The stunning mountain scenery around Bad Reichenhall and the Berchtesgadener Land offers a wealth of subjects: striking peaks, vast landscapes, shifting light and characteristic architecture. In this course, you will draw inspiration from the unique atmosphere of the Alpine landscape and use it to create expressive watercolours that blend observation of nature with a freer, more abstract approach.

Depending on the weather, we work directly outdoors in front of the subject, capturing impressions, compositions and moods in photographs, sketches and studies. In doing so, you will learn to quickly grasp the essentials and translate landscapes into clear forms and areas of colour. In the studio at the Alte Saline, the impressions gathered are then explored in greater depth and developed into independent pictorial ideas. Various watercolour techniques – from loose brushwork to glazing and experimental methods – will help you to create atmosphere, depth and emotional resonance in your paintings. Particular emphasis is placed on simplifying and abstracting the subject.

The course is aimed at both beginners with some basic knowledge and more advanced students who wish to develop their artistic style in watercolour. In addition to practical exercises, you will receive personalised guidance and advice to help you develop your own distinctive style, as well as comprehensive information on the right materials.
Key focus areas of the workshop:

– Composition and stylisation, simplification of form
– The use of a limited yet expressive colour palette
– The deliberate creation of contrasts to enhance the vibrancy

We will explore the area around the Alte Saline in search of striking light effects, sketching and taking photographs on site. A studio will be available to us for a more focused exploration of the impressions we have gathered. Please therefore remember to bring weatherproof clothing, something to sit on and sturdy footwear. You should also be able to manage short distances on foot.