In this one-time class designed for students to play and experiment with watercolor, students will learn and practice 4 essential watercolor painting techniques (dry on dry, dry on wet, wet on dry, and wet on wet) and see their effects in watercolor painting as well as learn about color, value, and tone. We'll discuss and practice other techniques such as various kinds of washes (flat wash, graduated wash, and variegated wash) and layering color before moving together into the basics of how to create different kinds of flowers as a way to practice these techniques in a low-pressure, experimental setting. We will talk about basic color theory and how to mix paint to create different colors. I will demonstrate a few techniques for various flowers for learners to try, and then we will spend the rest of class time painting together. 

Students will be able to choose what watercolor colors they use throughout the class as this class is more about learning and playing with various techniques than in using the "right" colors or having something look an exact, specific way. Learners will be encouraged to play and experiment in this class. Watercolor can be intimidating, and this class is designed to show some of what watercolor can do without the pressure of completing a specific project within a time deadline, hence the more "experimental" nature of the class. 

We will not as a group complete a specific project in this class, but students will learn some basic tools to create a watercolor project of their choice on their own. However, if learners do express interest in starting a project during class-- i.e. a collection of flowers in a vase -- they will be encouraged to do so.  Again, the goal of the class is for learners to begin to engage with watercolor in whatever ways capture their interest. For some, that might be starting a specific project of their own design. For others, that might be trying out different ways of using the watercolor paint and seeing what it does as it dries. 

Learners do not need to be familiar with watercolor to complete this class, but they should be willing to experiment with paint and try out new things. Again, this class is designed to be a fun and low-pressure way to simply engage with watercolor without fear of "messing up" or "doing it wrong" -- the fun is in experimenting and seeing what you can do with the paint! Learners who are more confident with watercolor and would like to learn flower technique, or would like to paint with others, are also welcome in this class.

My teaching style has been described as interactive, encouraging, and supportive. I use images that I have created that I display via the camera during class rather than using a slideshow. I encourage questions from learners, either verbally or via the chat depending on the learner's level of comfort with interaction, and learners are always welcome to interact in whatever way is most comfortable for them. I believe in meeting students where they're at, especially for art classes, and want them to have fun playing and experimenting with watercolor paint in a supportive classroom atmosphere.