Jumpstart Watercolor Basics (Ages 16+)

This six-hour introductory workshop provides a solid understanding of important basic watercolor techniques and theory for beginner watercolorists and those who feel they want a “refresher” course. Some drawing experience is helpful but not essential. There will be instructional lecture time with ample “hands on” instructor assistance. Written handouts for reference will be available.  In this session students will:

1. Create a basic color palette
2. Learn the different types of brushes and how to use them to achieve the desired effect as well as proper brush care
3. Learn color mixing
4. Explore the color wheel and the use of analogous and complementary colors
5. Be introduced to various types of watercolor paper
6. Learn how to properly prepare lighter weight paper for painting (stretching)
7. Understand the concept of “the rule of thirds” and finding a “focal point”
8. Discover the unique properties of watercolor versus other painting mediums
9. Be introduced to the importance of perspective
10. Work with the effective use of light to produce shadows and reflections
11. Study the principles of design and composition and the role of “value”
12. Learn the importance of basic drawing skills
13. Produce a compositionally balanced 8 x 10 watercolor painting

Supply List

• Brushes:  Medium and small flat brushes; small and large rounds (one with fine point)
• Suggested Paints or Equivalent:
• Basic Palette Colors
  • Alizarin Crimson
  • Cadmium Red
  • New Gamboge or Yellow Ochre
  • Lemon Yellow or Cadmium Yellow
  • French Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue
  • Cerulean Blue
  • Viridian
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Indigo
  • Optional Additional Colors (These are not required since we can make our brown and grey from the basic palette colors. Some people like to use these however.)
  • Payne’s Grey
  • Sepia
  • Van Dyke Brown
  • Prefered tube paint brands: Daniel Smith and Winsor Newton
• Watercolor Paper:  Several sheets of 140 lb, 200 lb or 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper 140 lb weight paper should be stretched PRIOR to workshop or stretched during the workshop demonstration.  Preferred brands are Arches and Fabriano (Paper also available for purchase from the instructor with prior notice for a nominal fee)
• Misc: Container for water, paper towels, soft pencil for sketching, kneaded eraser (if sketching with pencil), ruler, palette for mixing paint, support board for paper

** All materials available from instructor for a $35 rental fee. Contact instructor prior to workshop.