Jackson's : Watercolor Workshop : Watercolor for the Worried with Emma Burleigh : 21st November 2026

Watercolor for the Worried with Emma Burleigh is a one-day beginner-friendly watercolor workshop on Saturday, 21st November 2026, 10am–4pm, at Jackson’s Studio One at Griffin Mill. Located in Thrupp, near Stroud, in Gloucestershire, Griffin Mill is an atmospheric converted Victorian mill in the heart of the stunning Cotswolds. All abilities welcome, but ideal for complete beginners and nervous returners.

This relaxed and supportive workshop is designed especially for beginners (and the gently terrified!). Emma will guide you through an approachable and enjoyable introduction to watercolor painting, helping you create expressive, lively images without getting caught up in perfection or ’doing it right’. Watercolor can feel unpredictable, but that’s part of its magic. Emma’s teaching style encourages you to soften your inner critic, build trust in the process, and learn how to work with the water rather than against it. Through guided exercises, you will explore key techniques such as washes, layering, and mark-making, with plenty of encouragement to help build your confidence.

This workshop is especially welcoming to those who feel unsure, out of practice, or convinced they are “not creative”. Painting can offer many wellbeing benefits, from calming the mind to improving focus and coordination. The flowing, sensory nature of watercolor provides a space to slow down, experiment, and reconnect with a sense of play and curiosity.

Recommended Equipment List:

You don’t need lots of equipment to get started – just a few simple essentials:

Watercolor Paints:

A student-quality set is perfectly suitable. Avoid very low-quality hobby paints, as they can be harder to work with. Both pans and tubes are fine – focus on quality rather than quantity, such as the Jackson’s Artist Watercolor Half Pan Set of 12 .

Paper:

300gsm watercolor paper (NOT surface preferred). A small pad, or around 8 loose sheets, is sufficient. A4 size or larger (to cut down if needed).

Brushes:

One or two medium round brushes (sizes 6–10) One larger brush for washes (flat, chisel, or square shape in size 12 or 14)

If you already have additional brushes, feel free to bring them along

Other Materials:

Pencil, eraser, and sharpener A palette or white plate for mixing Masking tape Optional: oil pastels, soft pastels, or colored pencils for mixed media exploration Old clothes or an apron A packed lunch and snacks (tea and coffee will be provided)

Please don’t worry if you don’t have everything – bring what you can and we will make it work. Additional materials can be purchased in the shop on the day if needed. The shop will be open from 9am, so you will have time to purchase materials before the workshop.

About Emma:

Emma Burleigh is an artist, illustrator, and art tutor. She is the author of two published art course books: Soul Colour , a watercolor course focused on creativity and mindfulness, and Earth Colour , a mixed media course exploring connection to nature.

Emma creates large-scale watercolor paintings, produces zines and comics, and illustrates books. Over the past decade, she has exhibited widely across the Southwest, including at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol, where she is also a tutor.

Her teaching approach is supportive, encouraging, and non-judgemental – there are no mistakes, only opportunities to learn and explore. www.emmaburleigh.com

Please take care to check our Terms & Conditions in relation to our cancellation policy.

Location: Studio One, Jackson’s Art Supplies, Griffin Mill, London Road, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2AZ