Joe Dowden Watercolour

Come along and learn at first hand how to lay down a wash so it looks like a river or lake.

I have written many articles and chapters for magazine, part-works, encyclopaedias, and newspapers and authored books available in many languages. The cover image is from Water in Watercolour. I wrote this over 26 years ago and it remains one of my most definitive publications, despite beng the smallest.

I spent a long time working out how to paint this river, sitting along its banks and lakes in all seasons. After attending four art colleges, this is really how I learned to paint water. The method of painting water hides in plain sight - to use a cliche of the last few years, albeit a good one. It is like a doorway disguised as bookshelves, easy to open once you know, but indefinite feeling around around until you know.

It is easier when you can get the painter to guide you - and ask as many questions as you want - come along with those questions.

This is a pleasant relaxing time. It is This is foremost a friendly holiday in an idyllic setting, and a pleasant relaxing time. I think when you relax and have fun you can overcome barriers almost incidentally. Alpha Painting Holidays really understand this. I think they have enabled me to teach with increasing effectiveness.