have been crystal clear and your guidance extremely helpful and encouraging." Maggie
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Complete Beginners Workshop October 2022. "Amazing course - thank you so much Denise! Perfectly paced, so patient and helpful and I learnt lots. Not so terrifying anymore!" Christina
Complete Beginners Workshop October 2022. "Wonderful class. Really enjoyed your step- by- step approach and not having too many colours to think about" Emma
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Complete Beginners Workshop October 2022. "Great fun, surprised myself by what I could achieve in a few hours. Thanks!" Johnathan
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Painting Flowers September 2022 " I really enjoyed the workshop. Learn't something in the first 5 minutes! Denise's very approachable, enthusiastic and very constructive about how you can continue to work on something to produce a final piece and retrieve mistakes" Gill
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Complete Beginners Workshop September 2022. "A very constructive days painting in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, thoroughly recommend it" Stephen
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Painting Flowers September 2022 " Thank you Denise. I felt I learnt a lot. Your instruction was easy to follow and the day had a lovely atmosphere" Judy
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Painting a Rusty Car September 2022 " As always, a full day's workshop, in a safe environment, professionally delivered with excellent tuition at all levels and very well prepared. I look forward to the next one!' Cherry
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Painting a Rusty Car September 2022 " A most enjoyable day with excellent teaching and demonstrations, taking a painting through by stage by stage. Many Thanks Denise" Caroline
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Painting a Rusty Car September 2022 " Denise always has a wonderful workshop. I learn a lot every time!' June
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Painting a Rusty Car September 2022 " Thank you Denise. I learned lots of new techniques from you as always" Joanna
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Complete Beginners Workshop September 2022. "Very interesting learning all the techniques. Well presented, really enjoyed the day-thank you! Sian
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Painting summer blooms July 2022 "A lovely day. Lots of delightful people. Denise you always inspire and help everyone... even to be out of the comfort zone! The result was a great selection of varied styles and choices of what to paint. Huge choice of flowers to paint. Thank you!" Liz
Painting summer blooms July 2022" Highly recommended! I am a complete beginner and Denise was an amazing instructor, patient, calm and gave spot on guidance. I enjoyed the course very much and will surely come back for more, Thankyou!" Christine
Painting summer blooms July 2022 "Excellent day, very relaxing. Lots of individual guidance" Nicole
Painting Spring Blooms workshop March 2022 " As an apprehensive novice I was full of trepidation- no need whatsoever. This workshop was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and have learned many skills and made new friends. Denise is a really patient and knowledgeable tutor. Thank you so much for a wonderful day, I have already signed up for my next workshop with Denise! Diane March 2022.
"I would like to say how much I enjoyed the workshop. It was perfectly paced and I learned a huge amount. I really liked the different projects and appreciated your advice on the one I chose (which I am working on more now!). Thank you for your generosity with ideas, notes etc and contribution of bits of paint and equipment. The group was a nice size, and I felt that we all got individual attention, as and when necessary. The demonstrations were also really helpful. The room is ideal - comfortable and well equipped for a day’s painting.
I look forward to the next one, when there is one, and in the meantime will enjoy the rest of the Friday afternoon class.
Thank you so much,"
Anne 2022
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"Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop. You gave amazingly detailed demonstrations with so much advice & inspiration. I came away with a much better understanding on how to create interesting & varied textures to put into the doors projects you prepared for us. You encouraged me to go larger for this workshop, it was brilliant to work on a much bigger areas for the washes. ‘Practice makes perfect’ they say, we certainly came away with a lot more ideas & skills we can work on." Janet 2022
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Beginners workshop Jan 2022. "Great day, Denise! Thank you so much. It was good to cover so much. I might have appreciated more time to practice the different techniques but one can always do that at home!'
Ruth​
Beginners workshop Jan 2022. "Thank you very much Denise! that was lovely. I have learned a lot of techniques and really enjoyed the workshop!" Ulrike​​
Beginners workshop Jan 2022. "Lovely day- I wanted it to go on for longer! Very informative and not intimidating at all. I was very nervous to start with but soon relaxed and really enjoyed the day! Lovely group too!
Sunset workshop 10th September 2021 "Thank you for a lovely day Denise. Super venue, perfect summer or winter I would think. Good light. I've learned lots which is always a bonus! I would love to join a course" Lynda
Sunset workshop 10th September 2021 "Such a wonderful day to be all together painting again! thank you for a very well- thought out and thoroughly interesting workshop. It was brilliant" Sally
Sunset workshop 10th September 2021 "Brilliant workshop Denise, Many thanks for all your guidance on colour mixing washes and brush techniques. I thought this was going to be easy - wrong! However your help, patience and guidance was greatly appreciated and I was pleased with the final results". June
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'Thank you so much for all the hard work that you had put into the lovely couple of art days that we have just had, it was wonderful to be back at St Johns and particularly to be with everyone again.” Bea- July 2021
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"Just a quick email to thank you for the workshops last week, and to let you know that they provided me with the "kick start" I needed to get painting again, to start new projects, and to try some new subjects." Cherry- July 2021
"I found the advice on use of colours particularly helpful, especially simplifying by working with only three, plus the detail on when to use a dry brush and a wet brush and the effects they create, ie. if the brush is too wet a 'cauliflower' will appear. It was lovely to have a large table with ample space to work and the opportunity to purchase high quality paper. Most of all, during the current Covid situation, it was good to spend time with other people rather than via video call." Helen -October 2020
"A welcoming atmosphere with focus to deliver high end tuition across "Clear" communication interactions specific to each learner. Pre-preparation of information emails, additional supplies and materials offer a great value service of concentrated information delivery within a shorter face to face contact time. Amazing swift feedback with constructive guidances to aid further skill development after my work was submitted at a later time for review!" Flora-October 2020
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