We practice a few simple drills during this class to get to better know our watercolors and pigments and our other materials.

PROJECT ONE:

Draw 5 squares next to each other on your paper. In the first square paint a very diluted version of your chosen color and in the last square the darkest version of the same color. Find a value half way between the two for the middle box. Then fill in the two other squares with values half way between the color strengths next to it.

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Repeat this for every color on your palette.

PROJECT TWO:

Let's create a beautiful tropical sunset landscape with palm trees. We will practice wet into wet techniques, dry brush techniques as well as wet onto dry watercolor techniques. This little project will give you a good chance to practice the materials and techniques we discuss.

BONUS PROJECT:

Draw three or five squares on your paper. Place color 1 in the first box in a strong tint. Place color 2 in the last box at a strong tint. This tint for each could be a medium strength, but it needs to show the color strongly. Then make a mixture of color 1 and 2 and place it in the middle box. If you are using five boxes, create 2 more shades in the other boxes that are in the middle between the two boxes on either side of it. Try to keep the color in the boxes even in each box. (More like the yellows in the image below.)

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Repeat this test with all colors on the palette. It is easier to start and use color 1 and change color 2 for each round until you've tested all colors. Then choose the next color for color 1 and rotate through the other colors as color 2. Continue cycling until you've tested all color pairs. With each round you will have one less pair to test since you've already tested each color 1 with all the other colors. This way you will eliminate an additional color with each round.

BONUS PROJECT:

Take your paint brush or paint brushes and see how many different kinds of strokes you can make with each brush. Thin strokes, thick strokes, dry brush, wet brush, wet into wet, make a wash across a large area working to keep the color even throughout the area. Make a gradient wash across a large area, diluting the color with water as you continue from dark to lighter colors. Work to make the color transition smooth and even. See which brushes are best for large areas, which are best for small areas and which work best for washes. Try this on different papers and with different pigments to get more experience with your tools!

Sohan Khalsa

Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator

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