Join local watercolor artist Molly Mundy for an exploration of the principles of creating representational paintings (paintings that look like something) with watercolor, and a deeper dive into what we can do with this medium. This class provides an in depth exploration of the methods and techniques that go into using watercolor to translate what we are seeing and experiencing onto paper. When it comes to painting what we see, we all have our own styles, but there are some foundational concepts that are helpful in enabling us to create paintings that look and feel believable and lifelike. In this class we will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of these concepts in watercolor painting with the goal that students can use what they learn in class as a foundation for their own observational painting, and can continue to develop their own unique voices as artists. This class is ideal for beginner painters who have some experience with watercolors and are looking to expand their knowledge of this medium, and to really dive into discovering what it can do. Over the course of four weeks, students will gain a deeper understanding of how to use color and value, and how to create depth, and texture in watercolor paintings. We will discuss techniques that can allow us to make objects looks solid, to paint things with different textures (such as shiny or soft), to create different light effects, and more. We will explore these concepts both through still life painting, and through painting from photographs. Students will create at least one painting each week in class, and will have the opportunity for one on one guidance from Molly. We will focus on building our toolbox of skills, and discovering what we can achieve with watercolor in a zero-pressure learning environment with a focus on the practice, rather than the outcome. The goal of this class is to allow students to gain further confidence with watercolor by developing a more thorough understanding of it, and to empower them to continue their own personal exploration of the medium. This class is kept small at just 8 people to allow for individual attention.

Materials List: 

• Watercolor palette and paints. For studio painting I use Windsor and Newton watercolor paints (available at Michael’s and Dick Blick), and a ceramic palette. Bring whatever brand and colors of paints you prefer, but make sure that you have at least a red, a blue, and a yellow. A deep color such as Sepia or Prussian blue can also be helpful.
• I use Rosemary and Co. brushes, Princeton brushes can also be a good (more affordable) option. Really, whatever brushes you have will work, the important thing is to have a few of different sizes. If you don’t have your own brushes you can borrow them from the gallery.
• Bring pieces in a variety of sizes or a watercolor sketchbook. My preference for paper is Arches Cold Press 140 pound or 300 pound; or Arches Rough 140 pound (available online from Dick Blick). I buy large sheets and then cut them into smaller pieces in the sizes I want. Again, bring whatever paper you like, but I recommend purchasing a couple of different types and brands, if you can, for experimenting.
• A jar or two for water.
• A few paper towels, or a rag
• Optional — A board for painting on or easel. I use a sketch board from Woodward and Father (https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodwardAndFather), and attach my paper to it with binder clips. Since we will be working inside, this is optional.