Improve your watercolor, have a couple of hours fun painting along with Tim Wilmot, and...get a critique!

I am very excited to invite you to my next online live watercolor workshop.  We are going to tackle a fantastic nocturnal street scene together.  Painting at night might seem scary, but it is actually a wonderful way to play with light and dark.  In this session, we will look at how to make the glow of the street lamp look real and how to simplify those deep shadows.  It is a great exercise for any painter looking to add more drama and atmosphere to their work.  I will be right there with you, showing you every brushstroke in real time.

We will focus on several key techniques to bring this night scene to life.  First, we will practice a "lost and found" edge technique to blend the buildings into the dark sky.  Next, we will use a big, juicy wash for the foreground to keep things loose and avoid getting too fussy.  We will also look at how to use Neutral Tint and Ultramarine Blue to create those rich, dark tones without making the painting look muddy.  Finally, we will use a tiny bit of white paint at the very end to make those highlights pop against the dark paper.  It is going to be a fun and relaxed session for all of us.

I really hope you can join me for this event.  It is a brilliant way to learn some new skills from the comfort of your own home.  I love seeing how everyone puts their own personality into the same reference photo.  Do not worry if you are a beginner, as I will keep the steps simple and easy to follow.  Grab your brushes and let’s paint a beautiful night scene together.

Live & Online watercolour demo from Tim Wilmot

Step by step demo of the complete painting process with commentary (English)

Watch the recording as many times as you want!

Can't attend live? No Problem! Register anyway, watch the recording, and send me a photo of your painting for a video critique!

50% discount for Tim's Patreon Members (See Tim's post on his Patreon site or App for Promo Code)

This is the source photo for this workshop:

(You can right-click over this photo to download it now)

In this workshop, we will cover several important techniques to help you master the night scene.  Here are the main points we will focus on:

Creating a glowing light source: We will learn how to leave the white of the paper and use soft washes of Yellow Ochre to make the street lamp look like it is really shining.

Big, bold washes: I will show you how to lay down a large area of dark paint for the sky and road in one go to keep the painting looking fresh.

The "Lost and Found" technique: We will practice letting the edges of the buildings disappear into the dark background to create a sense of mystery.

Mixing rich darks: We will use Neutral Tint mixed with Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Umber to create deep shadows that still have plenty of colour and life.

Simplifying shapes: Instead of painting every brick, we will look at how to simplify the church and the houses into big, simple shapes.

Painting figures in low light: I will show you how to add a simple person into the scene to create a focal point and add a bit of a story to your work.

Dry brush for texture: We will use a dry brush technique on the road and walls to suggest detail without overworking the painting.

Adding final highlights: We will use a touch of white paint at the very end to catch the light on the edges of the pavement and the figure.

This online workshop is suitable for painters of any level. It is a demonstration in Watercolor. I go at a slow pace and describe with commentary what I am doing and the techniques I am using. The commentary is in English, and I speak slowly for any attendees where English is not your first language.

All you need to watch and take part is a good/reliable internet connection, and a headphone or PC speakers to hear my audio commentary.  Crowdcast is not like Zoom. Nobody can see you or hear you.  You just see and hear me and it's really EASY!

What you will need (apart from paper and water)

A large and medium size mop brush. Small brush for detail work. A small flat brush might be used.

Your normal palette of colours (I mainly use, neutral tint, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, viridian green, spring green (or a bright green!), cobalt green, cerulean blue, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, lavender, alizarin crimson, cadmium red, light red and a cadmium yellow, white paint for highlights.  I also sometimes use quinacridone gold). You don't need to use these colours.  Please don't buy anything special for this workshop.  Just use your usual things!

Please don't go and buy anything special for this workshop. Just use what your normal brushes, paper and paint.

When you have completed your painting, please take a photo and email it to me as an attachment to timothywilmot@gmail.com and I will then be able to include your painting in the group video to be published on my YouTube Channel.

Here is what previous attendees had to say...

"I see you as one of the best painters for those of us who want to improve our watercolor. You have been a pillar of my growth: clear expression of the technique to be used, continuity in the activity that you develop, a relaxed and patient atmosphere for those of us who follow the challenges of this technique that is as exciting as difficult and beautiful.  I thank you for the support that I have always received and for the opportunity to participate."  Eduardo, Argentina

"I wanted to thank you again for doing these watercolor painting workshops and for providing critiques.  You are an amazing artist, and your workshops are forcing me to find the time to paint and I am so very appreciative of this"  Brian, USA

"It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that you were one of the contributing factors to my painting more frequently and exhibiting more and having a bit more confidence this past year or two. I think you’re a wonderful tutor and I like the way you paint"  Susan, USA

"I'd like say just how much I've enjoyed your video demonstrations past and present! You have a wonderful sensibility for watercolour and I know that I've learnt a great deal from your videos, so  thank you so much!"  John H, UK

"Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Based on my experience watching your YouTube videos, your online workshop was everything I expected and more"  Douglas B

"Good pace, good answers to students’ questions, efficient use of time, and such a nice relaxed personality, Tim"  Suzanna B

"Thank you for the wonderful painting experience. I think the timing was perfect for me as I am new to watercolour and enjoyed having the time to attempt keeping up"  Geri G

"It was very good to be able to hear your thought process as you were completing the painting. Loved being able to see your painting from start to finish"  Pearl A

"I’m so grateful to have found your ‘paint this scene’ tutorials. I’m getting so much out of these. Seeing improvements with each new monthly paint along! Your a gem"  Silvie R

"I learn so much from seeing what the others have done as well as getting the critiques from Tim himself. These critiques help us to improve and understand more about the process, something which would be almost impossible to do without this kind of constructive feedback. Thank you so much for all the encouragement and support you give us through these workshops and the follow up critique video"  Mark D, Spain

February 2026 Open Watercolor Workshop - Nocturne