Creating Nature's Textures in Watermedia

In this workshop we will create textured backgrounds for paintings of natural subjects. We will then turn these into harmonious, successfully finished paintings using the watermedia of your choice. Texture makes your painting feel more dynamic, creates a sense of depth and helps viewers emotionally connect with your work. Texture is sometimes visual (on the surface) and sometimes dimensional (raised above the surface). We will work with both types in this workshop. We will focus on creating textures that work well with natural subjects like rocks, trees and water. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Pam is a water media artist who devotes her time to capturing the beauty of nature in the American West. She has successfully taught many painting workshops and enjoys helping all students discover new methods while using (or developing) their own unique artistic style. Her teaching style is supportive and encouraging. Pam's art is inspired by nature and nature's textures. She has been artist-in-residence at three national parks and continues to be inspired by her time there. She has been in many regional and national art shows and has received awards for her work. She is a signature member of Artists for Conservation and is represented by three Oregon galleries.

• Three large (22 x 30) sheets of watercolor paper (any brand). Note: 140# weight is fine, unless you really like to work on the heavier paper. Either hot or cold press is fine (Pam likes to work with hot press and Jennifer likes to work with cold press)

• Watermedia paints of your choice -- watercolor, acrylic, gouache and inks all work well. Bring colors you like to work with or email the instructors for suggestions

• Spray bottle for water

• Brushes you like to use

• Images or sketches of subjects of interest to you. Note: Instructor will have some options as well

Optional:

• Texturing materials such as: stamps, stencils, scratchers, natural sponges, textured fabric or paper, shells, etc. Note: Instructors will have a large assortment for you to use as well

• 1-3 old paintings you don't mind reworking

• Texturing medium and applicators

• Containers for storing diluted paints

• An 11x14 sheet of pre-textured hot press watercolor paper for each participant

• Tissue paper and waxed paper

• Palettes, masking fluid, droppers

• Spray fixative