Watercolor is a beloved medium, but it can feel overwhelming when you don't understand all its properties, or realize all of its capabilities.

In this class we will explore all that watercolor has to offer by creating a Watercolor Sampler in which you will learn various techniques to experiment and play with in your watercolor practice, discovering how flexible and versatile watercolor can really be in the process.

We will also cover the many forms watercolor can be found in including, tube paints, concentrated liquids, pan palettes, watercolor pencils, and watercolor sticks. I'll show you my favorite go-to brands, brushes, and papers as well.

In the sampler itself, you'll learn a variety of techniques such as how to paint a flat wash (this is harder than it sounds), and how to use secondary materials with watercolor that you might have lying around your home, such as salt and alcohol, to achieve different effects.

This class is for anyone who wants to learn watercolor for the first time, or the seasoned watercolorist who wants to expand their skills.

Materials needed:

-Watercolor paints (in the form of your choice ie. tubes, liquid, pan etc.)

-1” white artist tape

-Watercolor paper sheet (22” x 3” ripped in half)

At least 140lb, either cold or hot press, your choice

-assorted watercolor brushes

1” flat wash brush, various size rounds and/or filberts, at least one stiff brush for lifting

-plastic wrap

-a fork or other sharp object

-liquid frisket/resist

-white crayon or oil pastel

-paper towels (I love Viva best because they’re smooth)

- sponge (either a kitchen one cut up in a small piece or small natural sponge)

-table salt

-rubbing alcohol

-palette (could even use a ceramic dinner plate for this)

-dish for water

-a hair dryer can be helpful, but is optional

Also optional would be a bone folder

and a homasote board for taping your paper onto.

Wen Messel

1

43