Design and Paint Your Own Watercolor Dragon!

In this class we'll combine basic drawing techniques with watercolor techniques to create a dragon of the learner's choice. We'll first use pencil to sketch a rough outline (penciling) and then use permanent marker to outline the details (inking). Next, we'll learn and practice four different techniques for watercolor (dry on dry, dry on wet, wet on dry, and wet on wet) and talk about other watercolor techniques (washes) and things students can try to add details and effects. We'll play with and practice these watercolor techniques and try them out on some dragon scales of varying shape. Finally, we'll use watercolor to color in the dragon the learner's created. 

Please note: students will be able to create a dragon of their choice, so we will not be doing a step-by-step tutorial for how the dragon should look; that will be up to the student! Each student will get to create their own and decide what it should look like. If your learner has never drawn a dragon before, they might find this aspect challenging. If this is the case, we can work using scale shape, so they will still have the chance to learn and practice watercolor technique. 

In this class, we will start with a conversation about dragons -- what they can look like, what characteristics they could have -- and talk briefly about specific examples that learners already know and like. We will talk about different elements of various dragons and how different things might affect how that dragon looks or moves.  Learners will then sketch a dragon using pencil, so some familiarity drawing dragons already will be helpful to the learner, but it is not required. (If your learner might find this aspect challenging, they are welcome to think of a design for their dragon before class begins, or create and pencil their dragon before joining the class; some learners might find it difficult to imagine and sketch a dragon in 10-15 minutes if they have not drawn a dragon before or are totally new to the technique.) 

Secondly, learners will then outline their pencil sketch using permanent marker (Sharpie or something similar; water-based markers tend to run when used with watercolor). We will then switch to discussion and practice of watercolor techniques, which we'll practice on a separate piece of paper. I'll talk about and show four basic brush techniques (dry on dry, dry on wet, wet on dry, wet on wet), discuss different washes and other techniques, and encourage students to play with the watercolor and see what effects they get and they like before using watercolor on their dragon. Finally, students will use watercolor to start to color in their dragon.

Some classes enjoy sharing their drawings and talking with one another about their favorite dragon books, movies, or toys; some others include students who prefer to draw and paint quietly. Learners are encouraged to participate in whatever way they feel most comfortable.  Sometimes students will want to share other drawings of dragons, or show one another dragon toys or books they might have -- all of that is totally OK! Each class is a little different, depending on the learners in it -- some classes like to create quietly, and others might want to chat with one another -- but learners are not required what they've created if they do not wish to do so.  This class is designed to be fun and low-pressure; it's a fun way to try out a new way of adding color to dragon drawings, and there is no wrong way to create a dragon!  

My teaching style has been described as enthusiastic, supportive, and interactive. Learners are encouraged but not required to share their work and ideas, and I believe there is no wrong way to create a dragon or to play with watercolor. Learners are also able to take this class multiple times as each class meeting will be different depending on the different learners in the class. The introductory examples I use will be the same, but as this class is not a strict step-by-step technique class and students are encouraged to work at their own pace and use their imaginations to create their own dragons, students can retake the course and create different dragons each time. 

If your learner prefers drawing, or would like to practice creating dragons before this class, I have a "Drawing Dragons!" class which emphasizes brainstorming and the different elements that make up a dragon. I also have a "Dragon Drawing Hangout" class where learners who like to draw dragons and share their dragon drawings and other dragon-related things like books or toys can share with one another while also drawing. The emphasis there is on brainstorming drawing ideas and working on specific learner-centered requests (how to draw wings, for example, or eyes), but is a shorter class meeting.