Paint First, Draw Later: Discover Expressive Watercolour Layers

Tuesday, 24 FEB · 10 am – 12 pm · Melbourne Central Skybridge
7 spots only · All materials provided (or bring your favourite brush + paint)

Discover the joy of building playful watercolour layers before adding your lines.
Paint First, Draw Later: Discover Expressive Watercolour Layers invites you into a relaxed, in-person session where you’ll explore colour, softness and flow first — then finish with intentional marks.

This approach is calming, intuitive and perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to try something fresh.

Come enjoy a gentle morning of colour, curiosity and expressive mark-making. Let your washes lead the way.

Let go of perfection and discover a freer way to paint.
In this 2-hour watercolour session, we’ll explore a “paint first, draw later” approach — beginning with soft, expressive washes and adding contour lines after. This playful method encourages flow, curiosity and clarity before detail, helping you build artworks with confidence and ease.

Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to loosen up their style, this workshop invites you to experiment, embrace unexpected textures, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of brush and line.

All materials are provided, and you’re welcome to bring your favourite paints or brushes if you’d like to personalise your toolkit.

Come as you are — leave with layered studies, a refreshed mindset, and a simple process you can keep using at home.

10:00 — Welcome & Warm-Up Marks
Light brush exercises to introduce flow, shapes and intuitive colour play.

10:15 — Wash First: Building Your Watercolour Layers
Learn to simplify shapes, apply loose washes, and use water control for expressive effects.

10:45 — Draw Later: Adding Lines with Intent
Explore contour lines, gestural marks, and how to refine your piece without tightening up.

11:15 — Guided Piece & Personal Exploration
Create your own small artwork using the paint-first method.

11:50 — Share & Pack Down
A gentle wrap-up and reflections before we finish.

• How to loosen up and paint intuitively before adding detail
• Using water control to create soft blends and expressive textures
• Layering washes for depth and atmosphere
• When and how to add contour lines for clarity
• Simple composition tips using shape, value and contrast
• A repeatable “paint first, draw later” workflow you can use anytime
• How to embrace imperfections as part of your creative voice

Do I need experience?
No experience needed! This workshop welcomes complete beginners and returning artists.

Are materials provided?
Yes — all watercolour materials are included.
You’re welcome to bring your favourite brush or paint set if you prefer.

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.

Will I receive anything after the workshop?
Yes — you’ll receive a digital handout for post-workshop practice to help you keep exploring the “paint first, draw later” method at home.

Can I get a refund?
Yes. Contact the organiser directly to arrange a transfer to another workshop.

What if it rains?
We’ll be indoors at Melbourne Central Skybridge, so the session will go ahead.

Is this suitable for kids?
This workshop is designed for adults, but older teens are welcome with a guardian.

Let's get your hands colourful and your creativity flowing - paint first and draw later using watercolours!

See ya!

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Host or Publisher Jaime Hoe