Workshop | Painting on Board using Watercolour or Gouache with Tania Mason

Have you ever wanted to master the art of painting with watercolours or gouache on a board instead of paper? This is your chance to learn how!  

Join Tania Mason for a hands-on two-day workshop where you’ll discover how to work with these water-based mediums on a board, achieving beautiful, professional results. Designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists, this workshop focuses on developing the techniques needed to successfully paint with your choice of watercolour OR  gouache on a canvas board.  

Your subject will be a still life of a bird, insect, or plant placed on a dinner plate. You’ll start by practising on paper to refine your design and composition, then Tania will guide you step-by-step to transfer and paint your artwork directly onto a canvas board.  

This workshop is inspired by Tania’s February 2025 exhibition at Gosford Gallery, where she will showcase her paintings featuring birds and flora on ceramic plates. By the end of the two days, you’ll have a completed still-life artwork and the skills to confidently work with watercolour or gouache on canvas board in your future projects.  

Image: Illustrations by Tania Mason

What to expect

• How to research and study their subject thoroughly before starting a longer painting.  
• Techniques for using watercolour and gouache in ways that align with their personal artistic style. 
• How to identify and develop their unique painting techniques and style.  
• The similarities and differences between creating works on paper versus board.  
• Key skills in colour theory, tonal balance, and effective paint application.

What you will achieve

• a series of studies in a sketchbook
• 1-2 works on paper in either watercolour or gouache
• 1-2 completed paintings on board

Is this course right for me?

This workshop is suitable for beginners through to more advanced students.

Materials Required

• 1 x Artitude Thin Edge Artists' Boards size 11" x 14' ( 28cm x 35.6cm) Optional to buy in a pack of four ( as sold) or 2 total.
• 1 x Derivan Watercolour Ground Absorbent Primer 250ml
• Paper: 1 x  A3 (or A4) watercolour pad, Hot Pressed/Smooth Only,  185gsm, (One of these brands ONLY : Arches Watercolour Paper Pads,  Canson Montval, Fabriano Studio Pad  - cheap ones are not suitable for this workshop)
• 1 Cheap sketchbook or a couple of pieces of paper to do quick sketches with.
• Brushes: A set pack of Jasart Red Sable Round Brushes ( size 2/0, 0 , 3, 8 )  or  other brand of sable brushes with round tips in the listed sizes.
• Paints: choose to work in EITHER watercolours OR Gouache - you will not need both. Bring whatever brand you have with a selection of colours. If buying new, Reeves  brand Watercolour Paint Pack OR Reeves Gouache Paint Pack (18 x 12ml tubes) are absolutely fine.
• 1 watercolour pallet tray or ceramic plate 
• 1 water spray bottle
• 1 pencil
• 1 hard white eraser
• 1 small soft rag

About studio classes

Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.

Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.

To learn about our studios, amenites and how to get there, click here.

More Information

FAQs Terms & ConditionsSpecial Offers