Watercolor Essentials with Shirley Hales

This five-hour workshop covers the fundamental elements of watercolor techniques and theory for all levels of watercolor painting experience. There will be instructional lecture time
with ample “hands on” instructor assistance and individual practice. Written handouts for reference will be available.

Participants will:
a) Discover the unique properties of watercolor versus other painting mediums
b) Create a basic color palette
c) Learn the different types of brushes and how to use them to achieve the desired effect as
well as proper brush care
d) Learn color mixing and prepare a color guide for various applications
e) Explore the color wheel and the use of analogous and complementary colors
f) Be introduced to various types and brands of watercolor paper
g) Study the properties and effects of staining, transparent and opaque paints
h) Learn to “save the white of the paper” and understand why it’s important to do so
i) Comprehend the concept of “the rule of thirds” and finding a “focal point”
j) Be introduced to the concept of perspective
k) Work with effective use of light to produce shadows and reflections
l) Study the principles of design and composition and the role of “value”
m) Learn the importance of basic drawing skills and tracing techniques for the “drawing
challenged” artist
n) Produce a compositionally balanced 8 x 10 watercolor painting

Materials fee if provided by the instructor: $30 (cash only) Materials (except paper and paint) to be returned at the end of the workshop. Advanced notice to instructor required to order materials.

Students may bring their own supplies:

• Brushes: One medium (3/4” to 1”) and one small (1/4”) flat brush; One small (#5) and one large (#10 or #12) round brush with point; Synthetic brushes are okay
• Suggested Paints or Equivalent:
  • Basic Paint Palette Colors (small tubes) – Preferred Brands: Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith and Holbein
    • Alizarin Crimson
    • Cadmium Red
    • New Gamboge or Yellow Ochre
    • Lemon Yellow
    • French Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue
    • Cerulean Blue
    • Indigo
  • Optional Color
    • Burnt Umber
    • Burnt Sienna
• Watercolor Paper and Support Board: 140 lb, 200 lb or 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper in a block of paper OR individual sheets attached with tape or staples to a support board (gator board or heavy foam core board).  Need at least three 8 x 10 sheets of paper
• Misc: Container for water, paper towels, soft pencil for sketching, kneaded eraser, palette for mixing paint, ruler (optional)

Students are encouraged to bring lunch or a snack.