Let's Experiment With Watercolor: Basic Techniques to Try

This one-time class will introduce learners to many of the introductory basic techniques of painting with watercolor. Watercolor can sometimes be frustrating and tricky for those new to the medium, so this class is designed to encourage and let learners explore how watercolor works without having the pressure of completing a project or feeling like they will be required to share what they're creating. 

Designed for those newer to watercolor, this class will include demonstration and practice of techniques unique to working with watercolor. Learners will experiment with various watercolor techniques (dry-on-dry, dry-on-wet, wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet) including brush work, color swatching and mixing, exploring tone and value, layering color, washes, and how to add detail to a painting.

We will complete a number of watercolor painting exercises together:
4 brush techniques and three types of washes
Color swatching of the learner's watercolor pan
Basic color theory: creating a color wheel, color mixing, and discussion of primary/secondary/tertiary colors
Discussion of tone and value
Layering color

Learners will be encouraged to experiment with what they've learned with a watercolor project of their own design. There will be time for learners to plan and possibly begin that project to complete after class has finished.

Learners familiar with watercolor who would like to review technique are welcome to join as well. Learners outside of the class range are also generally welcome, especially in the case of siblings taking classes together. (Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about this policy; learners all learn at different rates and many projects can be completed or completed with assistance. You know your learner best!)

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 play with watercolor. I use examples that I have created that I hold up to the video camera, and I encourage learners to participate in our discussion at whatever level they feel comfortable -- some learners prefer to keep their microphone off and use the chat, some like to keep their microphone on to ask questions verbally, some prefer to listen and give a thumbs up. All are totally OK! My goal for this class is for learners to become more comfortable with watercolor through building confidence and familiarity with the medium.