A great place to start is to create a tonal scale. To create a three tone scale you will need paper (I used watercolour paper), a pencil, ruler, black paint (I used Ivory Black gouache) and scissors.

Step 1. Take a strip of paper and divide it into 3 squares, I use the width of a ruler for the strips and divisions.

Step 2. Fill in an end square with the darkest tone you can (I used black gouache).

Step 3. Use your visual judgement to find the mid-tone for the centre square - you are aiming for the midpoint between the darkest and lightest tones.

Now you have a three tone scale that you can use to help find tonal changes simply by holding it up to your subject. You could use a hole punch to make a hole in each square your subject and observe through the square of tone.

A Sweet in a Shiny Wrapper. Tonal Exercise 1.

Using the reference image above, or your own image, make a study in just three tones - your scale will help you find those tones. Do simplify, you will have to ‘round up’ gradient areas to the nearest tone and do experiment with different media; in the example at the top of the article, there are three examples rendered in paint, newsprint and toned paper.

Your Face. Tonal Exercise 2.

Take a black and white photograph of yourself, or someone else, and repeat the Sweet exercise, reducing the softer gradient tones of a face to just three tones. A good approach is to find (freehand or trace) the lightest highlight areas, then the darkest which will naturally describe the mid-tone area.

You will find that using different media changes the way you work; the limitations of each will force you to simplify.

The learning outcome is to observe the impact of tone in an image - even when simplified it will create form and dimension on the picture plane. Note how seemingly abstract shaped blocks of tone work together to suggest form. Learning to find these blocks of tone in any subject is key to producing quality art works.

Materials I used -

• Fabriano Acid free NOT surface 280gsm (130lb) watercolour paper 35 x 25 cms

• Faber Castell - HB pencil 9000

• Winsor & Newton - putty rubber

• Winsor & Newton pigments - Aureolin Hue, Cadmium Yellow, Winsor Red, Permanent Sap Green, Terre Verte, and Cinnabar Green.

• Lefranc & Bourgeois Deco Acrylic - Antique Gold.

• Rosemary’s Brushes - Golden Synthetic No 8 round.

Click here to download a printable templates

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Step 1. Sketch the first layer - stars. Aim for balance that looks random - consider the size and grouping of shapes. Use the templates provided or draw your own.

Step 2. Fill in the stars with a colour wash of your choice and while still wet, drop in a darker shade to one side. I’ve used Aureolin Yellow and Cadmium Yellow.

Step 3. Sketch some round shapes to represent baubles - you could also add candy canes, fir cones or any decorations you fancy. Apply a colour wash to your balls and lift out a highlight on one side. Lifting out is simply using a clean, almost dry (hungry) brush to remove an area of wet watercolour. Use the templates provided or draw your own.

Step 4. Now you can gather some ivy leaves (or use the templates provided) - choose leaves that are a suitable scale for your painting. Remove the stems and use the leaves as a template to draw around. Placement of the ivy leaves should underlap the stars and balls but not overlap each other - pencil in a simplified version of the veins. As before, you are aiming for a balanced wreath.

Step 5. The next stage is to fill in all the leaves with a soft yellow wash, no need to be too picky here as long as the veins are covered and patchy coverage is better for this stage. I used a pale wash of Aureolin Yellow but any pale ‘leafy’ colour is fine. When the yellow base coat is dry, (important because the next part requires crisp edges), fill in each leaf segment with a green wash leaving fine gaps where the yellow shows through to define the veins. This technique is called ‘negative painting’ .You are aiming for variation in the strength of green for a natural look. I’ve used Permanent Sap Green and Terre Verte. Note that I have added an extra small star (top left) for balance.

Step 6. The wreath is really taking shape now. The next layer is sketching holly leaves, I used cut out templates to draw around, adding guide lines for the veins - position them so that they emerge from behind the other elements but do not overlap each other. Colouring them is the same process as for the ivy leaves - start with a base layer, I used a light wash of Permanent Sap green, then add a darker, bluer shade for the segments between the veins

Step 7. Now to add a bit of bling! To finish off your wreath add curlicues of dot trails to add further balance. One of the most useful brush strokes is the humble dot. It is easily achieved by dipping the wrong end of (a suitably shaped/sized) brush into a puddle of colour and dabbing the upright brush on the paper - the first dot is the biggest , subsequent dots become progressively smaller as the paint runs out. I used this process with gold acrylic paint - it works equally well with glues to which you can add glitter if you wish.

When everything is completely dry rub out any visible pencil lines. This design is endlessly customisable - have fun with it!

Portrait painting is always challenging. In watercolour, we can utilise the unique properties of the medium to suggest gentle contours - raising the face off the paper surfa…

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A Wednesday Workshop with Elizabeth Tomkins
Wednesday, 26 November 2025 · 10am – 4.30pm · 1 day
Elizabeth Tomkins · Art in Brittany Studio, 5 Le Valide, Mauron, 56430

About the Workshop

A festive and creative day exploring watercolour and design!

