Watercolour Painting Workshop: Pen and Wash

Recent reviews of Watercolour Painting Workshop: Pen and Wash

• 5/5 from Hana Mian, attended Oct 2026: Rene was a great teacher! A very relaxing and enjoyable class to get started with watercolours.
• 5/5 from Deb Lacey, attended Oct 2026: Rene was a fabulous teacher and the format made learning the techniques easier.
• 5/5 from Paula Watson, attended Oct 2026: Great watercolour class with René! He gave us a good theory lesson prior to the hands on part of the morning, which then gave us the confidence to jump in and start painting. Lots of fun and plenty of techniques to work on going forward. Highly recommended!
• 5/5 from Sandra Smith, attended Oct 2026: Rene was a lovely teacher and gave all of us inspiration and kind encouragement. I highly recommend this class as a beginner or someone who has some experience. The setting was also wonderful at the Abotsford Convent. Sandra
• 5/5 from Anna Clarke, attended Oct 2026: Really enjoyed this class with Renni. He made the process of sketching and watercolour painting much easier than I expected. Very support and all in all a really great experience. Would recommend it.
• 5/5 from Judith Watson, attended Oct 2026: This three hour class was a wonderful, relaxed introduction to watercolour painting using the pen and wash method. René was a very knowledgeable, engaging and informative teacher with great hints on how to start your painting, what to bring focus to and how to introduce shadows and light to a painting. I loved the whole three hours we spent learning and painting at Abbotsford convent and I highly recommend this class to beginners and more advanced painters. Thank you René!
• 5/5 from Brenda Au-Yeung, attended Sep 2026: Rene is very patient and experienced. We have learnt some essential skills and techniques for sketching and water color painting. A very enjoyable class.
• 5/5 from Jennifer Williams, attended Sep 2026: Rene was a patient and expert teacher. The class was fun and informative and he gave us all confidence to go out into the world and create art.
• 5/5 from Temaeva Legeay-Hill, attended Sep 2026: Rene is an excellent teacher, and tailors his lessons to the student. I had a wonderful time in his class.
• 5/5 from Oscar Burke, attended Sep 2026: Rene was an amazing teacher and his love for art was infectious. The class was so easy to follow as a beginner to painting, my partner and I had a great time and would highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Kim Myers, attended Sep 2026: René is a great teacher. He covers a lot in a short session, and it works well whether you're a total beginner or already have some experience. The supplies are good quality, and you get to practice four different sketches in just one class. Would definitely recommend if you want to try urban sketching or travel journaling.
• 5/5 from Georgie Pearse, attended Sep 2026: Rene was so generous with his knowledge and patience, it was a beautiful morning! He’s a great teacher, I would recommend his workshop to anyone :)
• 5/5 from Joyeeta Bhakta, attended Sep 2026: This was such an idyllic and unique way to learn new skills and enjoy the beautiful Abbotsford Convent. René is an incredible and patient teacher - we cover a lot of useful techniques early on, which help when put to practice. Highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Marian Maty, attended Sep 2026: Rene was amazing and patient and you could really see his passion for the arts. Thoroughly enjoyed the session!
• 5/5 from Joanne Wakelin, attended Sep 2026: Rene was lovely and very helpful, the class was fun, i really enjoyed it and the venue is exquisite. Thanks heaps Rene
• 5/5 from Anita Valenzisi, attended Sep 2026: Great small class - thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful lesson. Renne was knowledgeable and passionate and took us through at our own level and understanding. I loved every minute of it.
• 5/5 from Lynette New, attended Sep 2026: Rene was an amazing teacher, I thought he explained everything so well and I especially liked his tips and techniques. He is so encouraging and patient. Loved this class, would highly recommend to anyone starting out with watercolour.
• 5/5 from Cindy-Lee Harper, attended Aug 2026: Rene is a lovely teacher. I learnt so much in one session and drew things I had never tried before. Wonderful, thank you.
• 5/5 from Holly Bowman, attended Aug 2026: Rene was great! he was able to turn two accountants into artists in three hours which flew by!! couldnt recommend this enough for anyone wanting to get in touch with their creative side. Beautiful getting to do this in the conevnt. Great activity with friends / family.
