Watercolour II: Developing Techniques and Styles

Instructor: Alison Montgomery
Tuesdays 6-9:20pm
9 weeks: September 23 to Decmber 2 (no classes September 30 and November 11)
Location: In-person, Williams Building room 118
$387.50 (supplies not included)
Prerequisite: Watercolour I or equivalent experience

In this continuation of painting with watercolour, students who have some previous experience with the medium will continue to explore materials and develop techniques while creating several paintings. The colour palette, colour mixing, drawing basics and fundamentals of composition will be reviewed, and subject matter that is suited to the watercolour medium will be explored in depth including: still life, landscape, and the human figure. Students will be encouraged to combine and develop techniques and explore personal interests in subject matter. Demonstrations and constructive critiques will be a component of every class. 

Syllabus

  • Review of watercolour materials and techniques
  • Components of still-life: painting objects, reading shapes, and creating compositions
  • Painting landscapes: thinking about place, composition and perspective, tree forms and skies, and water
  • Drawing and painting the human figure: proportion and structure, skin tones, and the portrait
  • Open studio painting: students are encouraged to work on areas of interest and explore subject matter, techniques, and materials; feedback and constructive critique provided by the instructor and fellow members of the class.

Supplies

Watercolour mixing tray (plastic hinged or open palette) approx. 9" x 11"

Brushes

  • #12 or #16 WC brush (Princeton round)
  • #20 WC brush (Princeton round)

Paints (5ml – Daniel Smith or another professional brand)

  • Ultramarine Blue (or French Ultramarine)
  • Cerulean Blue
  • Hansa Yellow Light
  • Hansa Yellow Med
  • Alizarin Crimson
  • Rose Madder Genuine

Paper

  • 1-2 sheets of 22" x 30" - 300lb cold press (recommended: Arches) watercolour paper (to be cut or torn to ¼ size for most projects in class)
  • 11" x 14" watercolour practice pad (recommended: Fabriano or Strathmore)

Other supplies

  • 2b pencil(s) and small pencil sharpener
  • Gum eraser
  • Kneadable eraser (optional)
  • One roll of green (recommended FROG) painter’s tape  
  • One Masonite painting board - approx. 22" x 26"  
  • 2 - 500 ml plastic water containers
  • Roll of paper towel
  • Optional: any type of portfolio for paper (usually big enough to hold 22" x 30")