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
- Apron
- 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 )
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
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
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.
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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Water Colours with Esther Schouten
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