WATERCOLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE – TUESDAY (Autumn Term)
WATERCOLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE - TUESDAY 14:30-16:30
COURSE DETAILS AND AIMS:
Watercolour with Confidence offers a chance to get to grips with this exciting, but often unpredictable medium. With a few simple exercises the attributes of watercolour can be explored, and the joy of discovery inspires the way you might like to develop your creativity. Watercolour is a very flexible medium which can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. The materials you choose will affect the way the watercolours interact and change the appearance of the painting; comprehensive support is offered to help better understand the properties of materials. (A recommended list is provided on registration). The lessons are focused on developing a confident approach to painting. You will learn techniques in a friendly relaxed environment and be invited to develop and share your own successes and failures, the latter being a very important part of the journey as what does not suite one painting may be exactly what is needed in the next. You will explore colour, line, value/tone, wash, painting wet into wet, dry brushing, creating texture, watercolour mediums and the terminology to help you better navigate the rich array of information available on the internet.
Lessons are structured around a central theme but the work you choose to develop is based on your own interests. Demonstrations of techniques and class notes are provided. You will have the chance to explore how other watercolourists develop their ideas and consider how watercolour can be incorporated into developing a painting practice using sketchbooks, photographs, and more finished pieces. You will discover what excites you and inspires you to paint and gain a better understanding of the language used to discuss your work. Painting is a journey and risk taking and experimenting are part of the process. You will have the chance to explore subjects that excite you and learn from your classmates as they follow their chosen areas of interest. The classes are suitable for beginners and those with more experience. We will explore, line, colour, tone, and form to progress your ideas. Classes use: • Demonstrations • Discussions • Peer Group Learning • Gathering information for sketchbooks • Practical drawing and painting exercises.
SKILLS OR QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:
This course is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.
MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR FIRST CLASS:
Watercolours can be costly but it is better to purchase few colours of a professional grade and good quality watercolour paper. Watercolour is a magical medium which can be used in a variety of ways, but the quality of the materials impacts the results. Watercolour materials can be very costly. I recommend that you start with what you have and gradually increase your supplies. Student brand materials are tempting but they produce muddy results. So that you can join in the initial session I suggest that you bring what you have, and we can discuss any concerns in the class. I have outlined what I recommend but am not expecting you to have everything all at once. Please bring some paper for drawing, pencils, eraser, sharpener, to the first session and any watercolour materials you already own or wish to purchase from my suggestions. There are many excellent brands and the ones listed are my preference and a guide. Artist quality watercolour is a joy to work with and tiny drop of paint will go a very long way. The same applies to paper and brushes. I recommend fewer colours to start with and the following brands are my favourites: Windsor and Newton Artist grade tubes Daniel Smith Watercolour tubes Sennelier Watercolour tubes If you already use watercolour pans please bring them to class 140g Cold Press a versatile surface. I recommend Bockingford made by St Cuthbert’s Mill or SeaWhite Watercolour paper 2 glass jars for water White china plate for your palette, china is much better than plastic as the puddles of paint do not pool. Paper Towel HB pencil Putty rubber or blue tack Eraser Sharpener Craft knife Masking tape Rough paper for drawing, cheap cartridge or lining paper recommended Recommended online suppliers: Cass Art, Jacksons Art Supplies
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR: CLARE BASEL
Cläre is a mixed media artist passionate about materials and how they interact. She creates evocative, intuitive paintings inspired by travelling and storytelling. Her interest in colour and pattern stem from a fascination with the effects of weathering and decay and the cycle of regeneration. She works with oil paint, cold wax, acrylics & watercolour. Her work has been showcased at the Islington Contemporary Art Fair, The Stroud House Contemporary Gallery, Gallery Above & Beyond Linton. Her special interest is helping empowering learners to find their visual language and build a confident approach to art making. She studied Stage Design at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Fine Art at Central St Martins and Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. Her continued interest in CPD led her take the Creative Visionary Programme with Nicholas Wilton. She is currently a creative practitioner at the Fitzwilliam Museum.