A Slice of Joy: Cake in Watercolour

Learn how to use simple watercolour techniques to paint cake, icing, crumbs and decorative details.
About this Event
A Slice of Joy: Cake in Watercolour
Overview

Celebrate colour, creativity and cake in A Slice of Joy: Cake in Watercolour — a relaxed, beginner-friendly watercolour workshop where we turn everyone's favourite sweet treat into a delicious painting.

Learn how to use simple watercolour techniques to paint cake, icing, crumbs and decorative details while exploring colour mixing, tonal values, water control and texture.

Whether you love cake, enjoy painting food, or simply want a fun creative morning, this workshop is designed to help you slow down, experiment and enjoy the process.

Sunday, 14 February 2027
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Melbourne Central Skybridge

No previous watercolour experience is required.

Description

There is something joyful about painting cake.

A slice of cake gives us everything a watercolour artist can play with — soft icing, rich colour, delicate crumbs, glossy fruit, creamy layers and interesting textures.

In A Slice of Joy, we'll explore how to translate these delicious details into watercolour without getting caught up in painting every tiny detail.

You'll learn how to:

• Mix delicious cake-inspired colour palettes
• Create light, mid and dark tonal values
• Control water for soft and defined edges
• Paint simple cake layers, icing and decorations
• Suggest texture using brushwork and watercolour techniques
• Use highlights and shadows to give your cake dimension
• Simplify a reference while keeping the painting fresh and expressive

The focus is not on creating a perfect cake illustration. It's about learning to see colour, shape, light and texture — and having fun along the way.

Come for the cake. Stay for the watercolour joy. 🎂🎨

Agenda

10:00 AM — Welcome & Watercolour Mindset
Settle in, look at our cake references and explore how we can simplify what we see into shapes, colours and values.

10:15 AM — Cake Colour Palette
Mix warm and cool colours for cake, cream, icing, fruit and shadows.

10:30 AM — Watercolour Techniques
Explore washes, layering, soft and hard edges, lifting and simple texture techniques.

10:50 AM — Paint the Cake
Build a cake painting step by step, from the lightest washes through to shadows and details.

11:30 AM — Details & Finishing Touches
Add crumbs, highlights, decoration and small accents that bring the painting to life.

11:50 AM — Share & Reflect
Step back, look at your painting and share your favourite discoveries from the session.

12:00 PM — Finish

Materials Included

Reference images and workshop guidance are provided.

• Watercolour paints
• Watercolour paper, ideally 120–300 gsm
• Round brushes, such as sizes 2, 4–6 and 10
• Palette
• Water container
• Paper serviette
• Scrap paper for testing colours

You are welcome to bring your favourite paints and brush.

Bring what you already have. The workshop is about learning how to work confidently with the materials you have, if you like.

FAQs
Do I need previous watercolour experience?

No. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and anyone wanting a relaxed refresher.

What will we paint?

We'll create a cake-inspired watercolour painting, exploring cake layers, icing, decorations, shadows and texture.

Do I need to bring my own materials?

No. Materials are included in the ticket price.

Is this a Valentine's Day workshop?

Yes — the workshop takes place on Sunday, 14 February 2027, making it a lovely Valentine's Day creative activity. But you don't need to come with a partner or celebrate Valentine's Day to enjoy it!

Can I come alone?

Absolutely. Many participants come on their own. The workshop is a friendly space to meet other creative people while focusing on your painting.

Is the workshop suitable for experienced artists?

Yes. While the workshop is beginner-friendly, experienced painters can use the exercises to explore colour mixing, tonal values, water control, texture and simplification.

How long is the workshop?

The workshop runs for 2 hours, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

What should I wear?

Watercolour is generally a clean medium, but accidents happen! Wear something comfortable that you don't mind getting a little paint on.

What is the Watercolour Mindset?

The Watercolour Mindset is about letting go of perfection, being curious and allowing the paint to do some of the work. Instead of asking “Is my painting perfect?”, we focus on “What can I discover?”

What if I arrive late?

Please allow yourself enough time to find the venue and settle in before the workshop begins. If you're running late or have difficulty finding the venue, please contact the organiser.

Is the workshop indoors?

Yes. The workshop is held indoors at Melbourne Central Skybridge.

Who is the workshop for?

Anyone who enjoys creativity, cake and watercolour! It's suitable for beginners, hobby artists and anyone looking for a relaxed creative experience.

What will I take home?

You'll take home your finished cake watercolour painting, your colour-mixing discoveries and a collection of techniques you can continue practising at home with a digital handout.

Will I get a reminder before the workshop?
Yes — we’ll send you an email reminder with the exact meeting details 2 days before the event.

You are most welcome to bring snacks or a slice of cake to eat and paint.

Can't wait to paint together. See ya!