Watercolour Painting Workshop for Beginners

Learn to paint in watercolour in a small group with a real watercolour artist



2 hours

Class size 1 to 6 (public classes), 4 to 10
  $65

Start with single flowers

Start with Single Flowers

Learn different techniques to paint different flowers.


Get inspired by fresh flowers

Get Inspired by Fresh Flowers

Choose your favourite flowers as reference.


Use teacher's work as reference

Use Teacher's Work as Reference

Choose a card to copy


Paint a background

Paint a Background

Use your own creativity to creat a background for your flowers.


Put your flowers into a vase

Put Your Flowers Into a Vase

Choose a vase for your flowers and paint your masterpiece.


Students work

Students Work

Students complete a painting of teacher's work.


Students' work

Students' Work

Try to paint the real subject.


Student's work

Student's Work

Bring home your masterpiece.


This watercolour beginners workshop is designed for those who are new to watercolour painting or want to explore it in a relaxed, supportive environment.
You'll learn the basics of working with watercolours, covering essential techniques such as:
  • Basic tools and materials – Learning about the different types of watercolour paints, brushes, and paper.
  • Colour mixing – Understanding how to blend colours to create different hues and shades.
  • Brush techniques – Learning how to control the water-to-paint ratio, creating washes, gradients, and texture.
  • Composition and design – Basic principles for structuring your painting, including tips on perspective and balancing the elements.
  • Layering and glazing – How to build up depth and richness in your artwork through layers of paint.
These workshops are hands-on, allowing you to practice what you've learned while creating simple, guided projects like landscapes, flowers or cute animal pieces.
It’s a great opportunity for beginners to ask questions, experiment and receive feedback in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. Plus, the small group size is to ensure personalised attention.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we may cancel the session; if that happens, we'll inform you and let you choose between a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

Upcoming dates for Watercolour Painting Workshop for Beginners

Times are Brisbane time. Dates and prices as of 8 Oct 2026, 9:44am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 15 Nov 2026 and 15 Nov 2026.

  • Sun 15 Nov 2026, 2pm-4pm
What you'll get
By the end of the class, you will have completed a stunning painting to display proudly in your home.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
No experience required.
What to bring
Nothing! All materials are provided by the tutor.
Location

Runcorn, QLD

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Watercolour Painting Workshop for Beginners location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Watercolour Painting Workshop for Beginners

