2024-A2 - Very Beginner Watercolor Techniques with Sue Lichacz

Tuesdays, June 11 – July 16, 1:30 – 4:00pm

If you are new to watercolor, this is the class for you!

Class Description: We will begin the first session by discussing how to navigate the world of watercolor supplies with suggestions on what to purchase for class and beyond. Instruction will include the basics, from mixing the correct consistency of paint to exploring various techniques such as wet on wet, wet on dry, lifting and how additives like salt, alcohol, plastic wrap, sponges, and cotton balls create interesting effects in your paintings. Being able to draw is NOT a requirement for being successful at watercolor painting! Those who are comfortable drawing and sketching are encouraged to do so, but the instructor will introduce students to several transfer methods such as the use of graphite paper, Saral, and a light box. Demonstrations will be part of each class. Students will complete two paintings during this course of instruction. Come join us and let the fun begin!

Supplies: The first class will be a discussion on supplies to assist students in making informed decisions on their future purchases. For those of you who want to purchase items in advance, here are some suggestions:

1. Inexpensive 9x12 Cold Press Watercolor paper, SPIRAL BOUND such as Bockingford by St Cuthberts Mill or Strathmore spiral bound Visual Journal or Strathmore 400 series wired pad (brown cover). This paper will be used to create a technique journal and for practice only. *We'll have a discussion during the first class about the advantages of quality, 100% cotton paper and the choices available before starting a painting during session 3. (For those of you who would prefer to get everything at once, a 9x12 or 8x10 [NOT 7x10] block of Arches 140 pound Cold Press is an excellent choice. (The best price will be online for $32-$38).

2. A set of at least 10 colors of quality, watercolor paint in TUBES. GOOD-If on a budget, select a good student grade such as Winsor & Newton Cotman set of 10 or 12 tubes (for about $30 or 20 colors for $35-$40). BETTER-Otherwise select quality artist grade paint sets with more pigmentation such as QOR (set of 12 colors for $50 or 24 colors for $90 on sale), Daniel Smith (set of 10 for $79), Windsor & Newton (set of 18 for $65). Other exceptional brands if you can find them in sets are Sennelier, M Graham & DaVinci. Contact the Instructor before you make an alternate selection. * Instructor prefers watercolor paint tubes, NOT 1/2 pans. Low quality paint such as Marie's or Artists Loft are not recommended.

3. A sealable watercolor palette. The Instructor recommends the Masterson Aqua-Pro Watercolor palette (with 32 paint wells and large mixing areas...around $22 online at Jerry's Artarama, Dick Blick or Amazon ) or the Mijello Fusion Palette (this is a more compact palette with 18 paint wells and a removable mixing tray....best price is usually Amazon for around $13). The Instructor will assist in showing you how to set up your palette with your tubes of paint.

4. Watercolor Round Brush (always short handled) size 10. Creative Mark Beste Taklon round brushes and Polar Flo round brushes are both inexpensive starter brushes available at Jerry's Artarama locally. Also recommended are Princeton Aqua Elite, Silver Brush Black Velvet available online or Dream Catcher Natural & Synthetic blend round brush from Cheap Joe's online.

5. Pencil

6. Vanish Eraser (available at Jerry’s Artarama locally).

7. Small Spray/Spritzer bottle (available in the "watercolor" isle at Jerry's Artarama)

8. 2 Water containers (wonton soup takeout discards work great!)

9. Roll of Paper towels (White/no prints) *Instructor recommends Viva Signature

10. Ruler

Suggestions on where to purchase supplies:

Local: Jerry's Artarama (join for free & always get 10% off), Michaels, Hobby Lobby.

Online: Jerry's Artarama, Cheap Joe's, Dick Blick, Amazon.

Contact for questions: Sue Lichacz, Lichaczbeach@cox.net

Facebook Page: fb.me/fiddlestickswatercolorart

Supporter Tuition - Immediately qualify for Supporter Tuition with a donation of $50 or more.

Refund Policy: https://www.artcentervb.org/classpolicies.html
(Please read refund policy. If your refund qualifies email create@artcentervb.org to request)