PLYMOUTH
WATERCOLOUR
GROUP

Upcoming Events

Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Saturday 13 June
Plymouth Central Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Battley
Big Brush Watercolour for Beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air watercolour painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. I will also cover how to vary the amount of water used with the paint throughout the painting process. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!
book now
£28      
Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Saturday 11 July
Plymouth Central Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Battley
Big Brush Watercolour for Beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air watercolour painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. I will also cover how to vary the amount of water used with the paint throughout the painting process. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!
book now
£28      
Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Big Brush Watercolour Class - Fast & Loose!

Saturday 01 August
Plymouth Central Park - 10am - 2 Hours
Michael Battley
Big Brush Watercolour for Beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air watercolour painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. I will also cover how to vary the amount of water used with the paint throughout the painting process. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!
book now
£28      

Nearby Watercolour Groups

Acrylics with Palette Knife

Acrylics with Palette Knife

Saturday 27 June
Admiralty rd. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Spend two hours exploring bold, textural acrylic landscapes using palette knives. This relaxed meetup covers composition, colour mixing, knife techniques and ways to build layers, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or board eg 30x40cm, acrylic paints, palette knifes, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28.00      
Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Saturday 18 July
Central Park, Barn Park Road entrance. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Acrylic painting for beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!

Spend two hours capturing the tranquil scenery of the large pond in Central Park, using acrylic paint you will complete a painting that will be dry and ready to frame!

This relaxed meetup covers view selection, composition, colour mixing, water reflections, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or canvas board (e.g. 30x40cm), acrylic paints, a large and a small brush, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28      
Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Saturday 22 August
Central Park, Barn Park Road entrance. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Acrylic painting for beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!

Spend two hours capturing the tranquil scenery of the large pond in Central Park, using acrylic paint you will complete a painting that will be dry and ready to frame!

This relaxed meetup covers view selection, composition, colour mixing, water reflections, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or canvas board (e.g. 30x40cm), acrylic paints, a large and a small brush, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28      

Other Nearby Groups

An Approach to Artistic Photography

An Approach to Artistic Photography

Saturday 13 June
Admiralty Rd, Stonehouse - 2:30pm - 3.0 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
Bored by snaps? Keen to enliven your image making using new techniques? This workshop offers a dynamic, artistic approach that could help. You'll learn about different manual controls, composition methods and menu functions - including multiple exposure, motion blur, and filling the frame in an abstract manner. All of these have potential to push your photography in a new direction. As photographers, we are often told only technically perfect images matter. But this isn't true. And creative breakthroughs also arise from being imperfect, loose and experimental. This workshop takes place on the Plymouth foreshore around Royal William Yard. If you are visually inspired by patterns, textures, colours - barnacles, rust, wild flowers, reflections and the motion of the sea, this may be one for you! Come along and explore an exciting new fine-art approach to your photography.
book now
£72      
Acrylics with Palette Knife

Acrylics with Palette Knife

Saturday 27 June
Admiralty rd. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Spend two hours exploring bold, textural acrylic landscapes using palette knives. This relaxed meetup covers composition, colour mixing, knife techniques and ways to build layers, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or board eg 30x40cm, acrylic paints, palette knifes, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28.00      
Introduction To Digital Photography Creative Camera Basics

Introduction To Digital Photography Creative Camera Basics

Saturday 04 July
The Hoe - 11am - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
You have it your hands, that wonderful new DSLR camera with all of its mysterious dials buttons. Now it is time to learn to use it properly ! There is a lot to learn about photography each new new phase of knowledge delivers more control to the photographer ! This 3 hour session will ease you into familiarity with your camera and will suit beginners and any intermediate photographers who feel like a refresher. In this session we will cover creative camera basics, including composition, framing and perspective. You will also learn how shutter speed, aperture iso combine to produce a correctly exposed image. Above all it will be fun ! There will be lots to photograph and enjoy, as we move around and explore both landscape and architectural features of the area !
book now
£72       3 places left

Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Saturday 18 July
Central Park, Barn Park Road entrance. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Acrylic painting for beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!

Spend two hours capturing the tranquil scenery of the large pond in Central Park, using acrylic paint you will complete a painting that will be dry and ready to frame!

