Relaxed, therapeutic watercolour workshops for beginners and beyond — taught by Simon Robin Stephens in Carshalton, South London.
No experience needed. Just a willingness to slow down and paint.
I'm Simon Robin Stephens — a watercolour artist based in Carshalton, in the London Borough of Sutton. I run relaxed watercolour workshops for people who want to learn to paint — and for people who just want an afternoon of calm.
I have ADHD, and painting is how I find order and stillness. My workshops carry that same intention: no pressure, no perfection. Just you, some paint, and a morning or afternoon to slow down and see the world differently. Complete beginners are especially welcome.
"The goal isn't a perfect painting. It's two hours where your mind slows down, your breathing deepens, and you remember what it feels like to make something."
Simon participates in CAOS every June — one of South London's best-loved open studio events. During CAOS, visitors can come directly to the studio, watch Simon working, see paintings in progress, join demonstrations, and buy directly from the artist.
See this year's CAOS dates →Practical watercolour skills, taught in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Create soft, luminous washes — the foundation of expressive watercolour. How to load your brush, control the flow, and let the paint do the work.
A limited palette, infinite possibility. Learn to mix greens, greys, and warm earth tones from just three primary colours.
How to organise sky, land, and water into a calm, balanced painting. Rule of thirds, focal points, and what to leave out.
Painting skies confidently — soft cloud edges, graduated washes, and how to reserve whites without masking fluid.
Loose, expressive trees without fussiness. How to suggest detail without painting every leaf.
Slowing down, observing carefully, and letting go of the need for perfection. The most important lesson of all.
Half-day, full-day, and bespoke private sessions available in Carshalton and Sutton.
A focused morning or afternoon session. Covers one technique in depth. Perfect for beginners wanting their first taste of watercolour.
Check dates →A complete painting day with lunch break. Covers composition, colour, and a full landscape from first wash to finishing touches.
Check dates →Book a private session for a small group — friends, family, a hen do, a team wellbeing day. Tailored content, flexible location in Carshalton or Sutton.
Enquire →No experience whatsoever is needed. Simon's workshops are designed for complete beginners as well as those who've painted before but want to develop their skills. The atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging — no one is expected to produce a masterpiece.
All materials are provided for workshop participants — watercolour paints, brushes, paper, and reference materials. You just bring yourself. Specific information is sent to all booked participants in advance.
Workshops are held in Carshalton and Sutton, South London. Full venue details are provided on booking. Simon also participates in CAOS (Carshalton Artists Open Studios) each June, where you can visit the studio directly.
CAOS — Carshalton Artists Open Studios — is an annual open studio event in June where local artists welcome visitors into their working spaces. Simon takes part each year: you can see paintings in progress, watch demonstrations, and buy directly from the artist. Read about CAOS 2026 →
Yes. Private group sessions are available for friends, families, wellbeing days, and team events. Simon can tailor the content, duration, and location to suit the group. Get in touch to discuss.
Watercolour workshops in Carshalton and Sutton, South London.
Beginners welcome. All materials provided. Small friendly groups.