  • 5/5 from Jennifer Mace, attended Sep 2026: We were taught basic techniques using 2 thicknesses of brushes and use of water to control colour (plus a secret technique). We practiced as we went and finished by completing an A4 piece using all the techniques learned through the 2 hours together. Our teacher was gentle on us all (class of 4) and supported us, corrected our mistakes and cheered us on. I took this class to know what to expect when I start watercolour painting and it did not disappoint. Nice home studio to learn in.
  • 5/5 from Georgia Ould, attended Aug 2026: Great Class, very informative, we had a great time
  • 5/5 from Zoe Acutt, attended Aug 2026: 100% recommend. This class was so fun and relaxed. Cecilia was an awesome teacher. I am a complete beginner and loved learning how to paint flowers.
  • 5/5 from Chris Trupp, attended Aug 2026: We had a lovely time at thus class. The space felt calm and inviting and the teacher was awesome.
  • 5/5 from Sandy On, attended Jun 2026: Great experiences & environment was cozy.
  • 5/5 from Louise Conwell, attended Jun 2026: Welcoming and expert teacher. Great introduction.
  • 5/5 from Gareth Mendonca, attended Jun 2026: Me and my wife went for a class of how to learn watercolour painting. It was very enjoyable we learnt alot and painted various different flowers. Would highly recommend
  • 4/5 from Linda Follent, attended Jun 2026: Much more difficult than I thought. I had a great time.
  • 5/5 from Maddie Beckett, attended May 2026: The teacher was really lovely, she taught me lots of tips and tricks for my future artworks
  • 5/5 from Mali Kong, attended May 2026: Our art teacher is excellent! She was very patient and gave us very clear instructions. We learned to paint flower petals, and I was impressed with the technique used to create the colour chroma.
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Smith, attended Mar 2026: Cecilia makes every class an absolute joy to be part of. As an incredibly talented artist, she helps her students produce beautiful paintings, while teaching techniques and answering questions. No painting challenge is ever too much for Cecilia, and she helps her students push past their boundaries and grow. I can’t recommend Cecilia’s classes enough.
  • 5/5 from Sara Singh, attended Feb 2026: Cecilia was a wonderful teacher and it was lovely to be in a small group so she had time to help us individually. The atmosphere was super cosy and it was great to have fresh flowers to paint! I would definitely recommend ️
  • 5/5 from Fatima Lay, attended Feb 2026: Had fun, used water drop and spray techniques
  • 5/5 from Karen Jeffrey, attended Feb 2026: Great sized class, lots of personal guidance and support in a warm manner. Lots of time to experiment with a variety of techniques.
  • 5/5 from Katie Nash, attended Jan 2026: Cecelia was an excellent teacher with her tailored approach, talented insights and ability to to guide you gently. I thoroughly enjoyed her introductory class and hope to return for more.
  • 5/5 from Alicia Joy Murphy, attended Jan 2026: A fantastic step by step introduction to watercolours. The instructor was informative, patient and I felt I learnt enough to get me started on my journey of watercolour painting. The ClassBento gift certificate was easy to use.
  • 5/5 from Miriam Balmaceda, attended Dec 2025: The class was exceptionally well-prepared, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere. I am eager to participate in additional classes with Cecilia to further my learning.
  • 5/5 from Vickie Thomsen, attended Nov 2025: I had a wonderful time at Cecilia’s beginners watercolour class. The environment was relaxed and comfortable, all materials were provided, and Cecilia’s guidance made it easy for me to learn. The small class size made it even more enjoyable and engaging.
  • 5/5 from Donna Guscott, attended Nov 2025: Lovely class, great instruction. Thanks!
  • 5/5 from Lisa Davies, attended Nov 2025: Cecelia is a great teacher. She is kind and patient and it was easy to follow her instructions.
  • 4/5 from Leanne Beecher, attended Nov 2025: The class was great, the only thing I would suggest is maybe the teacher when painting a demonstration she could do it larger on the easel so we can all see the technique better. As we were painting small flowers, hers should be bigger to see
  • 5/5 from Christine Vosper, attended Oct 2025: Our teacher was very organised and her instructions were very easy to follow. She also extended her students when they needed it. My favourite part was learning to paint the flowers. Thank you so much
  • 5/5 from Kathryn Devine, attended Oct 2025: Cecelia has a lovely gentle instruction style that makes the class a a pleasure!! She is also a very good teacher!
  • 5/5 from Kaye Broadbent, attended Oct 2025: Wonderful class - and I would highly recommend for anyone beginning their watercolour journey. Cecilia explains a series of techniques very well and gives plenty of suggestions and tips for achieving wonderful results. Really enjoyable.
  • 4/5 from Kim Nalder, attended Oct 2025: Cecilia was very helpful and supportive. She provided excellent advice and clear demonstrations. I learned a lot and can thoroughly recommend this workshop.
  • 5/5 from Melissa Walker, attended Sep 2025: Wow. What a great class. Cecilia had so much talent to share. We all had a fabulous time.
  • 5/5 from Kathryn Kane, attended Sep 2025: As an absolute beginner I wanted to try my hand at something creative watercolor took my interest so I jumped right in. Cecilia is so patient and with 6 in the class could get around everyone. I was amazed at what I created! Everyone was so positive and empowering. Thank Cecilia Kathryn
  • 5/5 from Kasha Rolley, attended Sep 2025: It was a beautiful class, Cecilia is a wonderful teacher and I have learned so much from her, highly recommended.
  • 5/5 from Andrew Addenbooke, attended Sep 2025: Loved it! Firstly Cecilia is lovely. Then you layer a beautiful environment and a great learning experience. I had so much fun. Thank you again, Ella
  • 4/5 from Elise Spurrell, attended Sep 2025: Our teacher was excellent and a very talented artist and I look forward to doing another class with her.
  • 5/5 from Tina Scofield, attended Aug 2025: What a wonderful experience! Cecilia created a lovely atmosphere holding the class in her home surrounded by her beautiful water color paintings and colourful flowers from her garden as inspiration to paint. She was attentive, encouraging and patient and instructed the class in a way to make you feel at ease. I attended with a friend and we left feeling as though we not only had been introduced to a new skill but felt we had done something to fill our cups. Highly recommend a relaxing couple of hours with Cecilia exploring painting with water colours. Nicole and Tina
  • 5/5 from Caroline Vo, attended Jul 2025: We thoroughly enjoyed learning how to paint using water colours with Cecilia. She was patient, professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We shared many laughs as tried to create our own master pieces.
  • 5/5 from Megan Patten, attended Jul 2025: It was my first time ever painting watercolour with very little painting experience in general. It was a small class and Cecilia was a wonderful and patient teacher. Both my friend and I learnt a lot and enjoyed the class. Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Vicky Sundaram, attended Jul 2025: The teacher was clear with her instructions. She didn't hesitate to teach and reteach the steps. She was skillful with in-depth knowledge of art. She provided fresh flowers to show how naturally images could be painted. She was wonderful.
  • 5/5 from Kaylee Tiraa, attended Jun 2025: Had a great experience with the water colours for beginners class. Cecilia was so informative and took the time to take us through how to use water colours, all the different techniques and then guiding us when we were applying what we’d been shown. A great way to get acquainted with water colours and with a great tutor.
  • 5/5 from Brit Pfabe, attended Jun 2025: Really enjoyed the class. Teacher was very good at explaining everything.
  • 5/5 from Deanne Tate, attended May 2025: Cecilia is a very patient and talented teacher. The way she explains the watercolour techniques is very easy to understand if you're a complete beginner like me!
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Morris, attended May 2025: Wonderful class, very helpful and extremely skilled teacher! Welcoming and relaxing environment. Would be a great class to do as an individual or with a friend. Would highly reccomend to others.
  • 5/5 from Jennifer Mallett, attended May 2025: Cecilia is a great teacher. I am looking forward to doing more classes with her. I was happy with the results I acheived and will practice what we learnt today before my next class. Cecilia explains & demonstrates everything and goes person to person, engaging with everyone in the class.
  • 5/5 from Mandy Kam, attended Apr 2025: We are a family of 6 joining this beginner water colour painting class. Cecilia is a great teacher for no doubt, she is organised and well prepared for the class. We were asked on our wishes for the workshop and she assisted us to pick what will do best for beginners in painting watercolour. We are taught through the class with the basic techniques and theories of using water colour. The whole process was interactive and joyful under Cecilia’s guidance. We all enjoyed much the times, discharging our artistic senses in the beautiful house. My 10 years old also found it was an inspiring lesson and said he would love to do watercolour painting again. Thank you Cecilia! Definitely recommend this workshop.
  • 5/5 from Laura Holgate, attended Mar 2025: Cecilia was so lovely and this class was so much fun, and relaxing too. My practises weren't that great but then I was really impressed by my final piece (if I do say so myself). Would highly recommend to groups or singles. I went with 2 friends but there was another lady there alone and we all enjoyed the class together. Cecilia is very warm and calm, explaining techniques and giving examples that are easy to follow. I would recommend this class to others
  • 5/5 from Dewi Wahyuni, attended Feb 2025: Enjoyable class that explains different techniques on basic watercolor. Time just flew by. Looking forward to do more of these to improve my skills.
  • 5/5 from Kim Witt, attended Feb 2025: Our teacher was very kind and encouraging. Gave out lots of tips and tricks. Would definitely take another class with her
Your teacher

