Explore and Play: Watercolor Boot Camp & Projects (FLEX Class)

This is a flex version of my Watercolor Boot Camp to support students who need classes at times that work for them. 

A video will be posted each Sunday by 12pm  EDT. The video will explain and have the teacher modeling the techniques for that week. There will be an explore-a-long, which will have the teacher gently guiding the students through practicing the techniques. Students are encouraged to pause when needed and re-watch any parts for understanding. 

Along with the videos, *if applicable* an outline for practice will also be uploaded. Students can then trace the outline on their watercolor paper using a bright window. 

On Wednesday morning, an outline of a project will be uploaded, along with a video of the teacher reviewing the new techniques from Sunday's video, and sharing some things to think about as they make their plans for their project. The teacher will then paint the project, and the student can follow along, tweaking their own work and embracing their own creativity! 

Then, each week, we will have a virtual art walk! Students can post their creations in the classroom, and students will be asked to comment on others' projects, noticing the techniques they spot, as well as things they like in the painting. Kindness is encouraged and expected in our artist studio. All work posted by Friday night will be included in a video put together by the teacher, and will be shared in the classroom by Sunday morning. Comments from students and feedback from the teacher will be included in the video as well! 

This class works well with students posting their practice papers, and questions they may have. The teacher will respond within 24 hours (usually sooner!) if there are any questions in the classroom. 

In the first week, we will cover watercolor materials used and best practices for taking care of our tools. We will jump into the wet on dry and wet on wet techniques. 

In the second week, we will review the color wheel, discuss testing pigments, as well as review warm and cool colors. We will then learn the ombré and gradient technique, which will take some practice. We will also talk about how some colors convey emotions that vary between people. 

In the third week we will learn lifting techniques, as well as layering and completing a wash. 

In the fourth week, we will review each technique learned so far, and do a paint along of a geographic landscape using various techniques. This is where we get to combine our new knowledge and put it to use! 

In the fifth week, we will use various techniques to learn how to paint 2 different animals. We will brainstorm in the classroom and vote on the choices and the top two animals will be taught in the video that week. Students can choose one or both to complete! Voting will need to be completed by the end of week 3 so the teacher can research, prepare, and practice these two new animals! 

In the sixth week, we will learn how we can use our new skills to bring joy to others, and brainstorm ideas how to make gifts or package our items if learners want to sell their creations. *There will be only one instructional video during this week, on Sunday, to cover the material. Students can continue to practice painting or wrapping their items for gifts or for selling and can post pictures through the final day of class for feedback/assistance. The final video on Wednesday will be a final wrap up for the 6 weeks and encourage your artist to continue their watercolor journey.*