• 5/5 from Rhiannon Clews, attended Aug 2026: We had such a beautiful time with René. He was a knowledgeable, patient and fun teacher. I would recommend this class to anyone looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend a few hours on a Sunday, in gorgeous surroundings!
• 5/5 from Valerie Jackson, attended Aug 2026: Wonderful class! I was the only student this day, so I was lucky to get a private lesson. Rene is so talented- and so patient! I learned a lot and look forward to practicing my new skills. Thanks so much, Rene!!
• 5/5 from Sharllene J, attended Aug 2026: Renee was an amazing teacher! Would highly recommend this class.
• 5/5 from Olivia Hoeper, attended Aug 2026: I bought this class for my friend's birthday and we had a great time. René was very informative and gave us a little lesson to begin with before we got into painting. He slowly built up the things were drawing and painting in complexity. We then were able to sit outside and draw a building in the convent. I would recommend this class!
• 5/5 from Sunny Ahmed, attended Aug 2026: Renne, is an excellent teacher. He covered many principle in a short period helpful to complete beginners as well as those with a bit of experience. The supplies provided are of good quality and in just one session you get to practice 4 different sketches. highly reccomend to anyone wanting to anyone wanting to start travel journaling or urban sketching.
• 5/5 from Chau Truong, attended Jul 2026: My friend and I attended the watercolour painting class with Rene, and it was such a wonderful experience. He is an excellent teacher who began the session with a fascinating tour of Abbotsford Convent before guiding us through the basics of sketching and watercolour painting. The class was relaxing, thoughtfully planned, and Rene was incredibly patient and encouraging throughout. He made the whole experience enjoyable and accessible, regardless of skill level. Rene, I think you've inspired me to take a small sketchbook and watercolour paints on my next holiday so I can capture special places and create my own painted travel memories. Thank you for such an inspiring class!
• 5/5 from Jane Wing, attended Jul 2026: One of the best classes I’ve attended. I love the sketch approach and Renee’s gentle style of guidance - I think I’ve found my new passion!
• 5/5 from Irena Lobaza, attended Jul 2026: Rene was just great. Covered pints, brushes, paper types etc. Made painting live, look. Joyful and rewarding. Great to do some outdoor painting as part of the class
• 5/5 from Aleks Lobaza, attended Jul 2026: This was such a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning! Rene took us through background and techniques for urban sketching and water colours and I enjoyed capturing a few scenes around the convent with his help.
• 5/5 from Kate Lambert, attended Jul 2026: Great intro to watercolour painting! Was the perfect morning activity.
• 5/5 from Nicholas Madigan, attended Jul 2026: I liked how Rene went through the basics with a presentation at the start, it really helped me understand how to approach things when we started painting. Great class, would do it again!
• 5/5 from Sue Neale, attended Jul 2026: it was a great class with Rene. He was infomative, positive and encouraging - just what I needed to start trying someting new. Thanks for the experience and I will definitely keep on using water colour
• 5/5 from Inbar Sadeh, attended Jul 2026: Fun and Practical I loved the way Rene make it simple
• 5/5 from Nic Phillipou, attended Jul 2026: Our teacher Rene was amazing! I’ve never done water colouring before but my girlfriend has some experience - and we both learnt very handy tips about water colouring First you go to his cozy studio and go through some examples of watercolours - then hands on learning from an object in the class, then after that from a photo - all with help from Rene Once everyone has the basics down, you get to pick your own spot at the beautiful abbotsford covenant to water colour Although I had never watercoloured before this class, with Rene’s direction I was very happy with the results! Would 1000% recommended to either new or practiced people as it was a lovely day out
• 5/5 from Virginia Steiner, attended Jul 2026: René was a really good teacher. Very warm and encouraging. A very enjoyable lesson in a great setting.
• 4/5 from Nadya Prohoroff, attended Jul 2026: We enjoyed our workshop very much. Rene was friendly and experienced. Thank you Hi
• 5/5 from Kim Maitland, attended Jun 2026: A lovely art experience. Rene is a great teacher with interesting tips on catching the moment when travelling with art. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our day at Abbotsford Convet. Thank you
• 5/5 from Emma Dowling, attended Jun 2026: What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning, painting and enjoying the environment! My family and I attended Renés watercolour painting class and absolutely loved it! Such a refreshing and relaxing activity to do together, and such a great subject for any skill level. We were all beginners and loved Renés gentle and encouraging instruction. Very inspiring! Would definitely recommend!
