Watercolour in Motion: Exploring Three Essential Techniques

Discover the magic of watercolour through three essential painting techniques: wet-on-wet, wet-on-damp and wet-on-dry.
About this Event

Watercolour in Motion: Exploring Three Essential Techniques.

Sunday 31 January 2027 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Melbourne Central Skybridge, Melbourne
Facilitator: Jaime Hoe

Overview

Discover the magic of watercolour through three essential painting techniques: wet-on-wet, wet-on-damp and wet-on-dry.

Explore how water, timing and brush control influence the way colours flow, blend, soften and create texture. From dreamy, flowing washes to soft transitions and crisp details, learn how to work with watercolour rather than against it.

A relaxed, hands-on workshop for beginners and anyone looking to build confidence and explore new possibilities with watercolour.

No pressure, no comparisons – just curiosity, experimentation and creative discovery.

Description

Watercolour is a medium of possibilities. Sometimes the magic happens when you let the water move freely; other times, it's about knowing when to wait and when to add another brushstroke.

In this workshop, we'll explore three fundamental watercolour techniques:

1. Wet-on-Wet – Let the Colours Flow

Apply paint onto damp or wet paper and watch colours spread, merge and create beautiful organic effects. Experiment with soft edges, flowing transitions and atmospheric washes.

2. Wet-on-Damp – Embrace the In-Between

Discover the delicate balance between wet and dry. Explore how slightly damp paper creates softer edges, controlled colour movement and subtle transitions.

3. Wet-on-Dry – Create Definition

Apply wet paint onto dry paper to achieve sharper edges, defined shapes and more controlled brushstrokes. Learn how to build layers and introduce details into your paintings.

Through guided demonstrations and practical exercises, you'll discover how these techniques can work independently or together to create depth, contrast, texture and visual interest.

The session encourages experimentation, observation and finding your own way of painting.

Remember: Watercolour isn't about controlling every drop. It's about learning when to guide the water and when to let it surprise you.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Watercolour Basics

• Introduction to watercolour and water control
• Understanding paper moisture and paint consistency
• How timing influences the final result

10:15 – 10:45 AM | Wet-on-Wet

• Creating flowing washes and soft edges
• Colour blending and organic transitions
• Exploring blooms and spontaneous effects

10:45 – 11:15 AM | Wet-on-Damp

• Understanding the in-between stage
• Creating soft yet controlled edges
• Exploring subtle transitions and layered effects

11:15 – 11:40 AM | Wet-on-Dry

• Creating crisp edges and defined shapes
• Building layers and adding details
• Exploring brush control and tonal contrast

11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Experiment, Combine & Create

• Combine all three techniques in a small painting
• Discover your favourite effects
• Share discoveries and creative takeaways

Materials Included

Everything you need is provided.

✔ Professional watercolour paints

✔ Watercolour paper 120 - 300 gsm

✔ Brushes

✔ Palettes

✔ Water container

✔ Practice warm-up prompts

✔ Take-home inspiration handout

Just bring yourself, your curiosity and a willingness to experiment!

FAQs

Do I need previous watercolour experience?

Not at all! This workshop is beginner-friendly. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine your existing skills, you'll be guided through each technique step by step.

Are materials included?

Yes! All essential painting materials are provided. You can simply arrive and enjoy the experience.

What will I learn?

You'll explore wet-on-wet, wet-on-damp and wet-on-dry techniques, understanding how water, timing and brush control affect colour movement, edges and texture.

Will I complete a painting?

You'll work through a series of guided exercises and finish by combining the three techniques in a small painting.

Can I attend with a friend?

Absolutely! Bring a friend, partner or family member and enjoy a creative morning together.

Is this suitable for teenagers?

Yes, mature teenagers are welcome. Children under 12 should attend with an accompanying adult.

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 another workshop.

Where is the location?

📍 Melbourne Central Skybridge — meet near the glass walkway between Melbourne Central and Emporium. Look for a 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.

Come curious, leave inspired.

Learn to work with water, embrace unexpected results and discover the joy of watercolour!