Vibrant pink watercolour rose illustrations on professional textured paper with course details text overlay.
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
Water Colours with Esther Schouten
AU$400.00
Next: Mon, 20 Apr 10:30AM (AEST)
New

Water Colours with Esther Schouten


Watercolour Painting for Beginners 8-Week Term Course at Montsalvat 

Course Aim

This course introduces participants to the fundamental processes and techniques of watercolour painting, supporting them to discover their own creative voice through this expressive and timeless medium. The program also fosters social connection, providing a safe and welcoming space for like-minded people to learn, share, and grow together.

Course Format

  • Duration: 8 Weeks 

  • Session Length: 2 hours per week

  • Schedule:  Monday mornings 10:30am-12:30pm (during school terms)

  • Commencement: From Monday April 20th - start of Term 2

  • Class Dates: April: 20, 27.   May: 4, 11, 18, 25.  June: 1, 15.

  • Course Fee: $400/student

  • Maximum Students: 10

  • Minimum Students: 5

  • Progression Pathway: Graduates may enroll in an Intermediate Watercolour Course

Learning Approach

The course follows a structured, step-by-step teaching model, building skills and confidence progressively. Students begin with foundational techniques before moving into guided exercises of increasing complexity, ensuring steady development and creative independence.

Weekly Program Outline Week 1 – Introduction to Paint & Colour

  • Understanding watercolour pigments

  • Creating colour grids and tonal gradations

  • Exploring water-to-paint ratios

Week 2 – Brushes & Application Techniques

  • Understanding brush types and functions

  • Paint application and texture effects

  • Mixing secondary and tertiary colours

Week 3 – Paper & Surface Preparation

  • Mounting and stretching paper

  • Masking techniques

  • Additives and special effects

Week 4 – Exercise 1: Autumn Landscape

  • Composition basics

  • Colour harmony

  • Atmospheric perspective

Week 5 – Exercise 2: Yarra River Landscape

  • Mixing wet colours on paper

  • Tonal intensity to create depth of field

  • Achieving reflections

Week 6 – Exercise 3: Pheasant Study

  • Colour blending techniques

  • Feather textures 

  • Detail development

Week 7 – Exercise 4: Abstract Human Figure

  • using white paper for negative space

  • suggesting gestures

  • Expressive brushwork

Week 8 – Exercise 5: Maple Leaf & Review

  • Layering and Masking

  • Fine details and contours

  • Group review and next steps

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Understand basic watercolour materials and processes

  • Confidently mix and apply colour

  • Prepare and work on professional-quality paper

  • Develop skills in landscape, detail and figure painting

  • Build confidence in personal artistic expression

  • Complete a small portfolio of finished works

The White Cottage Studio

  • Located in the beautiful lush, leafy upper garden of Montsalvat

  • Steeped in history, the White Cottage has inspired generations of artists

  • Close to parking area

  • Easy access, no stairs

  • Comfortable seating at restored timber tables

  • Toilet and Kitchen adjacent to Studio


Participants will need to bring

  1. Apron
  2. White Eraser
  3. Water Colour Paint in Tubes (A detailed list will be sent on confirmation of payment): including Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Blue, 
  4. Brushes  (A detailed list will be sent on confirmation of payment )



Materials Provided 

The following materials are available for communal use: 

  • Masking Tape 
  • Masking Fluid 
  • Professional Watercolour Paper 300 gsm (Saunders and Arches brands)
  • Stretching Tape
  • Special Effects Materials (wax, alcohol, salt) 
  • Paint in specialized colours
  • Paper towel

* Each participant will receive their own A2 Mount Board and a Folding Plastic Palette 

Notes

  • Please label all personal materials clearly.


Who Should Enrol

This course is ideal for:

  • Complete beginners

  • Returning hobbyists seeking structure

  • Retirees and community members exploring creativity

  • Parents looking to achieve mindfulness and re-connection with their creative self

  • Busy people looking for a calm start to a hectic week (in the oasis of stillness at Montsalvat)

  • Anyone interested in developing painting skills in a supportive environment

  • Artists wanting to try their hand at a new medium

No prior experience is required.


