Your Tutor
Zara
Hi I'm Zara who's behind Ginger Green. I started teaching watercolours in March 2023 - can't believe it's been more than a year! Multiple times a week I run beginner watercolour classes where each session we have a different theme, generally to do with nature. This year I'm looking forward to running day courses, or some courses that span over a few weeks where we can get really stuck in to a particular subject.
My background is in illustration which I studied in Bristol from 2016 - 2019. I have previously worked in a bit of editorial illustration under the name 'Zara Wilkins' and also help to organise Brighton Illustration Fair.
The thing I love most about watercolours is that it is so versatile and beautiful. There are so many different ways that it can be used, so many effects that you can create with different levels of water, pigment, paper weights and brushes. There doesn't really seem to be an end to what you can do with it. Teaching this year has been such an amazing introduction for me into the breadth of watercolour and I'm really excited to just paint with you and see where 2024 takes us!
Why I love teaching
One thing I love about teaching art, is helping people to reset their opinions of their own ability and what that means about them as a person. In school and as children we are often taught that if we can't do something then we shouldn't do it.
I really admire every student who comes to the class who hasn't painted in watercolour let alone made any art since childhood. It takes a lot of bravery. I really hope to create an environment where people feel comfortable to make mistakes & learn. Learning is such a satisfying thing. Part of coming to the class is not just to get better at painting, but to become more accepting of yourself in learning something from the start.
What I encourage in my classes
In all of my classes, whether they are watercolour, illustration, collage and so on, I always try to encourage three things to ensure everyone has a lovely time!
Low Pressure

We are here to learn and not to create masterpieces. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves, especially if it’s our first time painting. This is a space to try something new and enjoy the experience of treating yourself to a painting class and a coffee!
Experiment

Writing ‘experiments page’ at the tp of your page can really help with confidence. If you ever feel like you're messing something up (which is always inevitable at the beginning!) you can look back at what you've written and know it's a test painting.
Ask
If at any point you get stuck or don't understand something, I'm here to help. There will be times during the class when people are just painting and there is no teaching. I'll be going round and checking on people & giving individual tips & advice.
Testimonials
How did I learn watercolour?
The first time I remember learning watercolour was in secondary school. I am quite a broad creative so I have gone in and out of painting in watercolour & go back and forth between different mediums. Watercolour however has always been something that has stuck with me. I would actually say the most I have learned has been during teaching. I felt that I was a at a level to be able to teach beginners and since then, I have learned so much about how watercolour works in a way where I can break it down and explain what is actually going on. I'm looking forward to spending the next few years teaching and seeing where my skills develop.
What I love about watercolour
So even though I go through different phases of creative processes, what is it about watercolour that always brings me back?
- It is easy to set up and pack away
- I love the translucency and the layers of colour you can create. It reminds me of the light shining through stained class
- I love the textures you can create - the cauliflowers, gradients, splashed & dry brush. It's a very versatile medium. It can be painted carefully and delicately. Or messily!
What other creative things do I do?
Other than watercolour I practise most kinds of visual arts. As I say, I go through phases, sometimes not picking something up for months, and then going back to it. I have learned to let myself flow like this and not put pressure on sticking to one thing.
However to make a list, here are all of the creative hobbies I dabble in: Crochet, knitting, making clothes, clay building, acrylic painting, drawing, collage, graphic design, illustration (digital & hand made), linocut, acting, immersive theatre & swing dancing.
Also check out the other areas I work in:
Looking for something more?
Looking for something different or special? Click on one of these images to find out more.
Kids parties
Hen-Dos & Birthdays
(Coming soon)
Team Building