Wild Watercolour

Wild Watercolour starts at Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday 3 November, a five-week watercolour course that runs through the autumn. It's an immersive, experimental way into the medium, and it's open to both beginners and experienced painters, so you don't need to be coming from a particular place with it.

Over the five sessions, you'll work through brushwork, colour mixing and composition, with a particular emphasis on texture and resist techniques and on developing a personal style. It's less about following a set of instructions and more about getting your hands dirty and finding your own way around the page. All the basic materials and equipment are included, though you're welcome to bring your own brushes and tools if you have favourites you prefer to work with.

The course is led by Sarah John, a practising ceramics and fine artist who's a regular tutor at the Phoenix. Her own work centres on the observation of human and natural form in both 2D and 3D media, and that eye for form carries over into the way she teaches. The sessions run on 3, 10, 17, 24 November and 1 December, from 10.30am to 1pm, all held in the Top Studio at the Phoenix.

It costs £135, or £115 if you're eligible for the concession, and there's a £1.50 ticketing system charge on top. As a bonus, workshop attendees get 10% off food and hot drinks at the Café Bar, which is a handy excuse to linger after the session and chat with the other painters.