In this workshop, you’ll:

• Paint a watercolour design suitable for a greetings card

• Learn how to digitise your artwork

• Add text and simple edits to create a polished design

• Take home your original painting, a printed card, and a JPEG file to print from at home

By the end of the day, you’ll have both a piece of art and a professionally finished card design ready to share or gift.

What’s Included

• All specialist materials, sundries, and paper

• Use of class paints and brushes (or bring your own if you prefer)

• Complimentary light lunch, tea, and coffee

• Step-by-step guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting

Venue & Access

Elizabeth Tomkins · Art in Brittany
5 Le Validee, Mauron, 56430

• Parking available on the gravel drive

• Two steps to the front door

• Studio and toilets all on the ground floor, on one level

Tickets

€60.00
Includes full-day workshop, lunch, materials, and your printed card.

More info | Book Now

At a Glance

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025

• ⏰ Time: 10am – 4.30pm

• 📍 Location: Art in Brittany Studio, Mauron

• 🎟️ Cost: €60.00

More info | Book Now

A Wednesday Workshop with Elizabeth Tomkins
Wednesday, 19 November 2025 · 10am – 4.30pm · 1 day
Elizabeth Tomkins · Art in Brittany Studio, 5 Le Validee, Mauron, 56430

About the Workshop

Spend a day exploring the art of portraiture in watercolour. This workshop focuses on techniques for creating expressive portraits using photographs as your starting point.

• First-time portrait painters will work from high-quality reference images provided.

• Returning students who have already completed a portrait workshop are welcome to bring their own image.

You’ll practice and develop essential skills, including:

• 🎨 Effective use of contrast

• 🎨 Colour mixing (with a focus on flesh tones)

• 🎨 Wet-in-wet techniques (for smooth transitions in skin)

• 🎨 Negative painting (for depth and texture in hair)

• 🎨 Detail work (facial features)

💡 Please note: this workshop focuses on watercolour painting techniques, not drawing.

What’s Included

• All specialist materials, sundries, and paper

• Use of class paints and brushes (or bring your own if you prefer)

• Complimentary light lunch, tea, and coffee

• Supportive, step-by-step tuition in a relaxed studio setting

Venue & Access

Elizabeth Tomkins · Art in Brittany
5 Le Valide, Mauron, 56430

• Parking available on the gravel drive

• Two steps to the front door

• Studio and toilets all on the ground floor, on one level

Tickets

€60.00
Includes full-day workshop, lunch, and materials (bring your own brushes/paints if you wish).

At a Glance

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025

• ⏰ Time: 10am – 4.30pm

• 📍 Location: Art in Brittany Studio, Mauron

• 🎟️ Cost: €60.00

About the Workshop

Petal and Bone is a one-day watercolour workshop exploring the contrasts and connections between skulls and seasonal flowers/foliage.

We’ll work from found skulls and freshly gathered flora on the day, but you’re also welcome to bring your own props, photos, or favourite quotes to inspire your piece. By the end of the day, you’ll create a unique watercolour study (approx. 28 × 38 cm).

What’s Included

• All specialist materials, sundries, and paper

• Use of class paints and brushes (or bring your own if you prefer)

• Complimentary light lunch, tea, and coffee

• Friendly, supportive guidance throughout the day

💡 Tip: If you’re in the mood for inspiration beforehand, take a look at the work of Georgia O’Keeffe.

More info | Book Now

Venue & Access

Elizabeth Tomkins · Art in Brittany
5 Le Valide, Mauron, 56430

• Parking available on the gravel drive

• Two steps to the front door

• Studio and toilets all on the ground floor, on one level

Tickets

€60.00
Includes full day workshop, lunch, and materials (bring your own brushes/paints if you wish).

More info | Book Now

At a Glance

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

• ⏰ Time: 10am – 4.30pm

• 📍 Location: Art in Brittany Studio, 5 Le Valide, Mauron, 56430

• 🎟️ Cost: €60.00

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Upcoming In-person Classes and Workshops

Since 2012, I've been teaching workshops and courses in Brittany, offering a welcoming and inspiring space for artists of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced painter wanting to develop your skills, there’s a place for you here!

I run several in-person courses and workshops from my home near Mauron 56430

Choose from a day workshop, 10-week group course or single session private class . Learning is delivered through projects. Be part of a friendly, creative group where learning is hands-on and engaging.

Spring Term 2026 Courses resume week beginning January 19th.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons - group class (10 x 2.5hour sessions)

Day workshops -

Full-day workshops with guided tuition, materials provided, and a complimentary lunch included usually 10am – 4.30pm.

2026 dates tba

Private Sessions

Wednesday Afternoon Watercolour Private Classes are ideal for individuals or private groups who cannot attend a full course, require private tuition or want a taster session before committing to a full course. Ideal for holidaymakers! Wednesday afternoons (2.5 hours) in February.

Why Watercolour?

'I love watercolour! It’s a dynamic and accessible medium that doesn’t require lots of specialist equipment. Whether you’re at a table, in a field, or working on an easel, it’s easy to take with you and offers endless creative possibilities.' – Elizabeth Tomkins