Monday Watercolour Atelier, Drop-in

Monday’s from 1-3 pm, except statutory holidays

Join us on Mondays from 1-3 pm, where artists of all experience levels are invited to play with watercolours with an expert available for consultation. We began this group in April 2024 and now have a solid and welcoming core of participants working on their own projects every week. Sometimes Jean Maddison, a Professor Emeritus of Guelph University, gives a mini-demonstration or discussion. Jean has a wealth of experience in printmaking and watercolour work, has an extensive CV, a large body of work, and a love of teaching. We all learn from each other and share resources and inspiration. 

Sessions will be held in the upstairs Events Room at the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre (4495 Happy Valley Road, Victoria, B.C. V9C 3Z3). The room holds 20 artists, first-come, first-served, and has a sink. Unfortunately, this room is not wheelchair accessible. The cost is $10 per session, payable in cash each day(s) you attend. No materials are included. If you are not already equipped, a basic starter kit for your first session might include the following supplies, available at the art stores listed below.

  • A watercolour weight (300lb) 8×10 or 11×14 sketchbook or watercolour pad (smooth or rough is personal preference– they have very different end results…try both!) 
  • A basic set of watercolour paints (any quality is okay to start, but higher-end brands may have pigments that do not dull as quickly)
  • A basic set of 2-3 brushes 
  • Small jar or container for washing brushes
  • A small rag or heavy-duty paper towel
  • Pencil (2H)
  • Waterproof ink pen(s)
  • Palate or flat white plate
  • Bring an image that you can copy onto your paper (Jean will show you some techniques for this in the first classes). The subject matter can be any: flora, fauna, landscape, portrait, abstract—it’s up to you!

For additional information, please get in touch with the coordinator, Memet Burnett, at memetburnett@metchosinartpod.ca

Resources