This relaxed meetup covers view selection, composition, colour mixing, water reflections, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or canvas board (e.g. 30x40cm), acrylic paints, a large and a small brush, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28      
An Approach to Artistic Photography

An Approach to Artistic Photography

Saturday 18 July
Admiralty Rd, Stonehouse - 2:30pm - 3.0 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
Bored by snaps? Keen to enliven your image making using new techniques? This workshop offers a dynamic, artistic approach that could help. You'll learn about different manual controls, composition methods and menu functions - including multiple exposure, motion blur, and filling the frame in an abstract manner. All of these have potential to push your photography in a new direction. As photographers, we are often told only technically perfect images matter. But this isn't true. And creative breakthroughs also arise from being imperfect, loose and experimental. This workshop takes place on the Plymouth foreshore around Royal William Yard. If you are visually inspired by patterns, textures, colours - barnacles, rust, wild flowers, reflections and the motion of the sea, this may be one for you! Come along and explore an exciting new fine-art approach to your photography.
book now
£72      
Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Painting Landscapes with Acrylics

Saturday 22 August
Central Park, Barn Park Road entrance. - 10am - 2 Hours
Plymouth Art Group
Michael Battley
Acrylic painting for beginners and more experienced. A relaxed approach to plein air painting in pleasant surroundings. Covering view selection, composition, aerial perspective, colour mixing and reflections. Gain confidence and overcome fears of painting outdoors!

Spend two hours capturing the tranquil scenery of the large pond in Central Park, using acrylic paint you will complete a painting that will be dry and ready to frame!

This relaxed meetup covers view selection, composition, colour mixing, water reflections, contrast and atmosphere. Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help you develop confident, expressive strokes. Suitable for beginners and those wanting a looser approach. Please bring a canvas or canvas board (e.g. 30x40cm), acrylic paints, a large and a small brush, a stay-wet palette or spray bottle, an easel or portable board, a water container, paper towels and sun protection. Materials are not supplied. Meeting point and further details are provided to attendees after booking.
book now
£28      

Plymouth at Dusk – Royal William Yard

Plymouth at Dusk – Royal William Yard

Saturday 29 August
Royal William Rd, Stonehouse - 6:30pm - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
This workshop will appeal to architectural, urban, street and landscape photographers. If you enjoy the buzz of the footpath, the glow of light on old stone and the evening mood of 'place based' photography, this one is probably for you. Capturing the city at dusk presents different technical challenges to photographers. In this workshop you will learn how to balance different types of light (both 'ambient' and 'natural') and frame for impact while using manual controls. The advantages, in terms of 'atmospheric potential' of 'golden hour' and 'blue hour' photography will be outlined. In particular, the range granted by 'ISO', and adjusting your shutter speed in response to the 'scene', will be explained and encouraged. There will much to see and photograph as we move through this picturesque foreshore location. Come along and enjoy a memorable evening of photography in one of Plymouth's most iconic places.
book now
£72      
Introduction To Digital Photography Creative Camera Basics

Introduction To Digital Photography Creative Camera Basics

Saturday 12 September
The Hoe - 11am - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
You have it your hands, that wonderful new DSLR camera with all of its mysterious dials buttons. Now it is time to learn to use it properly ! There is a lot to learn about photography each new new phase of knowledge delivers more control to the photographer ! This 3 hour session will ease you into familiarity with your camera and will suit beginners and any intermediate photographers who feel like a refresher. In this session we will cover creative camera basics, including composition, framing and perspective. You will also learn how shutter speed, aperture iso combine to produce a correctly exposed image. Above all it will be fun ! There will be lots to photograph and enjoy, as we move around and explore both landscape and architectural features of the area !
book now
£72      
Plymouth at Dusk – Barbican

