Wednesdays, April 16 - May 7, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm - 4 Sessions

Unlock the Magic of Gouache

Dive into the vibrant world of gouache in this dynamic, hands-on four-week class designed to unleash your creativity and elevate your painting skills. This isn’t just another painting course—it’s an exploration of one of the most versatile and expressive mediums available.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fascinating history of gouache and what makes it unique as a medium.
• Live demonstrations of essential gouache techniques, from velvety opaque layers to delicate watercolor-like washes.
• How to manipulate gouache consistency for different effects, whether aiming for bold, solid coverage or soft transparency.
• The versatility of gouache on various surfaces and how it interacts with different materials.
• The gouache and India ink resist technique, a method for creating striking, high-contrast artwork.
• Key color theory principles and practical tips for mixing and layering gouache colors.
• The fundamentals of composition to create visually compelling artwork.
• An introduction to brush types and strokes for achieving different effects.
• How to use gouache with carbon paper for precise image transfers.

Focus: Gouache as a Resist Technique

This class will take gouache to the next level, demonstrating how to use it in innovative ways:

• How to create bold highlights and textures using gouache as a resist for India ink.
• Techniques for integrating gouache with mixed media, including watercolor, colored pencils, tempera, and acrylic.
• Methods for drawing back into gouache paintings using colored pencils.
• Best practices for treating and preserving gouache paintings to ensure longevity.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will expand your understanding of gouache and inspire you to explore its full potential. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, you will develop new skills and gain confidence in using this dynamic medium.

LEVEL

All Levels

SUPPLIES INSTRUCTOR WILL PROVIDE

• Hair dryers
• India Ink (including a container for each student to take home)
• Graphite Paper
• Cheesecloth
• Saran Wrap
• Lace
• Extra gouache including metallics
• Extra paint and sponge brushes
• Extra watercolor and printmaking paper
• Painter's tape
• Extra gator boards
• Images and magazines for image transfers
• Colored pencils
• Fixative
• Water Dispenser

SUPPLIES TO BRING

• PAPER: 3 sheets of 140lb watercolor paper (8" x 10" or larger preferred)
• GOUACHE: (traditional NOT acrylic): Titanium white and at least two primary colors. I prefer M. Graham & Co or Winsor & Newton
• Designer’s Gouache
• BRUSHES: Watercolor: 1” flat, and a #8 or #10 Round
• Drafting tape
• Spritzer bottle
• Towel or cloth (no paper towels, please)
• A water container
• Paint Palette

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Bonnie Stolzmann is a distinguished fine artist and illustrator based in Denver, renowned for her dynamic and engaging approach to both art and education. With a passion for inspiring creators of all ages, she has taught art classes that empower students to unlock their full potential through hands-on exploration of new materials and techniques.

Her exceptional scientific illustrations have been published in collaboration with **The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, The University of California, Harvard University, and The Jepson Herbarium. Additionally, Bonnie’s artwork has been showcased internationally, earning prestigious awards and recognition.

A firm believer in fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment, Bonnie creates a classroom atmosphere where students feel encouraged to take creative risks, experiment freely, and grow as artists. Whether in the studio or the classroom, her dedication to both artistic excellence and education makes her an inspiring mentor and visionary in the field.

Visit Bonnie's website.

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions to Bonnie at bonniestolzmann@gmail.com.