Observation, Imagination and Chance with Watermedia

This workshop explores different ways of making and thinking while offering new techniques. We will begin by focusing on painting from observation, using plants as our subjects. Our focus will then evolve to consider what might come after observation -- how can the fluidity and freedom of water media inspire us? In addition to a greater understanding of water media and its properties, you will learn more about intuitive painting and the approaches of several relevant artists. You will finish this workshop with at least one finished painting and several smaller experiments to inspire future work.

Daniela has been teaching students of all ages since 2007. She is a full-time Associate Professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where she founded and leads the Art + Ecology program. She also coordinates and leads educational trips with Signal Fire.

Many of these are OPTIONAL/stuff you already have, don't be scared by the long list!

ESSENTIAL:

• 2-3 sheets of high-quality watercolor paper, size of your choosing. I recommend Arches hot or cold press, 140 or 300 lb, 22x30.

• Smaller watercolor paper to experiment on - a pad or some loose, inexpensive sheets

• Ruler (longer is better but just bring what you have)

• drawing board to hold your paper

• 2 clips to hold paper to your board

• A roll of white artists tape

• Pencils

• Pencil sharpener

• Kneaded eraser and fine-tip eraser

• Optional: Fine or extra fine black felt tip pen (such as Pigma micron in size .01)

• Any colored pencils and/or pastel pencils you already have

• Palette for mixing colors - an old white plate is fine

• Bring whatever brushes you have. Here are suggestions:

 • #10 and #6 round watercolor brushes

 • #1 or #2 small round watercolor brush

 • Flat or filbert wash brush size 12 or larger

• 2 containers such as old glass tomato sauce jars

• Rags or paper towels

• BRING WHATEVER PAINTS YOU ALREADY HAVE. Watercolor and/or gouache and/or casein and/or acrylic paints. The following are just recommendations. If you choose to buy paints, get the real pigments, not the hues if you can afford it:

 • Quinacridone rose or pink

 • Cadmium red

 • Ultramarine blue

 • Indigo blue

 • Phthalo, manganese, or cerulean blue

 • Lemon yellow, cadmium yellow pale, or hansa yellow light

 • Cadmium yellow deep

 • Sap green

 • Oxide of chromium

 • Ultramarine violet

 • Pyrrole orange or cadmium orange

 • Burnt sienna

 • Permanent white and black gouache, casein, or acrylic (not watercolor)

• OPTIONAL: if using acrylics, matte medium is recommended

• OPTIONAL: X-acto knife or boxcutter for cutting paper

• OPTIONAL: at least one small spray bottle for water

• Plants and other things to draw

• Printed handouts

• Books for inspiration

• Newsprint for sketching

• Additional paints and supplies to borrow