Wednesdays, May 14 - 28, 12:00  - 3:30 pm - 3 Sessions

Loosen up your Watercolors!

Want to learn to create loose watercolor paintings but don't know where to start? Or, maybe you've got a good start but want to continue to grow your skills. This is the class for you!

Loose watercolor painting can be challenging and unpredictable unless you know how to apply techniques and work with materials. In this class you will learn Steve’s approach to understanding loose watercolor fundamentals while giving voice to your own artistic style.

Topics covered in this fun and challenging painting class are:

• Applying loose watercolor techniques
• Breaking a scene into simple shapes.
• Understanding how value is used to express shape.
• Relating color to value.
• Using design principles to create a painting.

LEVEL

Intermediate

SUPPLIES TO BRING

Paint

VanGogh or Daniel Smith brands

• Ultramarine Deep
• Permanent Red Light
• Gamboge
• Oxide Black

OR (don’t buy both)

Cotman (This brand is an acceptable alternative)

• Ultramarine
• Cadmium Red Hue
• Gamboge Hue
• Lamp Black

Paper

1 - 30 x 22 sheet Arches 140# rough OR cold press torn or cut into ¼ sheets

Brushes

• #12 AND #14 round brush (Princeton Neptune recommended but not required)
• 1” Flat Brush

Miscellaneous

• 1 16” x 20” Masonite, Luan, or equal board to mount paper
• 1” roll masking tape
• 2 water containers
• 1 box tissue (no perfumes or lotions)
• 1 cello sponge

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

I've always been a dreamer, a romantic, and an artist. I've been told more than once that I have my 'head in the clouds.' I admit that is true. I see the world differently. Maybe that is why I like watercolor so much. It is fluid and free and has a hard time playing by the rules.

I received a traditional art education at both Michigan State University and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, but I just couldn't seem to follow the rules either. I kept asking, "What if I did this?" Or, "What if I changed that?" Early on I developed a loose style of watercolor painting and over time it has evolved to a very loose style. I start a story with my paintings but then, I want the person looking at them to find their own story and finish what I started. That is how I connect with the collector, by creating a story telling relationship. I want to do more than paint a pretty picture. I want to create art that connects us through thoughts, memories, feelings, and beauty.

Learn more about Steve and his art at his website.

You can also listen to an interview with Steve and his wife Sue here (use the password PHACArt).

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions to Steve at steve@stevegriggswatercolor.com.