EIGHT WEEKS TUTOR ENGAGEMENT  |  LIFETIME ACCESS  |  PRIVATE ONLINE COMMUNITY

The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage with Donna Watson

Let go of perfection.
Create art that feels like you.

Designed for artists ready to explore meaning and
process through wabi-sabi collage.

A self-paced online course guided by mixed media artist Donna Watson. Enrolment closes 2 Feb 2026. Payment plans available.

I have taken two courses from Donna Watson over the last several years. I would count these two courses as the best art education I have ever invested in. It's because Donna is so good at helping participants look within themselves instead of just copying what she does. It's so rewarding.

- Peggy D.

Honour your inner voice through collage. 
This isn’t about copying what I do - it’s about helping you discover what you want to say.

- Donna Watson










Have you ever noticed how many art workshops subtly encourage you to copy the instructor’s style?


You follow the steps, use the same materials, and arrive at something technically sound, yet it doesn’t quite feel like yours.

Over time, you may find yourself stuck, overthinking, which can quietly erode confidence. 

Donna Watson takes a different approach. 
She focuses on helping you understand why you make, what matters to you, and how to express that honestly through collage.

Donna Watson Artwork (2)
Kyoto Gardens Donna Watson
Donna Watson Cherry Blossoms
Donna Watson Gardens
Donna Watson Artwork
Donna Watson Japan
Donna Watson Artwork (4)
Donna Watson Workspace

In The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage, you’ll be guided to explore - not imitate.

Su Berghuis-Garde Donna Watson Student-1

I'm 67 and have been a practicing artist for 40 years. My 3 year Diploma, and 4 year Degree in Visual Arts didn't lead me to the personal depths that this course did.

- Su Berghuis-Garde

Wendy Steward Donna Watson Student

I was struggling to create and find my voice, Donna helped me discover it and create art that had a deep meaning to me. I have loved watching and immersing myself in this course, it has been life altering in my approach to just about everything

- Wendy Steward

Robyn Colman Donna Watson Student

Before this class I stumbled around trying all kinds of approaches to collage but achieved nothing coherent. Now I feel that I have the building blocks for a considered and meaningful practice that suits my personal aesthetic.

- Robyn Colman

Jeannete Kool Donna Watson Student

I have overcome my hesitation that work would not be good enough & now dare to express what I feel inside. Donna's course forms the backbone of my further creative journey. What a gift that is.

- Jeanette K. 

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi - fish in a pond

A different way to learn - grounded in meaning, process, and personal expression.

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Collage papers

Free your creative practice.

 

Move beyond perfectionism and second-guessing. Work with intuition, reflection, and intention to create collages that feel connected and honest.

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Paper Factory

Learn through process,
not formulas

 

Donna demonstrates materials, paper preparation, and composition, including her work with Japanese washi and visits places of deep cultural significance.

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi

Find your voice. 

Collage becomes a way to explore what matters to you. By working in series and responding to your own interests, you’ll develop a visual language that feels unmistakably yours.

Your art should sound like you – and with Donna's guidance, it will.

 

In this video, Donna explains how the course works and how she teaches.

It’s a helpful overview if you’re deciding whether this course is the right fit for you.

Watson tutor photo

Donna Watson is a mixed media artist and mentor with over 45 years of experience working across painting, collage, and fibre-based practices.

Her work is shaped by her Japanese heritage and a lifelong engagement with Japanese aesthetics, Zen concepts, and the philosophy of wabi-sabi. She is drawn to what time leaves behind - layers, traces, faded memory, and the quiet beauty of impermanence.

Donna’s practice has evolved from painting with Japanese-inspired papers to working fully with collage. Through hand-painted papers, layered surfaces, and considered composition, she explores identity, memory, and personal narrative, returning to art as a way of understanding who we are.

As a teacher, Donna is known for her calm, thoughtful approach. Rather than asking students to replicate her work, she encourages them to slow down, reflect, and develop a visual language that feels honest and their own.

My role is not to show you what to make - but to help you understand why you make.

- Donna Watson

Marlis Kraft Donna Watson Student

I was working mostly from my intuition in the past. Donna's thoughts about 'Intuition vs. Intention' set me off on a conscious path where intuition starts from a more thoughtful place.

- Marlis Kraft

Caroline Moore Donna Watson Student

The course encourages you to look deeper at what you are trying to say with your work and how to say it. Donna has a way of drawing this from you and her personal encouragement through the facebook group is invaluable.

- Caroline Moore

Six thoughtfully paced modules, building from philosophy to personal expression.

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Module 1

MODULE ONE
What is Wabi-Sabi?

Begin by exploring wabi-sabi as a philosophy and way of seeing.
Take a virtual trip to Japan to look at imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity, and how these ideas translate into collage. Donna also introduces Boro textiles and the concept of mottainai - honouring what already exists.

