Why take this class:

This watercolour painting course is packed with exciting ideas and techniques. I will show you exactly how to paint a beautiful red Poppy from start to finish - you’ll get a real glimpse of what goes into my painting as you work alongside of me up-close and personal. You're going to love creating this beautiful little flower. I will remove the mystery of watercolour and show you how to discover new ways to unleash your creativity as you join me on this inspirational journey of start-to-finish demonstrations and techniques. As the video unfolds, you will see how colours work together, how to step into impressionism and push colour to capture the mood and essence of your subject. This class will inspire you to use watercolour in a range of different ways. Best of all, you’ll gain a real sense of accomplishment by creating your own beautiful, evocative Red Poppy painting.

Is this class for me? Absolutely, 100% yes! All are welcome. If you are a complete beginner, then this course is for you. There are also techniques and ideas for those who already have some intermediate or advanced experience but want to loosen up a bit and become more expressive. You don't need to be a professional artist to take the class. And you don't need to know how to draw, as I provide a template of the drawing for you to download and trace.

What is Watercolour? Watercolour paint is made of two main components: the pigment (which provides the colour). and the binder (usually gum-arabic). Other additives can alter the paint’s appearance, performance and to extend its shelf life. When mixed with water, the coloured pigments remain suspended in the water, until the water evaporates and dries. They don’t require any smelly or toxic solvents, dry quickly, are very portable, easy to mix and apply, easily clean off brushes, and you have very little paint waste. In my opinion, no other medium can match the translucency and radiance of watercolours and they are an absolute joy to use. It comes in pans and tubes, I prefer the latter because you can more easily mix large pools of colour and is more economical in the long run, especially as it reduces wear on your brushes. In addition to a wide range of beautiful transparent watercolours, there are some more opaque ones which are useful for covering over underlying paper or paint.

Theoretically, you can produce all the colours you need just by mixing primary colours (blue, red and yellow). But mixing single pigment paints together to achieve the desired result can be a tall order! Most artists include a number of other ready-mixed colours just to make life easier, and in truth there are a few colours that simply can’t be mixed. Most manufacturers offer both professional artist and less expensive student quality watercolours. I tend to use Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton and Schminke professional artist quality, or Winsor & Newton Cotman and Van Gogh student quality.

Importantly, you should avoid using cheap watercolour paper that will not do justice to your lovely paints. The quality of the surface you paint on is absolutely key to a good outcome. I mostly use Saunders Waterford High White, NOT, 140lb-200lb, or slightly cheaper Bockingford, NOT, 140-200lb.

What will we explore? This course is packed with:

* Start-to-finish demonstrations so you can see first-hand how to build up the painting every step of the way (I have also verbally explained the entire process in a friendly, conversational and jargon-free way)

* Step-by-step guidance and best practice for a range of creative watercolour techniques (eg, simplify a subject, wet-on-wet, blending and softening, adding depth and contrast with tonal values, lifting colour to reveal white paper, to name but a few!)

* Studio tips for successful working practices and saving time (eg, using a cut-up credit card or cocktail stick to scratch into painting, create a 3-dimensional subject, layer colour, avoid washed out paintings)

* Learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture (you can paint right alongside me, up close and personal)

What do I need? A selection of watercolour paints (at least one red, blue and yellow): a few watercolour brushes, paper, palette, water sprayer, paper towel, pencil, rubber, water pot.

My Artwork: I’ve been teaching students how to paint with watercolour for many years - you can see examples of my artwork on my website: http://www.carriemckenzieart.co.uk

Alright, let's do it! Come join me for a fun, creative class! Let's get going. Just follow the video boldly along, and you’ll soon be producing a gorgeous little Poppy painting that zings with colour and energy. Above all, be ready to enjoy a glorious explosion of beautiful, radiant colours!

I can't wait to see what you create!

Marsha Strong

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