I teach watercolour and painting with fundamentals at the centre. I begin by understanding the student, then shape the learning around where they are, what they want to do and what will help them move forward.

How I teach

Fundamentals give creativity something to stand on, but how deeply we go depends on the learner. I like learning to have enough structure to give someone a foundation, and enough freedom for them to decide what to do with it. In classes, we often begin with one shared fundamental or demonstration, then move into individual work and guidance.

I try not to solve the work for the student. Physically correcting an artwork may be easier for the teacher, but less useful for the learner. If something is not understood, I would rather find another way to explain it than simply correct it for them. The aim is to help students observe, think and decide with confidence.

It’s okay if you fail, but it’s not okay not to try.