Focus: seeing differently · letting go · meaning before making

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Module 2

MODULE TWO
Washi

Discover the qualities and history of Japanese washi papers, and how Donna works with them in her own practice and where to source quality materials. You’ll watch demonstrations of paper preparation and surface building, and learn how to work with materials in a way that feels intentional and responsive.

Focus: materials · surface · process

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Module 3

MODULE THREE
Further Discoveries

Expand your visual language by experimenting with additional materials and techniques.

This module invites exploration - combining papers, integrating imagery and text, fabric-like surfaces, found elements and vintage ephemera to add depth and personal resonance.

Focus: exploration · layering · personal response

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Module 4

MODULE FOUR
Elements & Principles of Design

Learn how line, shape, texture, space, value, and colour support meaning in your work.
Donna introduces key design principles and shows how they guide composition - not as rules, but as tools to help you make considered decisions.

Focus: structure · composition · intention

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Collage Module 5

MODULE FIVE
Composition

Explore how to bring elements together in a way that feels balanced, purposeful, and expressive.
You’ll learn how focal points, restraint, and simplicity support clarity - and how to trust your instincts as your work develops.

Focus: clarity · cohesion · visual decision-making

Donna Watson Wabi Sabi Module 6

MODULE SIX
Content & Working in Series

Turn inward to identify what matters most to you.
This final module focuses on developing content, working in series, and creating work that reflects your interests, memories, and lived experience.

Focus: voice · content · personal direction

Throughout the course, Donna encourages reflection, experimentation, and trust - allowing your work to grow naturally over time.

Building confidence with The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage...

Collage...Diane Burch came to collage with a deep love of fibre and making - but struggled with composition and confidence in her work.

In this Student Success Story, she shares how The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage helped her slow down, trust her decisions, and reshape her artistic practice.

Come Along For A Sneak Peek…

 

You’ll be supported every step of the way with:

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Direct interaction with Claire for up to 8 weeks.

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8 + hours of cinematic video lessons.

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Unlimited learning with lifetime access.

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A worldwide community of artists.

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Have your questions answered in two live Q&As.

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Comprehensive workbooks to reinforce your learning.

… plus the community and resources to keep the conversation flowing long after the course ends.

Designed for paper lovers and mixed media artists who want to:

  • Discover or deepen their own artistic voice.
    Identify what genuinely inspires you, from colour and texture to themes and composition, so your work feels personal and intentional.

  • Enjoy experimenting with materials and process.
    Explore hand-painted papers, layering, and different collage approaches, using materials as a way to think, feel, and respond - not to follow a formula.

  • Move through perfectionism and creative stuck-ness.
     If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself or striving for “right answers,” this course offers a slower, more reflective way forward.

  • Value meaning over speed.
     Learn within a professionally crafted, supportive environment where teaching, production, and community are held to a high standard - and ideas are given time to unfold.

*This course is not based on step-by-step formulas or pre-determined results to replicate.

ENROLMENT IS OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME

An invitation to slow down, let go of perfection, and invest in a lasting creative practice.

$398 USD
  • 6 modules with cinematic video lessons
  • Two live Q&A sessions with Donna
  • Up to eight weeks of engagement with Donna
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Access to a private student community
  • Comprehensive resource guides
  • Private online learning portal
  • Learn at your own pace
  • 8+ hours of professionally filmed content

This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from Donna Watson. The chance to expand your art practice is priceless.

Pam Finlay Donna Watson Student

This course will help you to discover your artistic voice within and the content will enable you to experiment with new techniques and tools for making collages.

- Pam Finlay

Sue Puhlhorn Donna Watson Student

Before this course I had been exploring multiple approaches and styles – trying to find a theme in my style and voice. This course helped me to hone this and pushed me to focus on more meaning and intention in my work. This was a breakthrough for me and has ignited more purpose in my pieces.

- Sue Puhlhorn

Randi Pettit Donna Watson Student

It is one of the best courses I have taken so far and I definitely had a breakthrough in my artwork.

- Randi P.

Watson promise

Our promise of excellence

We take great pride in our commitment to excellence. At Take Two, we call it FATT Fabulous.

Our courses are professionally crafted to the highest standards, and our tutors share decades of knowledge with generosity, care, and integrity.

To protect both our tutors’ intellectual property and your investment, we offer a money-back guarantee if you’ve watched less than 10% of the course within seven days and decide it’s not the right fit.

Please see our full terms for details.

Our friendly team is here to support you before, during, and after your course. If you have any questions at all, reach out anytime at support@fibreartstaketwo.com - we’re always happy to help.

Helpful
FAQs

Have another question? We’re here to help! Please contact the Take Two team at support@taketwoart.com

 

Not the course you're looking for?
Take a look at the other online art courses we have available!
 

Early enrolment gives you more time, more support, and a head start on your your creative practice. Claim your place in The Way of Wabi Sabi today.

Enrolment numbers are limited and will close on the 2nd of February 2026

A signature online course designed and developed in partnership with Donna Watson and industry leaders, Take Two Art.