Course Outcomes

Participants will complete:

  • Multiple guided exercises

  • 5–7 finished paintings

  • A foundation skill set for independent practice

  • Confidence to progress to intermediate study


Details

2 hours x 8 Weeks

You will learn

  • Students will learn the fundamental techniques of watercolour painting, including colour mixing, brush control, paper preparation, and layering with water and pigment. Through guided exercises and practical projects, they will build confidence in painting landscapes, figures, and natural subjects while developing their own creative style.

You will get

  • Each participant will receive their own A2 Mount Board and a Folding Plastic Palette. Access to premium Artist's Quality Water Colour Paper. Students will gain confidence in using watercolours, personalised guidance from an experienced tutor, and a small portfolio of finished paintings they can be proud of. They will also enjoy a supportive, social studio environment that encourages creativity, connection, and ongoing artistic growth.

Appropriate for

Anyone interested in watercolors 16+ years


Preparation

What to bring

  • Students are required to bring: Apron, HB Pencil, White Eraser, Water Colour Paint in Tubes (A detailed list will be sent on confirmation of payment): including Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Prussian Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Brushes (A detailed list will be sent on confirmation of payment . Please check Spam and Junk Folders if you do not recieve confirmation on the same day).

What to wear

Casual / older clothes


Your Teacher

Esther is a celebrated, award winning, artist who has been practising Water Colour painting for more than 50 years. 

She possesses extensive experience, both in Australia and internationally, in teaching adults the pleasure of using water colour paint. She frequently conducts Water Colour workshops from her studio located in North Warrandyte. 

Her association with Montsalvat dates back to 2010 when she began her journey as an oil painting student under the guidance of artist David Moore. 

Esther participates in Nillumbik Artists Open Studios and takes delight in sharing her expertise and passion for art and the art-making process with others.

Organized by

Montsalvat Arts Education

Montsalvat Arts Education

1140 reviews

Nestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists. 


In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.


Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.

We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.

Terms & Conditions


TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions apply to all Clay Talk programs, including term classes, workshops, short courses, and special events such as the Fire & Clay Festival.

Bookings & Payments

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.

  • All bookings must be made through our online portal:www.claytalk.weteachme.com

  • Payments are accepted exclusively through this platform.

Places are limited and cannot be held without payment.

Access to Clay Talk & Other Art Studios

Clay Talk coordinates all art programs located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For safety and security, access is restricted to enrolled participants.

  • Upon booking, you will receive an Information Kit outlining access procedures.

  • Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe entry to studio spaces relevant to your program.

Refunds, Absences & Transfers

  • We do not offer refunds for change of mind after booking.

  • Transfers may be requested, subject to availability and approval.

  • Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates and times before booking.

Refund Requests (Before Program Commencement)

If your circumstances change prior to commencement, you may request a refund, which may be approved at our discretion and will incur an 4% administration fee deducted from your refund amount.

Missed Classes or Sessions

  • Requests for alternative arrangements must be made within five (5) working days of a missed session by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au

  • Retrospective requests will not be accepted.

  • Studio access sessions are not considered make-up classes.

Cancellation by Clay Talk

Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel programs due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrolments. In such cases, participants will be notified and provided with a pro-rata refund.

Illness & Medical Absence

If you are unable to attend due to illness:

  • Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au

  • Where applicable, alternative arrangements, credit, or a pro-rata refund (less an 8% administration fee) may be offered at our discretion.

Gift Vouchers

  • Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com

  • Minimum value: $20

  • Valid for three (3) years from purchase

  • Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal

  • Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable

Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.

Firing of Work – Clay Talk Term Classes Only

Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.

General Requirements

  • All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.

  • We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.

  • Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.

Term Classes – Firing Conditions

For most term classes:

  • Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees

  • Additional firing will incur extra charges

  • All pieces must be labelled with your Maker’s Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)

Unmarked work will not be fired.

Damage

  • Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.

  • Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.

Fire & Clay Festival – Work & Firings

For Fire & Clay Festival participants:

  • Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.

  • All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.

  • Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Collection of Work

  • Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2–4 weeks after program completion.

  • You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.

  • Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.

Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.

Contact

For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:

📧 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au


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