Painting daily sketches from observing and recording the line, form, color, and texture of real-life subject matter is not only an exercise in representational painting but, more importantly, a first step in the process of developing a concept for a future, expressive, finished artwork. This is a hands-on watercolor painting sketch class focused on the concept of “less is more.” The limited time we will have in a one-period studio class will force us to capture the essence, rather than the detail, of our subject matter in a watercolor and pen & ink sketch during each day of class. Digital pictures and written notes, made while sketching, will serve to provide details of imagery as needed for developing your concept for a finished work later on. But the essence of a subject captured in your sketchbook is the important element to inspire a personal concept, perspective, story, or emotion that is MORE than the simple subject you sketched. It can become an expanded expression, in your chosen medium, of who you are as an artist, and what you wish to share with others.
Each day of class we will sketch, with watercolors and fine-line ink pens, subjects that I will provide or direct the class to with a daily focus in mind – i.e., color, movement, perspective, texture, and shadow & light. Each focus is meant to help with eventually developing a concept for a future expanded, expressive, and finished artwork.
Limit: 16 students, ages 16 and up.
Materials student should bring: (Instructor’s online source of supplies – Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies, but only suggested for your consideration.)
- Watercolor Sketchbook – 9” x 12” cold press, at least 90 lb. good quality watercolor paper with spiral binding, 15-20 sheets. Some suggested brands:
- Canson Artist Series Montval Watercolor Sketchbook – 9" x 12" or,
- American Journey Hardbound Watercolor Journal – 9” x 12” - Watercolor Field Sketch Box – transparent pan watercolors in a lightweight, portable set of 8-12 colors. The instructor can lend these for class time (no charge) if needed. Some suggested brands:
- Sakura Koi Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box - Set of 1, or
- Yarka Student Watercolor - 8 Color Pan Set - Watercolor Brushes – one round brush, size 8 or 10, and one wash brush, ½” width. Again, instructor can supply some brushes for those who need them, but they will be used brushes. Some suggested brands:
- Miller's Old Faithful White Synthetic Watercolor Round Brush, short handle, #8 or10, or,
- Princeton or Artist’s Loft Watercolor Round Brush, #10 (can be purchased at Michael’s)
- Miller's Old Faithful White Synthetic One-Stroke Flat, short handle, ½” width - Fine Line Black Ink Pen – doesn’t need to be permanent, just free flowing, with nib size 005, 01, or 03. Walmart, Dollar General, or Michael’s possible purchase sources, or Prismacolor Premier Illustration Markers - Black Fine Line, Set of 5 (Cheap Joe’s)
Optional: Prismacolor colored pencils – set of 12 colors (not water color pencils)
