About

This intensive, two-day workshop teaches the fundamentals of composition and painting design by using watercolor as a tool for studying and simplifying shapes and values, and turning “challenging” photos into dynamic, thoughtfully designed compositions.

You're invited to submit your own reference photos as case studies for this class, so you can learn tangible methods and ideas for bringing subjects you’re passionate about to life.

Details

• Skill level: No prior experience required. However, any experience with drawing and the watercolor medium will help enhance your comprehension and help you further level up. 
• Day 1: Learn the principles of composition through a variety of photo examples. Then learn the fundamental washes of watercolor and conduct a number of tonal studies with this medium.
• Day 2: Learn key skills for converting a tonal study into a colored version. Then choose to work on either more studies or paint one of your studies again in color. 
• Bring lunch or snacks for a 30-minute lunch break and shorter breaks during the day. There is a microwave and a refrigerator you can use on the lower level.

Details

• A $10 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, provides professional-grade watercolor paper and student grad watercolor paper.
• You need to bring:
  • Brushes: One large round brush of ~0.5-inch in diameter for applying wash, one small round brush ~0.125” in diameter, or rigger brush for finer details.
  • Palette: Needs a generous mixing area (the number of wells doesn't matter).
  • Pencil with eraser: 2B or softer.
  • Watercolor paint set with the following basic colors: Burnt sienna, French ultramarine blue, alizirin crimson, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, cadmium red.
  • Rag or old towel for soaking up water.
  • Cup or jug for water.
  • Optional: Easel or painting surface.

Class Policies

Ages 11 and up are welcome.