Cecilia Xiao
Cecilia Xiao

4.9 (72)
female Women-owned

I am a member tutor of Watercolour Society of QLD. Over many years, I have refined my skills and cultivated my distinctive style. I have won local and national art awards in Australia. Since 2019, I have been honoured to be chosen by the Australian Watercolour Muster for four years consecutively as one of thirty artists whose works get showcased in Italy for the world to see.
Achievements:
One of three finalist of Australia in Watercolour Golden Brush Competition, France 2024 and 2025;
One of 30 winners to showcase Australian watercolor artists to the world in Italy in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023;
People’s Choice Prize of WSQ Annual Exhibition in 2019, 2021 and 2023;
Finalist in IMWM competition 2020, Flora category;
Highly Commended prize in Twinrivers Lion Art Show 2020;
Hanger’s Prize of WSQ Annual Exhibition 2019.
My watercolour paintings celebrate the timeless beauty of flowers by capturing their delicate essence with gentle brushstrokes and vivid hues. Through translucent layers and fluidity, I replicate the softness of petals, intricate details, and subtle gradations of colour that define each bloom.
The unpredictability of watercolours make them fascinating to work with. I love to watch colours blend into each other; the wonderful "accidents" that happen with the flow of colours cannot be achieved by any other medium that I know of. Painting is my form of freedom and expression -- at this point, I feel almost addicted to it. I want to share with you my passion and techniques.
Please contact me through instagram for any inquiry otherthan class bookings. Thank you.
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