Plymouth at Dusk – Barbican

Saturday 10 October
The Hoe - 5pm - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
This workshop will appeal to architectural, urban, street and landscape photographers. If you enjoy the buzz of the footpath, the glow of light on old stone and the evening mood of 'place based' photography, this one is probably for you. Capturing the city at dusk presents different technical challenges to photographers. In this workshop you will learn how to balance different types of light (both 'ambient' and 'natural') and frame for impact while using manual controls. The advantages, in terms of 'atmospheric potential' of 'golden hour' and 'blue hour' photography will be outlined. In particular, the range granted by 'ISO', and adjusting your shutter speed in response to the 'scene', will be explained and encouraged. There will much to see and photograph as we move through this picturesque foreshore location. Come along and enjoy a memorable evening of photography in one of Plymouth's most iconic places.
book now
£72      

Black  White Portraits Outdoors

Black White Portraits Outdoors

Saturday 07 November
Royal William Rd - 11am - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
Learn how to use natural light to advantage when working on outdoors black white portraits. This workshop will take place in the historical setting. The old master painters had a special word - chiaroscuro -meaning light-dark for the dramatic quality of shadow in portraits. This concept, as it relates to black and white portraiture, will be fully explained. The importance of 'catch lights' in eyes 'bokeh' for dreamy, soft backgrounds will also be addressed, as will the advantage of shooting in "open shade". Portraits will be taken with black and white conversion in mind, but can also be enjoyed in colour as well. The textured, stone walls and arcaded walkways in the venue will offer an atmospheric setting for this workshop!
book now
£72      
Black  White Portraits Outdoors

Black White Portraits Outdoors

Saturday 12 December
Royal William Rd - 11:30am - 3 Hours
Plymouth Photography Group
Caleb Williams
Learn how to use natural light to advantage when working on outdoors black white portraits. This workshop will take place in the historical setting. The old master painters had a special word - chiaroscuro -meaning light-dark for the dramatic quality of shadow in portraits. This concept, as it relates to black and white portraiture, will be fully explained. The importance of 'catch lights' in eyes 'bokeh' for dreamy, soft backgrounds will also be addressed, as will the advantage of shooting in "open shade". Portraits will be taken with black and white conversion in mind, but can also be enjoyed in colour as well. The textured, stone walls and arcaded walkways in the venue will offer an atmospheric setting for this workshop!
book now
£72      
ABOUT PLYMOUTH
WATERCOLOUR
GROUP
Come along to our meetups to improve your art in a relaxed and social atmosphere and under the guidance of a professional instructor. Complete beginners to experienced artists all welcome.

Our 2 hour meetups are held in a different location each time, usually outdoors.

Bring your own materials. If you are a complete beginner all you need to start is a set of watercolour paints, brushes, and water container.

Who can attend? Open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. The instructor is there to help everyone.

The meeting point and full details for the day are sent in the booking confirmation email to the email address you provide at time of booking.

Join the Plymouth Watercolour Group on Facebook to share your art and enjoy the art of other locals.
REVIEWS
It was lovely,learnt some new techniques ,ways of layering the picture, and mixing various depths of colour,learnt a lot.The tutor was great and a lovely way to spend a few hours .Thank you very much
5/5
Rachel
2025-09-09
I liked the location, but it was rather windy and cold that morning. Mike was very nice and very informative. I learned a lot from him. Thanks Mike.
4/5
Jacqueline
2025-09-08
Absolutely brilliant, both informative and fun. The weather was damp and drizzly all week, so the class was changed from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, and we had dry weather. Using the hake brush was very interesting and nothing like I imagined, you can get so many different marks out of it after Michael taught us how. The colour selection are perfect for capturing natures colours. The artist did a demonstration of how he chose the view, using the large hake for almost everything and the rigger for adding in final details. A very productive morning and I will be getting my painting framed.
5/5
Sam Tindal
2025-07-01

Very informative I learnt a lot was good fun and not at all stressful As I was a bit nervous Michael was fantastic
5/5
Caroline
2025-07-01
An amazingly informative session. The bonus was enjoying the delights of Ham Woods. Michael was a great tutor.
5/5
LINDA
2025-06-17
I am a beginner and found the tutor very helpful and patient. She was very skilful and shared techniques which definitely helped me to get started.
5/5
Wendy
2024-11-20

Lovely fun and relaxed environment. Abi is an excellent guide. I thoroughly enjoyed the event.
5/5
Hoda
2024-07-29
It was really lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you
5/5
Geraldine
2024-06-10
I really enjoyed the event, it was the first time I have ever painted outside, so that was a challenge and one thing I would make clear in any future information is to remind people to bring something waterproof to sit on. Obvious, I know, but by the time I had packed my painting tools I completely forgot the rest. That said, it was a lovely session, well run in a small, inclusive group.
4/5
Mary
2024-02-26

ARTISTS
Michael Battley
Michael's plein-air watercolours are in the style of ‘fast & loose', using the very versatile Ron Ranson large hake brush and size3 rigger brush with the very economic W&N Cotman tube paints. His favourite locations are the nature reserves of Plymouth.

