'Tis the season!
Fah-la-la and all that.
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another edition of Loose Watercolours news with me, your host! How’s your week been? We’ve been caught in the flurry of Storm Bert this week, so there’s been a bit of a rare sighting - yes, that’s right! Snow! On the ground! It was more fun watching it from inside, though, as it melted not long after, but Toby the dog certainly enjoyed running around and exploring in it! Apart from that, though, it’s just been wet and windy with us - but certainly the weather is cooling down for Christmas.
It was lovely to see so many of you joining in last week for the live broadcast, ‘Bauble Delight.’ It’s all things holidays as far as I’m concerned here at Loose Watercolours HQ, so why not have some fun and paint along to this week’s broadcast as well, ‘Snowman Moment’. It would make a nice little gift for a loved one this Christmas season, and what better moment than when they unwrap it to say ‘I made that?’ It’s on at the usual time of 8pm GMT, and you can paint along by following the link here: https://loosewatercolours.com/live-broadcast/
If you’re not quite ready for the Christmas season yet, then there’s a new tutorial available on loosewatercolours.com which isn’t quite so festive. ‘Winter Floral’ is a simple tutorial only using four colours, so it’s perfect for those just beginning to experiment with the loose style. Of course, that doesn’t mean that only beginners can give it a go, as everyone’s more than welcome to have some fun with florals! You can paint along by following the link here: loosewatercolours.com
Watercolour Basics #4: Thickness of Paint
This week, we’re following on with our series of Watercolour Basics by having a little look at the thickness of paint we use in our work. The great thing about watercolours is that you can really play about with the thickness of paint - it reacts to the amount of water you add to it, so depending on preference, you can create more vivid, dramatic shades, or some light delicate colours instead. Weaker paint needs more water, and creates a thin, translucent mixture, whereas the more paint to water you have, the stronger the colours will be.
If you’d like to learn how to use this, or just want to test your skills, watch the tutorial video below to learn how to control the consistency of your paints.
Paint Historic Wells & Somerset: September 2025
I mentioned this last week, but just in case you missed it, I’m hosting a Loose Watercolour workshop in September of next year - 7th September to the 11th September to be exact - in the gorgeous setting of Wells & Somerset, so you can paint along to your heart’s content in the scenic landscape of the English South.
Painting destinations will include places like Kilver Court and Nunney, as well as Vicar’s Close with its stone buildings, Bishop’s Palace with its moat, and the captivating medieval market.
The cost is £925 for four days, which includes full accommodation at the Swan Hotel in Wells, as well as personalised tuition in both studio work and plein air painting.
If you’re interesting in finding out more information or you’d like to book, feel free to contact Alpha Painting Holidays for more information. You can reach them at www.alphapaintingholidays.com, or on their phone number at 0044 01934 733877. You’re also more than welcome to contact me if you’re interested, and you can reach me at andrew.geeson@btopenworld.com. You can also follow the link here: Andrew's Painting Holiday in Wells 2025
And if you’re working your way through that Christmas list, why not get something for the artist in your life (or, of course, treat yourself) with your very own set of the Loose Gang? If you order now, they’ll be with you in plenty of time for the big day.
You can get a set here: https://loosewatercolours.com/product-category/loose-gang/
That’s all from me as it’s starting to get a little chilly in here, so I’m off to find a warm jumper or three! Remember it’s the live broadcast soon, so if you fancy joining in, why not grab yourself a hot drink and start getting your brushes ready?
In the meantime, though, as usual, there’s an exclusive- wait. There’s not just one this week, there’s two! So all of you generous subscribers are in luck, as there’s both a ‘Scruffy Dog’ and ‘Scruffy Cat’ tutorial to paint along to this week. Either pick your pet of choice, or give them both a go with this lovely little Wash & Line technique!
Until next time though, it’s goodbye from Toby and I, and have a lovely week. I’ll be back in your inboxes very soon, but until then, happy painting!
