I covered my 5 step painting process, starting off the first day with a slide presentation discussing the importance of design and composition and how I go about planning a painting. I discussed the difference and nuances of the many materials available for watercolor, papers, paints, brushes, and various accessories, plus tips I've learned over the years.
I had them start exercises drawing and painting pears to get them used to how I mix color on my palette and the viscosity of the paint and water to get lots of bold color onto the paper, as well as the techniques of painting wet into wet, wet onto dry paper and the combination of the two. More variety mixed on the palette leads to more variety and excitement on the paper. This lead into the second day, painting the bromeliad, covering value, tones, warm vs. cool, and the final phase of analyzing and adjusting your painting to push and pull values and defining form for a more three-dimensional appearance.
I can't thank my students enough for making the experience so much fun, everyone had a great time and based on all of the kind compliments received, I will continue to offer more workshops in the future, so stay tuned!
A not so happy note at the end of the day for one of my students.... She was so excited after the workshop she spent more time at home that evening continuing to work on her painting. Her dog really liked her painting too, the taste that is! This is what she woke up to the next morning. He literally "ate her homework!" I guess she will get even more practice painting another one! I was looking sooooo good too!
