Introduction to Watercolor Painting
Beginner Course · 4 Weekly Classes
Date and time
Friday, 18. September 2026, 19.00
Further dates
Overview
Beginner
No previous knowledge required for this event.
DE & EN
Our Instructor speaks fluent English and German.
Studio Basel
4 × 2.5 hours
Weekly classes over 4 consecutive weeks
Multi-day Course
A structured learning journey over multiple sessions, where you'll learn new techniques and develop a solid foundation in the chosen art form.
Guide: Zambi
Zambi is our Kunstlehrerin
Description
Light. Flowing. Wonderfully unpredictable.
Watercolour has a magic unlike any other painting medium. Transparent colours, delicate layers and the gentle movement of water create paintings full of light, atmosphere and spontaneity. Rather than fighting the medium, you’ll learn how to work with it—and discover that some of the most beautiful effects happen when you allow the water to do part of the painting for you.
In this four-week course, you’ll build a solid foundation in watercolour painting while learning to balance control with creative freedom. Whether you’re completely new to the medium or looking to deepen your painting skills, we’ll guide you through the essential techniques step by step.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore washes, layering, glazing, blending and lifting techniques while learning how pigment, water and paper interact. With every exercise, you’ll gain more confidence in controlling the flow of colour while embracing the happy accidents that make watercolour so unique.
Every class combines demonstrations, practical exercises and plenty of individual painting time, allowing you to immediately apply what you’ve learned while receiving personal guidance from your instructor.
Watercolour rewards patience, observation and experimentation. Some artists create delicate botanical studies, others loose landscapes or expressive abstract compositions. This course gives you the technical foundation to confidently explore whichever direction inspires you most.
✏️ What to Expect
- A structured four-week introduction to watercolour painting
- Weekly guidance from a professional artist
- Live demonstrations introducing each new technique
- Plenty of individual painting time with personal feedback
- A relaxed and encouraging atmosphere to experiment and grow
- Step-by-step exploration of water, pigment and transparent colour
🧠 What You’ll Learn
- Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques
- Building depth through transparent layers and glazing
- Controlling water and pigment flow
- Lifting, blending and correcting techniques
- Creating light, atmosphere and texture
- Developing confidence with one of the world’s most expressive painting mediums
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re discovering watercolour for the first time or looking to build on your painting experience, this course offers the perfect introduction to one of the most elegant and rewarding painting techniques.
No previous watercolour experience is required. All you need is curiosity, patience and a willingness to let the paint surprise you.
More Infos
Not at all!
Our courses are designed for the level indicated in the course description, whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience. All you need is curiosity, motivation, and the willingness to learn and improve in your new creative hobby.
That’s part of its beauty.
Unlike acrylic or oil paint, watercolour is moved by water. Colours blend naturally, flow across the paper and sometimes create beautiful effects you didn’t plan.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn when to guide the paint—and when to simply let the water do its magic.
No. We provide all the materials and equipment you’ll need throughout the course.
If you already own high-quality art supplies or would simply like to learn using your own brushes, paints or other materials, you’re very welcome to bring them along. Otherwise, just turn up and we’ll take care of the rest.
To make transport easier, we’ll keep all of your artworks and practice pieces safely stored in your personal folder throughout the course.
At the end of the final class, you’ll receive everything you’ve created during the course, including your finished projects and all your practice work.
The date shown during booking is the first class of your course.
All remaining classes take place on the same weekday, at the same time, over the following consecutive weeks, and normally at the same location.
Should there ever be an exceptional change of location, everyone in the course will be informed well in advance.
Our courses are generally scheduled on consecutive weeks, including public holidays. We find this creates the best learning experience and helps everyone maintain momentum.
Unless stated otherwise in the course description, classes will take place as scheduled, even if one of the dates falls on a national or public holiday.
Don’t worry.
If the same course is offered again and there are free places available, you’re welcome to join the missed class. Simply let us know by email beforehand.
In many cases, an even better option is to attend one of our Studio Classes. There, you can continue working on the project you missed while receiving support from the tutor. As Studio Classes are designed for independent projects, the tutor will assist you alongside the other participants working on their own artwork.
Our courses are taught by highly trained, active artists who combine their own artistic practice with teaching at Paint It Easy.
They’ll guide you through the course, share their knowledge and techniques, and help you develop your artistic skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
To ensure plenty of individual attention, our courses are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
There is no homework.
That said, as with any creative skill, the more you practise, the faster you’ll improve. If you enjoy creating between classes, we can only encourage it!
Our courses are all about developing your creative skills, but we wouldn’t want to lose the Paint It Easy atmosphere.
Tea, coffee and water are always available during your classes, and before the very first session we usually celebrate the start of the course together with a glass of Prosecco—or a non-alcoholic alternative.
Cheers!
The natural next step is joining one of our Studio Classes. Studio Classes are designed for hobby artists who want to continue developing their skills while working on their own projects in a creative community. Your tutor is there to support and guide you whenever needed.
If you’d like to explore a different artistic medium, you’re also welcome to join one of our introductory courses. Or, if you’d like to continue in the same medium, our intermediate and advanced courses are the perfect next step in your creative journey.
What are PIE multi-day course?
Learn art in 4-6 weeks for sustainable learning
Learn more about PIE multi-day courses
Further dates for this PIE multi-day course
Private event
You can also enjoy this or similar events privately. To the event planner
Vouchers
Give the gift of a unique experience!
Buy voucher now
«One of the best places in the city to switch off with creative projects, good coffee and a warm atmosphere. The studio offers unique courses and workshops - with a great team that combines knowledge with fun.»
Salony Roongta
«The evenings in the PIE Studio are always wonderful. A place where you can give free rein to your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Don't miss the chance - become part of the community!»
Laura Company
«A great place to get a little happiness boost and be creative! Wonderful people and a great atmosphere - definitely worth a visit. I've already done several drawing and painting courses in the studio and I'm really pleased that there's now a café too!»
Valentijn Broeken
«Paint It Easy is my creative feel-good place in Zurich. Whether painting courses, open studios or brunch & paint - everything is just right here. Great team, relaxed atmosphere and always new ideas to try out!»
Ally Z
«We absolutely loved the Creative Café - delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere and the creative freedom to just get started spontaneously. We painted ceramics, got inspired and immediately wanted to try lino printing on our next visit!»
Janiza Ouarab
