Learn the fundamentals of painting with watercolour with experienced Canberra artist Karen Holloway.

About the course: 

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to watercolour painting taking  inspiration from subjects in nature.  Through a series of exercises and projects students will learn about materials, basic colour theory and techniques for applying watercolour paint to paper.  Suitable for students just starting the watercolour journey, there will be step by step instruction throughout each session.                                                                   

Watercolour One is the first course of a 4-part series and is a recommended prerequisite for the follow-on Watercolour Two, Three and Four.

• Dates: 2 – 23 June 2026
  
• Days/Times: Tuesdays, 6.00pm - 9.00pm
• Venue: NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

Learning outcomes:

- Knowledge of watercolour materials: paints, papers, brushes and palettes.

- An understanding of basic colour theory and colour mixing.

- Skills in techniques of applying paint to paper.

Requirements: Suitable for 16+ ages, beginners and those wanting to revise their practice. 

Materials List:  A materials list will be provided upon booking the course. Please keep an eye out for our email - check your JUNK and SPAM folders as we are finding a lot of our emails going here.

Administration:  There is free dedicated parking onsite as well as a cafe and supermarket within a 5 minute walk (please check opening times). 

About the tutor:

 Karen Holloway is a Canberra-based botanical and mixed-media artist whose work celebrates the quiet strength and ecological significance of Australian native plants. Drawing on her background in design, applied science, and paper conservation, she creates artworks that are fresh, expressive, and imbued with a vintage sensibility. 

An enthusiastic advocate for using art and observation to connect with nature regardless of age or skill level, Karen encourages students to enjoy investigating different techniques and mediums to embrace the beauty of nature and explore their own passion for the natural world. 

Through her art and teaching at NatureArt Lab, she highlights often-overlooked plants, their resilience, and their role in sustaining ecosystems, while fostering curiosity, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to nature. 

Her ongoing studies in the Master of Art Therapy inform her belief that attentive observation of the natural world is both a creative and therapeutic act.

NatureArt Lab Awards:

• NatureArt Lab Awards:

  2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award

  2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award

  2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT

  2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. 

Image credit: Karen Holloway