• 5/5 from Elizabeth Mesenas, attended Jun 2026: I absolutely enjoyed the class. Rene was a very patient teacher with a great sense of humour. It was my first time sketching and painting in watercolour. Rene made it so easy to understand and apply the techniques. Abbotsford Convent was also a beautiful subject to paint. Highly recommended!
• 5/5 from Brigitte Lemaire, attended Jun 2026: Rene was a fabulous teacher, guide and mentor for a first timer. He presented himself and the topic very well, with ease and fun.
• 5/5 from Jody Clooney, attended Jun 2026: Five stars for Rene's pen and wash class! Rene is a fantastic teacher—super helpful and knowledgeable. I came away having learnt so much, and it really increased my confidence to keep painting and drawing on my own.
• 5/5 from Julie King, attended Jun 2026: Really enjoyed a new style of art for me. With clarity and great tips. I’m really inspired and it’s the first time I’ve experienced sketching and painting in the outdoors. I ended with three paintings I enjoy looking at.
• 5/5 from Carolann Thomson, attended Jun 2026: A great class with a small group and an egaging and patient teacher. From examples and explanations through to painting a view of the Convent to practice what we learned... then out into the grounds to find a view. Pull up a stool, try to capture what we see and create a memory of the morning. Inspired now to always travel with at least a pen and sketchbook and perhaps a few colours and a water brush. The loveliest way to spend a morning.
• 5/5 from Liz Brewer, attended Jun 2026: Loved the class learnt so much - Rene is a wonderful patient teacher will definitely come again
• 5/5 from Kim Crane, attended Jun 2026: My art class was wonderful. Our teacher was delightful, very informative and very patient. I learnt a lot and really enjoyed the water colour class. I am not in the least arty but that didn’t matter!
• 5/5 from Geoff Rose, attended Jun 2026: An inspirational teacher with a great approach to help first timers like me. Thoroughly enjoyed the session and keen to continue learning what I learned using the material supplied which we can take home. If you have an interest in watercolour but don't know where to start this class is for you. Highly recommended.
• 5/5 from Coralee Pratt, attended Jun 2026: My tutor Andre was an excellent teacher and practitioner. The class was well paced, very informative, motivating and encouraging in a positive way. Would highly recommend to others!
• 5/5 from Ian, attended Jun 2026: Renee was a very encouraging mentor! He was very personable, had excellent artistic knowledge and provided us with clear instructions as we painted from simple to slightly more challenging subjects!! I enjoyed the sketch outline that we did outside of one of the convent’s older buildings, before trying the water colour effect with the paints we were given! He taught us in a sequential manner and it was relatively easy to follow! Our whole family had a very enjoyable morning with a passionate and skilful teacher! Thank you, Renee! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with you!
• 5/5 from Francesca Soler, attended May 2026: Rene was a fantastic teacher and we really enjoyed his class. His instructions were easy to follow and we were able to sketch/water colour thanks to his fantastic guidance. His passion really shines through which also makes the class really fun and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this to others. Can't wait to keep practising my skills. Muchas gracias por todo!
• 5/5 from Alex Barrow-Johnson, attended May 2026: Rene was EXCELLENT! We had a wonderful time at this watercolour class and were blown away by Rene's expertise, sense of humour, ability to guide us to create special pieces and his expansive knowledge of the local area and the world. We thoroughly enjoyed Rene's company and walked away feeling like we had gained some great knowledge, even as beginners. Thank you, Rene, for such a fantastic experience. We cannot recommend this class enough!
• 5/5 from Renee Swadling, attended May 2026: Fantastic workshop in historical setting! I had no prior sketch or painting experience. Rene ran the workshop in a relaxed, informative and supportive way. I thoroughly recommend it!! The Abbotsford Convent provided great backdrops and a very engaging environment. I came away with some sketches/watercolour paintings that I am very proud of. I might even have discovered a new hobby!