Art of Watercolor

The Art of Watercolor (Grades 6–12)

Thursday 9:00–10:55

Teacher: Colin Mead

Description: (Many students take this class for more than one year. Intended for beginners and more advanced artists).

We as humans have difficulty letting go of control in our lives. Many of us have been taught to let go and let God take control, but to actually do that is very hard. We want to take action to make the  situation work out in our favor. Many times, by doing so, we just make the situation worse.

The same could be said for watercolor painting; the more we try to control the way the paint flows on the paper, the more overworked and stiff it begins to look. Even though we can learn many tricks and techniques to make ourselves better watercolor painters, sometimes we just have to let go and let the paint do what it will. Often, beautiful spontaneous results will happen. We call these “happy accidents” in watercolor painting. Just like when we pray to God for a certain outcome and our prayers are answered but in a completely different and beautiful way, so too, watercolor painting is a balance between control and letting go.

In an attempt to “master” watercolor painting, we will learn many important things that make it a such unique medium. Proper materials, tricks and techniques, color theory, composition and pre-planning a painting will all be covered in this class. Watercolor painting can be frustrating at times, but it can also be the source of great excitement and satisfaction. We will enjoy the experience! There is a $30 material fee included in the cost of this class.

Class and Material Cost: $540

Supplies:

    • Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor 5ml Tube:
      • Burnt Sienna (#00384)French Ultramarine (#00426)
      • New Gamboge (#00456)
      • Permanent Alizarin Crimson (#47061)
      • Permanent Rose (#00470)
      • Scarlet Lake (#00494)
      • Winsor Blue Green Shade (#47075)
      • Winsor Green Blue Shade (#47077)
      • Winsor Lemon (#47079)
    • Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Synthetic Blend Brush:
      • #4 Round (V22660)
      • #8 Round (V22662)
      • 3/4″ Wash (V22667)
    • Additional Item:
      • Creative Mark Folding Plastic Palette (#13461)

Supply Note:

All of these items are from jerrysartarama.com. This is the least expensive, most reliable supplier I have found over the years. Orders over $59, which this is, get free shipping.  Cheap Joe’s is comparable but the shipping isn’t free. Blick Art Materials is more expensive. Michael’s or Hobby Lobby are far more expensive! 

This list is very specific — there is a reason for getting these colors of paint and this brand which will be taught in class. Other brands of professional grade paint are as good, if not, arguably better, but the pigments used in the listed colors are all known to be archival, which means they will not fade.

No Prerequisite Required

Fine Arts Credit