Required Textbook
The Art of Watercolor | Revised Edition (1994) Charles Le Clair
ISBN: 0823002918
Recommended
The Watercolorist’s Essential Notebook
(2014) Gordon MacKenzie | ISBN: 1440337160
CLASS SYLLABUS | CLASS SCHEDULE | ART DEPT POLICIES
WEEK 1 | 1.17 – 19
Class Introduction & Syllabus
BUILD YOUR RIG | Must have supplies by next class!
Create a grey scale / contrast guide using complimentary colors only / no blacks | This will aid in mixing values for B/W photos | explore images to use for project 1 | sketchbook studies
Read: Art of Water Color pp. 9 – 19
SUPPLIES we will cover | SEE FULL LIST ON RESOURCES PAGE
Paints | Watercolor vs Gouache | Pan vs Tube
Types of paint pallets
Brushes | Synthetic | Sable
Papers | Hot or Cold Press
Sketchbooks
We will also speak individually about your goals for the semester as an advanced student – including subjects you would like to focus on, goals, etc.
WEEK 2 | 1.24 – 1.26
PROJECT 1 | WORKING WITH WASHES & WHITES
Use black & white photo or other print source – with strong dark-to-light values – can be a portrait or self portrait. Your goal is to make accurate rendering of the image you have chosen by breaking the values from white to black and three gray values in between. You will make the neutral dark from two complementary colors rather than from black. Your white will come from the paper-do not paint it.
several sketchbook studies | create final image min. 8”x10”
Read: Art of Water Color pp. 21 – 38 | blog content
WEEKS 3-4 | 1.31 – 2.9
PROJECT 2 | TAKING IT OUTSIDE
Go for a walk with your rig and sketchbook. Find something interesting to paint outdoors. There is a strong tradition for landscape painting in watercolor. You do not have to make a conventional landscape. You may interpret the information you see in your own style.
several sketchbook studies | explore color | create final image min. 8”x10”
Read: Art of Water Color pp. 73 – 93 | blog content
WEEKS 5 – 6 | 2.14 – 2.23
PROJECT 2 | CRITIQUE
final thought out composition – painting min. size 8″x10″ on high quality paper
INTRO PROJECT 3 | PHOTO REALISM & COMPOSITION
Create a COLOR INVENTORY from a found object. Create an interesting still life composition. Use patterned fabrics, lace, different textures, reflective surfaces etc. Take a photo of your still life to work with. Revisit techniques learned thus far. Work on washes, layering, values & keeping the whites.
create mixing guide to aid w/ pallet | several sketches | min. 8” x 10”
Art of Water Color pp. 41 – 71 & 105 – 115 | blog content
WEEK 7 – 8 | 2.28 – 3.9
PROJECT 3 | CRITIQUE
PHOTO REALISM & COMPOSITION
final thought out composition – painting min. size 8″x10″ on high quality paper
WEEKS 9 – 16 | 3.14 – 5.11
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
( week 10 SPRING BREAK | 3.21 -3.23 no classes )
MASTER/REMASTER | ABSTRACTION | EXPLORATION
The remainder of the semester will be for personal development & production of
3 final pieces, subject & size of your choosing of two of the categories below | min. 16” x 20” | areas of exploration:
MASTER – Investigate watercolor artists – historical or contemporary. Include examples of their work in your sketchbook along with notes considering composition, technique, & use of color. Choose one of the compositions from your research. Enlarge the image. Make a copy to concentrate on the values of the composition. Recreate the artists style, color, brushwork. Thematic approaches should be considered.
REMASTER – Choose one of your previous projects to revisit & rework larger.
ABSTRACT – Work w/ an abstract painter of your choice, explore abstract forms to create a final piece.
EXPLORATION – Develop a piece of your choosing to complete for the final critique. Consider, spacial effects, collage, special techniques & textures, explore using a story.
Complete larger final paintings from comps in your sketchbook – min. 8”x10”
ALL DUE 5.11
EXERCISE: complete several practice paintings | create at least 3 final paintings DUE 5.11 | CRITIQUES TBD
Art of Water Color pp. 95 – 104, 117 – 129, 131 – 143 | blog content
MSU DENVER ART 