This class provides step-by-step instruction in the fundamentals of watercolor painting. It will focus on introducing watercolor techniques and design concepts and their importance in the development of the individual’s own style. The goal is to enable a beginner to achieve confidence and mastery and to enjoy the process. The student will get individual guidance and support at each stage—engaging artists in a cooperative and mutually helpful environment.
Students will work on class work and homework projects that increase the range of their painting abilities. There will first be a demonstration of the technique, and then the students will have time to practice in class. Any painting problems that they may have will be addressed on an individual basis. At the end of the class, students will have an opportunity to share their homework projects with everyone. In every class, there will be a 5 minute discussion on one of the design elements.
6 Thursdays, 7pm – 9pm
November 4th – December 16th
(No class on Nov. 25th – Thanksgiving)
Cost: $240 for the 6-class series
Syllabus:
Day 1 (Nov. 4th) – Introduction to watercolor materials and tools
Day 2 (Nov. 11th) – Texture! (simple watercolor hacks: salt, water, straw, cellophane, toothbrush)
Day 3 (Nov. 18th) – Blending color and glazing
Day 4 (Dec. 2nd) – Tea, coffee, milk, cream, butter
Day 5 (Dec. 9th) – Achieving depth: overlap, recession and atmosphere
Day 6 (Dec. 16th)- Exploration of assorted tools & aids for painting purpose
Required Materials List (all of these can be found at Amazon, Cheap Joe’s, Dick Blick or JerryArtarama):
Pigments:
Optional and great to have:
Pallet – I recommend Martin Mijello Airtight Leak Proof Fusion Watercolor palette (either 18, 24 or 33 well palette).
Watercolor Brushes:
The choices are as wide as your wallet. I personally use quill brushes, but I also rely on the rounds and flats. I found this on Amazon and the price is not bad ($43.95), considering you are getting 4 brushes. (both options below can also be found at the other online stores I suggested).
Another great option is hake brushes. Those are VERY cheap and it’s what I use for plein air (painting outside). Make sure you get a variety of sizes.
Watercolor paper:
Arches, Fabriano, and Kilimajaro (Cheap Joe’s brand) are great choices. Make sure whatever you buy, it’s 100% cotton. For this class, 9” X 12” pad 140# cold press paper is sufficient.
Here is an example of the watercolor pad you will need: https://www.amazon.com/Arches-Watercolor-Paper-pound-Press/dp/B01EQHJH10/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3SEOIYBRFLQQB&dchild=1&keywords=arches+watercolor+paper+140+lb+cold+press&qid=1632497635&sprefix=Arches+water%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-5
Other Materials:
About the Instructor
Ana Hedberg graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design and minor in Arts from Western Michigan University (magna cum laude). She enjoys how unpredictable watercolor can be, how forgiving and yet, very challenging it is. She also enjoys nature and wildlife, whether observing it or absorbed in it. For Hedberg, painting nature in watercolor brings both fluidity and randomness together in a rewarding and gratifying way. To view her work, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/anahedbergwaterarte