Characterful Animals in Watercolour | Capture personality, eyes and texture

About

Bring your favourite animals to life in watercolour — from much-loved pets and farmyard characters to British wildlife and more exotic creatures.

This is a day for discovering how to capture the personality, energy and character that make an animal portrait really come alive. We’ll explore the things that make all the difference: expressive eyes, convincing form, fur, feathers and other textures, and the wonderfully loose and lively marks that can make a painting feel full of life.

Inspired by my best-selling book Painting Animals in Watercolour, the day will be packed with ideas, demonstrations and plenty of opportunity to paint. We’ll begin with exercises to explore the techniques, then you can develop a painting of an animal of your choice in the afternoon.

You can work at your own pace, whether you have a little or a lot of watercolour experience. Some previous experience with watercolour will be helpful, but you’ll have plenty of guidance and stimulation whatever your level.

Held in beautiful Knowl Hill, Berkshire, this is a relaxed and inspiring day of painting. All materials, tea and coffee are provided — you just need to bring reference material for your favourite animal.

Thursday 24 September 2026 | £107

You might also enjoy Rainbow Pet Portraits on Friday 25 September, where we’ll really push the colour in our animal paintings, or Line & Wash Animal Portraits on Friday 20 November.

Please note that full joining instructions will be emailed to you 3-4 weeks ahead of the workshop. If you have any questions the FAQs should help, but don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected]