In this Watercolor Portrait class we will begin with reviewing the foundational proportions and structure of the planes of the head. We will show several different styles and discuss application of flesh tones in each. Weekly demonstrations and step by step instruction. By the end you should get 3-4 watercolor portraits done!
Supply List:
This Water Color Supply List is a general suggestion for starting the class. If you already have some watercolor supplies, feel welcome to bring any of those along with what I'm suggesting here:
Paper:
You will get a much better result if you use "quality" watercolor paper, and a very poor result if you buy cheap, student grade watercolor paper. For the best result, bring Arches # 140lb. Cold Press paper. It comes in blocks (I use 12X16 size) pads, or large single sheets 22X30 that can be cut or torn down into quarter or half sheets. For the semester bring one block (20 sheets of 12X16 OR 4-5 large sheets 22X30 of Arches #140 Cold Press. Later on in the semester, we may use Hot Press paper, and if we do, I will give you a head's up about what to bring and when. Good sources to buy watercolor paper are Cheap Joe's online and Blick's in Sugar House 1025 East 2100 South SLC, or online.
Brushes:
Please buy "quality" watercolor brushes. Cheap starter-set brushes will not last long or hold their shape/point very long. Start with synthetic sables or squirrel-hair brushes which are reasonably priced. Pure Sable brushes are very expensive.
Bring a variety of FLATS:
( I have a 2", 1", 1/2", and 1/4")
ROUNDS:
I have a wide variety of mops and rounds. Different companies number these brushes differently so get:
2 large rounds ranging from #10-#16,
2 medium rounds ranging from #6-#9
2 small rounds,(one of them being a "liner") #2-#3-#4.
Refer to the picture of my brushes to get an idea of what they will look like. You don't have to get all of them to begin with. You can always buy more brushes later.
Good name brands for watercolor brushes are:
Windsor Newton, Steve Quiller, Isabey, Robert Simmons, Escoda ,Kolinsky, Blick, Princeton etc.
*Also: one small FLAT boar bristle oil painting brush #2-#3 for help in lifting out color if needed
Paint
For beginners, you may start out using an Educational Crayola or Prang Watercolor Set 8 or 16 color set. Surprisingly enough, they have good bright colors and strong pigments which work pretty well when you're just starting out. Once you feel more confident in watercolor, then you can supplement by adding the following "tube" watercolors to your supplies:
Cad Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cad Red Medium
Alizarin Crimson
Cerulean Blue
Sap Green
Cobalt Teal
Burnt Sienna
Ultramarine Blue
Good brands of Watercolor Paints would include: Windsor Newton, Holbein, Daniel Smith, Senneliar, Cheap Joe's etc. Please do NOT buy inexpensive student-grade starter sets tube paints like Artist's Loft. They are grainy and have fillers and do not produce a good result.
***NOTE OPTIONAL For more intermediate/advanced watercolorists: I use Ted Nuttle's palette which consists of the following purely transparent colors. You are welcome to get these colors if you'd like to use exactly what I do:
Holbein:
Brilliant Orange
Vermillion
Peacock Blue
Mineral Violet
Daniel Smith:
Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Windsor Newton
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Scarlet Lake
Quinacridone Gold
Windsor Yellow Light
Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Blue
Indigo
Antwerp Blue
Windsor Blue Red Shade
Hooker's Green
Auruleon
Palette with separate wells
You will need a good amount of mixing room on your watercolor palette. Please don't bring too small of one. I use the one pictured here. There should be separate wells in the pallette to squirt your tubed paints into and let it harden up. You should label your colors with a black sharpey near or on the inside of the well, so you can remember them while you're using them.
Shop Towels
You can bring a big roll of paper towels, but I prefer SHOP TOWELS. They are blue and are sold at Home Depot. They are very absorbent, and can be thrown in the washer and dried and reused over and over again for watercolors. Please bring one roll of these to class. They are also sold in boxes if you'd rather.
Masking Tape
1 large roll of masking tape. We will be taping up all our projects so this is required of each student. Don't bring blue or other colored tapes. Just get regular cream colored masking tape.
Water Container
Any jar will work, but art stores have collapsible containers, and also divided containers that are nice. I prefer a divided container so I can wash out color in one side and continually retrieve clean water from the other.
A board to tape your paper to.
This can be gatorboard, light wooden board, plexiglass, sintra, etc. The board should be at least 4-6 inches bigger on all sides of the watercolor paper you are taping up. I use Sintra board.
A table easel or something to tilt your board on.
A Spray Bottle
I use a small one with fine mist
Pencil
Bring a couple of #2 regular pencils and if you have any, an HB or 2H pencil will be good too.
HB and 2H pencils have harder leads and don't draw as dark as a #2 pencil.
Eraser
Please bring a kneaded eraser. They are non abrasive to watercolor paper and can be molded into different shapes to make erasing easier.
Other Items:
*ooth brush for splattering
*Masking fluid or miskit (fluid for masking out whites)
*Course salt for texturing
*sketchbook to take notes or draw out thumbnails or try different techniques
*Mr Clean Original Magic Erasers or sheets, found in Grocery Stores
*Permanent Black marker fine tip for inking/sketching
Tote Bag or case to keep watercolor supplies in
LOCATION:
Highland Community Center
5378 W 10400 N St., Highland, UT
If using maps, search for "Highland Community Center."
INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Shelley. Learn more about our instructorsat https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty
DROP-INS:
This class IS open for drop-in students. Students can register online for a specific date or purchase a Flex Pass. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.
REFUND POLICY:
We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.
TRANSFER POLICY:
We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.
CLASS CANCELLATION:
We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.
MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:
When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:
Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.
DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?
Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796