September 19, 2022, Zoom Workshop

Keeping things simple and in some cases, unstated, is the key to many successful paintings. In this workshop we will work with a simple design of cranes and use some fun techniques to bring definition and energy to the subject matter. All watercolor skill levels are welcome.

Please use any good quality, cold pressed watercolor paper, either 140 or 300lb. We will be painting on a half sheet.  I will do my best to help you make use of the supplies that you already have on hand, so please bring whatever paints and brushes you normally use in your watercolor practice. Don’t forget water containers, a spray bottle that creates mist, paper towels and a variety of round and large flat brushes.

PAPER

• One, ½ sheet cold pressed watercolor paper for the crane painting and 2 or more ¼ sheets  (or smaller) cold pressed practice paper.

PAINT & PEN

• Elegant Writer Calligraphy Pen by Speedball: These pens are readily available on Amazon for about $9 for a package of four. These black markers have the unique ability to “bleed” when water is added, breaking up into multiple colors. I do not know of any other markers or pens that do this- that’s why the specific recommendation. If you are unable to acquire one of these pens, I will demonstrate how to get close to the effect with watercolors. But I highly recommend this pen because it’s easier and more fun!
• Turquoise: Cobalt Turquoise light, or Cobalt Teal. These pigments are semi-opaque. You can also substitute a transparent turquoise like peacock, June bug, ultramarine turquoise, or any blue with a green undertone. These will yield more transparent washes rather than the opaque. Painter’s choice.
• Warm Red: Any transparent warm red will work including scarlet lake, Vermillion, Geranium, Quinacridone Coral etc. Avoid cadmiums if possible.
• Burnt Sienna: Any burnt sienna should work but each manufacturer seems to have a different look. Daniel Smith Quinacridone burnt sienna has a distinct red undertone and is beautiful. Mission burnt sienna has a definite yellow undertone and W&N is somewhere in the middle. I have recently fallen in love with Mission but feel free to use any brand.
• Moonglow by Daniel Smith (optional): If you are not using the marker, Moonglow comes close to mimicking the multi-color bleeding effect.