Watercolour Flow: Hokusai-Inspired Waves & Landscapes

Discover the beauty of Edo Japan through watercolour, inspired by the iconic landscapes, waves and bold compositions of Katsushika Hokusai.
About this Event

Overview

Discover the beauty of Edo Japan through watercolour, inspired by the iconic landscapes, waves and bold compositions of Katsushika Hokusai.

Watercolour Flow: Hokusai-Inspired Waves & Landscapes is a beginner-friendly workshop designed to introduce you to watercolour flow, simple washes, expressive brushwork and a Japanese-inspired colour palette.

📅 Sunday, 17 January 2027
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Melbourne

No previous watercolour experience is required. Come along, explore, experiment and create your own Hokusai-inspired watercolour.

Description

What can a wave, mountain or simple landscape teach us about watercolour?

Inspired by the visual language of Edo-period Japan and the celebrated work of Hokusai, this workshop explores how simple shapes, flowing brushstrokes, limited colour and tonal contrast can create an expressive painting.

We'll take inspiration from Hokusai's famous approach to waves, landscapes and everyday scenes without attempting to copy his work.

You'll learn the foundations of watercolour while exploring:

🌊 Water & Flow — understand how water affects pigment and movement.
🖌️ Brushwork — experiment with expressive marks, lines and shapes.
🎨 Colour Mixing — create a limited palette inspired by Japanese woodblock prints.
⛰️ Composition — simplify landscapes into shapes, tones and colour.
💧 Watercolour Washes — practise smooth, graded and atmospheric washes.
✨ Hokusai Inspiration — explore movement, rhythm and contrast through watercolour.

This is a relaxed opportunity to slow down, experiment with paint and discover the joy of letting water become part of the creative process.

Agenda

1. Welcome & Watercolour Mindset
Introduction to the workshop, materials and the principles of working with watercolour.

2. Watercolour Foundations
Practise brush control, water-to-pigment ratios and basic washes.

3. Edo Japan Colour Palette
Mix a limited palette inspired by traditional Japanese prints, exploring blues, earthy tones and contrasting accents.

4. Hokusai-Inspired Brushwork
Explore expressive marks inspired by waves, clouds, mountains and landscape forms.

5. Create Your Painting
Develop a simple composition using washes, shapes, tonal values and expressive details.

6. Finishing & Reflection
Add final marks, assess your painting and discuss ways to continue practising at home.

Materials Included

• Watercolour paints
• Watercolour paper, 120–300 gsm
• Round brushes, approximately sizes 2, 6 and 10
• Palette
• Two water containers
• Paper serviette or clean rag
• Pencil and eraser
• Scrap paper for colour testing
• Washi tape
  

The workshop includes:

• Step-by-step demonstrations
• Guided painting exercises
• Hokusai-inspired reference material
• Watercolour techniques and tips
• Individual guidance throughout the session

FAQs
Is this workshop suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes! The workshop starts with the fundamentals, making it suitable for people who have never used watercolour before.

Do I need to be familiar with Hokusai?

Not at all. We'll introduce the visual ideas that inspire the workshop. You don't need any prior knowledge of Japanese art.

Will we copy Hokusai's paintings?

No. Hokusai's work provides inspiration for our exploration of composition, movement, colour and mark-making. You'll create your own original interpretation.

What will I paint?

You'll create a Hokusai-inspired watercolour landscape, incorporating flowing water, atmospheric washes, simplified forms and an Edo Japan-inspired colour palette.

Can I bring my own supplies?

Absolutely. If you have favourite brushes, paints, sketchbooks or art supplies you would like to experiment, you're welcome to use them.

What if I make a mistake?

That's part of learning watercolour! We'll explore how to work with unexpected blooms, washes, marks and changes rather than trying to make everything perfect.

What is the Watercolour Mindset?

It's about approaching watercolour with curiosity rather than perfection. Instead of controlling every drop of water, we'll learn when to guide the paint and when to let it flow.

Can I take my painting home?

Absolutely. You'll leave with your completed Hokusai-inspired watercolour and techniques you can continue practising at home.

Do I need to bring anything else?

Just a willingness to experiment and a little curiosity about watercolour. 🎨

Is the workshop suitable for children?

The workshop is recommended for ages 12+ when accompanied by a participating adult.

Will I receive notes after the workshop?

Yes. You'll receive a digital PDF containing practice prompts, reference images, and ideas to continue painting at home.

How many people are in the class?

Class sizes are intentionally kept small to allow for demonstrations, questions, and individual guidance throughout the session.

Can I reschedule if I can’t attend?
Please check Eventbrite’s refund/reschedule policy on the event page. Alternatively, contact the organiser to transfer to other workshop.

Where is the location?📍 Melbourne Central Skybridge Level 1 — meet near the glass walkway between Melbourne Central and Emporium. Look for watercolour palette and smiles!

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.

Looking forward to create art together. See ya!