Observation, Imagination and Chance with Watermedia

This workshop explores exciting new techniques and processes for watermedia that will help you create innovative new paintings. We will begin by focusing on painting from observation. Our focus will then evolve to playfully and creatively consider what might come after observation -- how can the fluidity and freedom of watermedia inspire us? In addition to a greater understanding of watermedia and its properties, you will learn more about intuitive painting and the approaches of many relevant artists. You will complete this workshop with at least one finished painting and several smaller experiments to inspire future work.

Basic watercolor skills (comfortable with washes, dry brush techniques, and basic color mixing)

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 items are OPTIONAL or are things you probably already have -- please don't be scared by the long list!

ESSENTIAL:

• 2 or more sheets of high-quality watercolor paper. I recommend Arches cold press or rough, 300 lb, 16 x

20 or 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

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

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

• BRING WHATEVER BRUSHES YOU ALREADY HAVE. Here are some suggestions:

• #10 and #6 round watercolor brushes

• #1 or #2 small round watercolor brush

• Flat or filbert wash brush size 12 or larger• A large mop brush for making wet washes• 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:

• Matte medium

• X-acto knife or boxcutter for cutting paper

• At least one small spray bottle for water

• A container or spray bottle with rubbing alcohol

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

INSTRUCTOR PROVIDES:

• Beautiful plants and other things to draw

• Extensive printed handouts

• Extensive bibliography for future inspiration

• Books for inspiration

• Newsprint for sketching

• Additional paints and other supplies to borrow