Instructor: Olja Stipanovic

Duration: 4 Weeks

Skill level: All Levels

Saturdays 11am - 1pm

Class Dates: July 12th, July 19th, July 26th, August 2nd

Through demonstration and individual, hands-on support, you’ll learn all the basic watercolor techniques in a small, zero-pressure class. No drawing experience or previous artistic skills are required. The instructor will give step by step demonstrations and students will complete daily works while learning basic watercolor techniques such as wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, scumbling and drybrush. You will learn various brushstrokes, color mixing, and layering glazes as we create landscapes, still life, botanicals and atmospheric spaces. Gain an understanding of traditional watercolor techniques: wet-into-wet, layering transparent washes and experimenting with various watercolor materials [gum arabic, sponges, hot pressed paper, cold pressed paper, cotton rag etc.]. The instructor will demonstrate loose and controlled watercolor techniques. Teaching will be individually adapted to your direction and level. Students will work from their own references such as photographs and sketches.

The first class will be held at AlterWork Studios. The remaining classes will be held outdoors in Long Island City/Astoria/Roosevelt Island. Exact locations will be shared once class has started. Plein Air art classes are subject to unpredictable weather conditions [heat, rain, wind]. Some walking and carrying your own supplies is needed. If inclement weather is expected, class will be held at AlterWork Studios.

You will be provided instructions on how to assemble a portable watercolor kit you will then bring to location in sessions 2, 3, and 4. A beach chair or similar portable outdoor chair might be required. 

During this workshop we will paint outdoors in Long Island City/Astoria/Roosevelt Island parks and waterfront locations.  The emphasis is on plein-air watercolor painting. The class will meet on location. Painting will be used as a tool to explore the natural environment and the urban setting. Our concentration will be on observing nature and developing a strong sense of light and fluidity. Working directly from the cityscape/landscape, you will be encouraged to work simply and develop  your painting language. We will focus on looking at the weather, space, man-made and natural structures, and unique geological features of the park. In case of rain or other extreme weather conditions the class will be indoors where we can work on still life setups [traditional and non traditional].

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1 - Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper pad - portable and under 10 inches for plein air but you might want to have a bigger watercolor pad also for indoor work. 

Suggested: 

• BAOHONG Academy Grade Watercolor Block, 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Cold Press Textured, 20 Sheets per Block (Cold Press 7" X10.2“)

• Handbook Journal Co. Artist Watercolor Sketchbook Journal, Pocket Panorama 3.5 x 8.25 Inches, 140lb / 300 GSM, Hardcover w/Pocket

• U.S. Art Supply 5.5" x 8.5" Watercolor Book (2 Pack, 76 Sheets Each) - 110lb (230 GSM) Linen-Bound Hardcover Artist Paper Pads - Acid-Free Cold-Pressed Watercolor Paper Pad Mixed Media

If you purchase loose paper sheets you will need a board or some kind of hard surface to support your paper. This is an individual choice. Think about what you would be comfortable painting on for at least 40-60 minutes. Benches and picnic tables do not always have  the view that you want and they are not comfortable. 

2 - Compact pan watercolor set. They usually come with a palette.  Should have primary colors. 

Something like: 

• 18 Assorted Water Colors Travel Pocket Set- Quality Refillable Water Brush with Sponge - Easy to Blend Colors - Built in Palette JQ-118 Brand: Jerry Q Art

• SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit - Watercolor Sets for Painting On the Go - 12 Colors - 1 Water Brush - 1 Sponge - 1 Palette

• Schmincke - AKADEMIE®AQUARELL watercolor box, basic assortment 12 x 1/2 pans + space for additional 12 pans, 75 412 097, metal box, fine artists' watercolors

• SCHPIRERR FARBEN – Watercolor Paint Set with Rich Pigment, Watercolor Set for Adults and Children, Portable Painter Palette in a Tin Box with a Metal Ring, 12 Vivid Colors
  

Recommended colors: 

Here's a basic set of 12 half pans. These are [approximately] all you need: Payne's grey (a bluish black), Ultramarine blue, Cerulean blue, Viridian (tube), Lemon yellow, Cadmium yellow, Yellow ochre, Raw Sienna, Sepia, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium red, Alizarin crimson

Eight more classic colors if you have room for them: Permanent green, Cobalt blue, Prussian blue , Sap green, Gamboge, Raw umber, Light red and Ivory black.

3 - Assortment of watercolor brushes; 0 to 16, round, sable brushes. 

4 - A small spray bottle - fill it with water

5 - Binder Clips or large rubber bands

6 - Small bottle of Gum Arabic medium

• Bluebird Gum Arabic 3.4 Fl Oz / 100ML - Watercolor Medium is affordable. We can also make some.

7 - Masking Tape, washi tape

8 - two or three drawing pencils for sketching

9 - Eraser and Pencil sharpener

10 - Full Water bottle [or 2] + cup [collapsable, disposable etc…]

11 - Paper Towels – cut into smaller rectangles 

12 - LIGHTWEIGHT Beach chair [the ones that have a mesh cup holder on the arm rest are perfect]

13 - A bag that will fit all your supplies - a small cooler bag or lunch bag is great. Sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, bug spray, snacks.