About
Red has a particular significance in many traditions. In alchemical texts, red, which is synonymous with vermillion/cinnabar, is referred to as the alchemical wedding and was referred to as the philosopher’s stone as it symbolises the union of the opposites and also the union with God. Goethe said that all colours are ascending towards red and that red, therefore, contains all colours.
The first day of this course consists of a talk on the significance of red in the alchemical tradition and a few others. The tutor will also demonstrate the production of red iron oxide from nature.
Day 2 will involve a series of practical exercises in watercolour paint exploring the relationship of red to other colours and the creation of tonal relationships in red through tonal underlays and overlays. Examples will be given of the work of other artists’ exploration of their primordial colour.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
Students of all levels and experience are welcome.
You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our online programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Wednesday and Friday, 24 and 26 June 2026, 10:00 – 13:00
Times are given in British Summer Time (GMT+1)
How do I attend the online class?
This class will take place on Zoom, an online meeting platform. A link for joining the Zoom meeting will be in your confirmation email after booking.
What materials do I need?
- Watercolour or gouache Paints: cadmium red, red ochre or burnt sienna, alizarin crimson, viridian green, terre verte, chromium oxide, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, black, burnt umber, titanium white, zinc white
- A4 Watercolour pad, 300gm hot pressed (otherwise with as little texture as possible), minimum 12 sheets.
- 5 or more A4 sheets of tracing paper
- pointed, round sable watercolour brushes, sizes 2, 3 and 4
- flat watercolour brush, approximately 10mm width
- masking tape
- compass
- pencil
- rubber
- Glue for paper, this can either be a roll-on craft glue (Pritt stick) or a PVA glue
- Sheets of coloured paper: These should be mat, not glossy, around A4 size or around 12 x 12 inches or larger. Alost all art shops sell a good range of such papers.
- Bright red – 4 sheets
- Pale pink – 2 sheets
- Pale green – 2 sheets
- Neutral grey (light to middle tone) – 2 sheets
- Neutral grey dark – 1 sheet
- Dark brown – 1 sheet
- If you are unable to find coloured paper the alternative would be to paint these colours onto watercolour paper.
Online Learning
What if I have questions during the workshop?
This will be a small workshop; Students will be able to ask questions via chat or unmute themselves.
Students will also have access to our online learning platform, Thinkific, where we share supplementary content.
I live in a different time zone, can I still attend?
We encourage you to attend the course in real time to really benefit from instruction; however, if you are unable to attend live due to the difference in time you can catch up via recordings on our online learning platform, Thinkific. These recordings are available for a limited time after the course.
Recordings cannot be purchased separately if the course is fully booked or if the course has already started.
Tips:
You must download the Zoom app and create a free account before the class begins, so that you can use the full range of features:
- You can create your free account here
- You can download the Zoom app onto your computer or device here
- You can create your free account here
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for full-time students and Seniors/60+.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
No refunds, unless cancelled by the School. If you cancel up to 1 week before the workshop starts, we can offer a transfer to another workshop of equivalent value, subject to availability.
Tutor Biography
Dr. David Cranswick received his MA fine art degree from the Royal Academy of Art. In 1999 he received his PhD from HRH Prince of Wales at St James Palace for practical research into mediaeval and renaissance painting materials and techniques. From 1984 David served as personal apprentice to Cecil Collins until his death in 1989. In 1989 David was invited by Professor Keith Critchlow to run regular workshops to the MA and PhD students, where he continues to teach as senior tutor at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. He teaches regularly in the UK and internationally. David is personal tutor to several Royalties and prominent figures. He has works in royal collections (including King Charles III) also prominent establishments in the UK and abroad. David is resident artist in Cowdray Castle. David has appeared in BBC television programmes and radio interviews. Articles published include art magazines and newspapers. He has exhibited internationally since 1979 and undertaken portrait commissions. In 2024 David received the Teaching Award from King Charles III for 35 years of dedicated teaching. Dr. Cranswick has written a book on desert pigments of AlUla. He is currently writing a book on traditional painting methods.
