Introduction to Watercolor

In this class, you will learn basic water color techniques - from washes to dry brush, you will gain skills to create your own masterpiece. Instruction will include some basic drawing/sketching to transfer ideas to paper but will primarily focus on various elements of water color. By the end of the course, you will have completed a guided painting and receive coaching on your own original work. 

Supply List:

1 palette with areas for paint and mixing (large white styrofoam or glass plate also works)

1 12 sheet pad of 140 lb cold press watercolor paper (11x15)

Roll of paper towels

Water cup for rinsing

3-4 cut pieces of cardboard (a bit larger than your paper). Bind together to create a thickness of approximately 3/4" (I use packaging tape). This will create a lightweight and inexpensive board on which you can tape your paper for painting. 

Various watercolor brushes.

Suggested :

Size 6 round brush
Size 10 round brush
1/2-1" flat brush for washes

Brushes can be quite expensive and you can save money purchasing a variety starter set. I like sets with round, flat and tiny detail brushes. Your wash brush will need to be purchased separately. 

Colors: (I personally like Sennelier brand).

Minimum: 

Tube true yellow (lemon yellow or cadmium yellow)
Tube true blue (ultramarine) in some brands French ultramarine is less green
Tube of true red (alizarin crimson) This may also vary by brand. Look for purest red (not orange)

Others you may want:

Yellow ochre
Burnt sienna
Burnt umber
Magenta
Thalo blue
Thalo green

*A note about expense - you can get watercolor supplies in every price range. Keep in mind that in many ways you get what you pay for. You will find you are much more successful from the beginning if you have quality supplies. If you are going to skimp/splurge - I'd save money on brushes, and go for better paper and pigments (paint). Start with the basic colors and add one at a time until you build your collection. As you learn to love watercolor, you will want to add specialty brushes as well. 

The instructor has compiled a list of course materials/supplies for your course at www.dickblick.com to make it easier for you to prepare for your water color class. This is not the comprehensive list (see above list), but reflects the optimum fine art supplies you may wish to use. Note that there are three "required" colors and a "suggested" set. If you are a serious hobbyist and want to make the most of your class time, the set will provide you with all of the paint you will need for a couple of years! If you want to make a minimal investment as you try out the medium, just get the three primary colors. We will learn color mixing in class and I can help you if you need a specialty color. 

To visit this list, please go to http://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/H38064L2V35MB/publicview/
Also, if you prefer to find your supplies at another site/location, that is your option.



Notes: 

*THERE WILL BE NO CLASS MEETING ON JULY 4* Water Color Supply List: 1 palette with areas for paint and mixing (large white Styrofoam or glass plate also works) 1 12 sheet pad of 140lb cold press watercolor paper (11x15) Arches brand is preferred Roll of paper towels Water cup for rinsing 3-4 cut pieces of cardboard (a bit larger than your paper). Bind together to create a thickness of approximately 3/4" (I use packaging tape). This will create a lightweight and inexpensive board on which you can tape your paper for painting Various watercolor brushes. Suggested: Size 6 round brush Size 10 round brush 1/2-1" flat brush for washes Brushes can be quite expensive and you can save money purchasing a variety starter set. I like sets with round, flat and tiny detail brushes. Your wash brush will need to be purchased separately. Colors (I like Sennelier brand): Tube true yellow (lemon yellow or cadmium yellow) Tube true blue (ultramarine) in some brands French ultramarine is less green Tube of true red (alizarin crimson) This may also vary by brand. Look for purest red (not orange) Others you may want: Yellow ochre Burnt sienna Burnt umber Magenta halo blue halo green *A note about expense - you can get watercolor supplies in every price range. Keep in mind that in many ways you get what you pay for. You will find you are much more successful from the beginning if you have quality supplies. If you are going to skimp/splurge - I'd save money on brushes, and go for better paper and pigments (paint). Start with the basic colors and add one at a time until you build your collection. As you learn to love watercolor, you will want to add specialty brushes as well. The instructor has compiled a list of course materials/supplies for your course at www.dickblick.com to make it easier for you to prepare for your water color class. This is not the comprehensive list (see above list), but reflects the optimum fine art supplies you may wish to use. Note that there are three "required" colors and a "suggested" set. If you are a serious hobbyist and want to make the most of your class time, the set will provide you with all of the paint you will need for a couple of years! If you want to make a minimal investment as you try out the medium, just get the three primary colors. We will learn color mixing in class and I can help you if you need a specialty color. To visit this list, please go to: http://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/H38064L2V35MB/publicview/ Also, if you prefer to find your supplies at another site/location, that is your option. If you any questions about supplies, you can contact Celeste.morris@ung.edu