Watercolour Fundamentals for Adult Beginners

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This series will focus on the basics to get you started in your watercolour projects.

Proper use of materials, techniques and experimental options available to artists will be outlined, as well as the fundamentals of creating a compelling composition. Using demonstrations in studio, Amy will walk students through her process and encourage them to find their own way. We will work on a range of different projects from florals to landscapes. Using life or photo reference, you will learn how to make adjustments to lighting and/or cropping the image as well as transferring the image to watercolour paper or drawing it by hand, masking off highlights, and finally applying layers and washes of colour amid discussion with classmates as you progress together. Proper order of operations and how to fix mistakes as you go, to make the best of your work, always!

  • Tuesdays: 7-9PM

  • Teacher: Amy Wetton

  • $265 + HST for 6 classes

 
 
 

Watercolour class supply list

A Note about watercolor supplies ---
the better the materials you obtain, the happier you will be with your work.  It particularly impossible to feel successful on poor quality watercolor paper.  Paper is the last place to economize in watercolor. Student grade paints are less expensive but will never give you the brilliant colors of “artist” quality paint.  However, they are fine for starting out and you can upgrade as you replace one tube at a time.  Let's start simply and we can discuss adding more if you think you need it.

  • Masking fluid (buy small size as these dry out quickly)

  • Rubber cement pickup (looks like an eraser but is used to remove masking fluid)

  • Cold press 140-LB (max 300-lb) watercolor paper (I prefer a block, but this can be expensive. You can purchase loose sheets or pads as well. *For loose sheets you must bring masking tape, a hard surface like cardboard larger than your paper, and a sponge)

  • Paper towels

  • Photo references (minimum of 3 pictures you might like to paint from)

  • Small spray bottle for water

  • Pencil and paper for notes

  • 2 jars for water

  • To use as a palette: paper plates, butcher trays, plastic yogurt container or coffee can lids

  • Brushes: inexpensive #4 for applying masking fluid, 1/2" flat, #6 or #8 round to start out.

Watercolour paints

Preferably in tubes if you can afford them: tubes are easier to apply (as you can prepare the amount you need). Minimum of 6 colours; your choice! 

Recommended colours:

  • Lemon Yellow

  • Cadmium Yellow Medium

  • Yellow Ochre

  • Cadmium Red Medium

  • Permanent Rose

  • French Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue

  • Cerulean Blue

  • Burnt Umber or Burnt Sienna

  • Ivory black

*later you may choose to buy more

Optional:

  • Watercolour pencils

  • Masking tape

  • Palette