Michael Battley is available for private bookings

One-on-one instruction, multiple locations.

PHOTOS
Plymouth Watercolour Group
2024-11-15
Title or Location: Bodnant Gardens, Conwy
I have had numerous visits to Bodnant Gardens over the years. Every season has something different to offer. Autumn is my favourite season there as the Acer Glade is stunning. I usually come away with a pocket full of fallen leaves. Couldn't resist painting this one. Cards of this image are available as well as the original painting.
Credit: Anne-Marie Furse - Furse Art
Facebook: @furseart
Instagram: furseart

Plymouth Watercolour Group
2024-04-05
Title or Location: On the way up to Avon Dam
We love to walk our dog named Bear up around this area and I love doing water of the area
Credit: Barry Lang
Plymouth Watercolour Group
2024-03-29
Title or Location: My art studio
I do a lot of carp fishing with my brother and I love to do watercolours so I thought I do a painting for him
Credit: Barry Lang

Plymouth Watercolour Group
2024-03-08
Title or Location: Bridgend Noss Mayo Plymouth UK
I am semi-retired and an amateur watercolour artist. We have recently moved to Devon from Yorkshire and we live in Noss Mayo near Plymouth. Noss and Newton Ferrers are classic South West villages, where houses huddle around the sides of a deep "Y" shaped valley that the Yealm estuary washes into. Bridgend is the farthest inland point of the sea on one side. The watercolour is from a photo taken on the road near Bridgend. It is the colours of the sand and water at low tide and distant hills that
Credit: Brian Worrall

Liverpool Watercolour Group
2026-06-03
Title or Location: Bromborough, Wirral, UK
A morning with the Wirral Urban Sketchers. A quick 2hr sketch of Victorian School building in pen and watercolour, in A3 sketch book.
Credit: Richard Oldfield
Facebook: richard.oldfield.752
Instagram: @richardmo55
Newcastle Watercolour Group
2026-06-02
Title or Location: Newcastle Thunder
This painting was created for a charity rugby event in Newcastle and will be featured on their warm up kit, it features landmarks of Newcastle/Northumberland and includes a stormy sky with lightning as a nod to the clubs name. It will be auctioned to raise funds for the Royal British Legion on the day of the charity match.
Credit: Shelley Johnson

Houston Watercolor Group
2026-06-01
Title or Location: Early Summer Sunset - Houston
Beautiful early summer sunset. Particular love the dark cityscape as the backdrop. The sharp contrast made it a perfect inspiration for painting.
Credit: Claire Zhang

Auckland Watercolour Group
2026-06-01
Title or Location: NZ
Christmas plein air study at Collins Memorial Reserve, South Island.A quiet rural morning ,soft light, distant hills and a few simple shapes dissolved into the atmosphere.Watercolour on paper half sheet
Credit: Xin Yi
Atlanta Watercolor Group
2026-06-01
Title or Location: Island Sunset
This 9x12 watercolor was inspired by a photograph of the Turks and Caicos Islands at sunset where she was recently visiting. Plam trees dominate tge scene overlaying the bushes with a peek of the cabanas and calm ocean in the background. You see the sky at sunset with dark rainclouds on the horizon. I painted this piece to exemplify atmospheric landscapes with both energy and tranquility,
Credit: John Neal
Instagram: @artbyjohnniesart

Houston Watercolor Group
2026-06-01
Title or Location: Early Summer Sunset
Beautiful sunset in an early summer evening. I particularly like the dark cityscape as the backdrop. The sharp contrast made it a perfect image to paint after.
Credit: Claire Zhang

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