Water-Based Creative Studio Term 2 2026

Commencing 22 April (8 weeks) 

This class is currently accepting reenrolments from existing students.  Remaining places will be opened to the waitlist after Monday 13th April.  To go on the waitlist/express your interest in this or another watercolour class please complete your details here https://forms.office.com/r/G0bkkGGtR6.  We continue to seek an additional facilitator to accommodate our waitlist.

Water-Based Creative Studio

Explore a range of creative techniques in this relaxed and supportive studio-style class, suitable for beginners through to more experienced artists. Working across water-based media—including watercolour, acrylic, and drawing—you’ll build confidence while developing your own artistic style.

Each session includes a short demonstration or guided exercise led by experienced facilitators, followed by plenty of hands-on time to experiment and create. Across the term, you’ll explore key principles such as composition, tone, colour, and mark-making, while learning how to handle different materials and approaches.

Led by Colin Peel, with support from artists including Glenn Zimmer and June Marks, this program offers a rich variety of perspectives and skills. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your practice, you’ll be supported to learn at your own pace in a friendly, community-focused environment.

About the Facilitator - Colin Peel

My Professional life for 40 years was in Science and Business with my hobby being painting.  Since retirement I have been able to more fully participate in the art world as a Practising Artist, in Art Societies, and as a volunteer Teacher of Water Colour painting within the Melbourne U3A.  I have enjoyed four annual month-long art residencies and exhibiting in Japan. 

Currently I am active in art groups in Melbourne such as the Victorian Art Society and the Water Colour Society of Victoria.  Having recently relocated to Jan Juc I now enjoy participating in the Geelong Art Society, life drawing at the Torquay Community House and exhibiting in local Art Shows. 

Having had workshops and instruction from many of the leading water colour artists in Australia over the last 20 years supplemented with independent study I am keen to continue to assist others to be introduced to the joy of water colour painting, or to continue to enrich their artistic journey with new ideas and techniques.  

Here on the Surf Coast we have the luxury of wonderful scenery and many days which are suitable for outdoor painting of the land and sea.  

My paintings can be seen at;  https://www.instagram.com/colinpeelart/ 

Glenn Zimmer has enjoyed developing her artistic skills over the past 14 years, studying under local artists such as Jan Dick, and currently co-ordinates TCH's Friday Art Group. 

June Marks, sociologist, completed an Associate Degree of Visual Art in Adelaide before moving to Torquay. She started the University of the Third Age (U3A) Traditional Drawing course and tutored the group for eight years. June is very happy to share her knowledge of drawing with new and experienced artists. 

Materials List 

If you have had some experience in water colour painting bring your normal supplies and the water colour paper you are familiar with.  Also check this list to judge if you have approximate equivalents in your paint tubes, brushes and paper. 

If new to water colour I suggest you buy as much of the following as convenient for you. 

There are several art supply shops in Geelong and of course everything can be bought online. If uncertain you can come with minimal supplies at the first lesson and we can point you in the right direction.

Paint 
The Cotman range is student grade but will give good results.  My preference is tubes.  The following 6 colours will be all you need to learn colour mixing and get an excellent range of colours. 

Permanent Rose 
Lemon yellow 
Ultramarine Blue 
Cobalt Blue 
Burnt Sienna 
Raw Sienna 

Brushes 
#12 Round with a nice point – Escodar or Neef are good brands

Water Colour Paper  

Saunders Cold Press or Rough - One Full Sheet 

Good quality paper is essential and can be cut to size. You can also paint on both sides for the exercises we do. A full sheet will last several weeks. 

Mixing Palette 

Many options – just make sure it has some wells for mixing paint.

If new to water colour an option is to bring a white plate to mix on and see what other students have to decide what may be best for you.

Other 
A water container 
Masking tape 
Pencil 
Sketch pad 

I will bring sufficient materials on week 1 so if anyone prefers to not outlay money in the first week they can still get started to decide if they wish to continue.  Initial costs could be kept to approximately $100.  Water colour materials seem expensive – particularly artist quality, but they go a long way and last a long time. 

When: Wednesdays 7pm-9pm
Cost: $120 per term
Concession: $80 per term (concession cards required to be sighted prior to commencement)

Need financial assistance?
We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance.

Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential.

Terms & Conditions

• Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill
• Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol
• Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House
• Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course