Watercolour Workshop with Gisèle Lapalme

8 Weeks · 2½-Hour Sessions

Tuesdays, September 15 – November 3, 2026
9:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Discover the beauty and versatility of watercolour painting in this relaxed, hands-on 8-week workshop with artist and instructor Gisèle Lapalme.

Designed to build confidence while exploring this expressive medium, the course introduces the essential techniques needed to develop a strong foundation in watercolour.

Throughout the eight weeks, you’ll explore colour mixing, washes, wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, layering, blending, brush control, and the relationship between water and pigment.

Through demonstrations, guided exercises and individual projects, Gisèle will help you understand how to use transparency, colour and water to create depth, texture, movement and beautiful variations of tone.

The extended 8-week format gives you time to practice, experiment and build your skills from week to week, while receiving individual guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

Who Is This Course For?

No previous experience is required.

Whether you’re picking up a watercolour brush for the first time or returning to the medium and looking to strengthen your skills, this workshop offers a welcoming and supportive environment in which to learn, experiment and create.

Materials

Bring the watercolour supplies you already have, or purchase the materials you need at 2 Rockers Art Supply.

Registered students receive 10% off their art supplies while attending the workshop.

A recommended materials list will be provided to participants.

Explore water. Discover colour. Create with confidence.

Supplies List

Basic Supplies Participants Must Provide

Watercolour Paper — the most important item

• 1 pad of 100% cotton watercolour paper
• Size: 9 × 12 in. or 11 × 14 in.
• Minimum weight: 140 lb / 300 g/m²
• Using 100% cotton paper is strongly recommended, as it absorbs water and pigment properly and makes learning watercolour techniques much easier.

Watercolour Paint

• 1 set of fine-quality watercolour paints
• Pans or tubes
• 12- or 24-colour set

Brushes 

A basic set of 3 watercolour brushes is required. Zen short-handle brushes with gold-coloured bristles are an affordable option.

• 1 medium round brush — for details and lines
• 1 large round brush, No. 8 or No. 12 — for holding and applying larger amounts of water and colour
• 1 flat 1-inch brush — for washes and larger backgrounds

Table Essentials (provided)

• 2 water containers — glass jars or plastic containers work well
• Masking tape — beige or green, for securing the watercolour paper
• 1 backing board, approximately 12 × 16 in. — wood, Coroplast or a recycled advertising panel
• 1 HB pencil — important for preliminary sketches
• 1 white vinyl or kneadable eraser
• Small cotton rags — for wiping and controlling moisture in your brushes; a reusable and environmentally friendly alternative to paper towels

Materials Provided

Specialized materials used for particular techniques will be supplied during the course.

These may include mediums, salt, alcohol, masking fluid and a few surprises!