Watercolor Realism Basics Class with Sherree Rodriguez

Taught by Sherree Rodriguez
Ages 18+
Class FAQs

Have you ever longed to paint beautiful flowers, pollinators, or still life in vivid detail? This class will allow participants to learn some watercolor realism basics, with beautiful color and transparent painting techniques. The subject matter will reflect a garden theme. Appropriate for beginners or intermediate artists wanting to learn realism. Please note, there is no need to be accomplished at drawing to take this course. The emphasis will be on painting. Transfer drawing techniques will be utilized. This will be a time to get acquainted with the process in a low-pressure environment and have fun to boot!

We use a different subject for every class. Returning students can expect something different.

We will take a midday lunch break. Details will be provided closer to the date.

Supply List

Note: All regular priced supplies are available at 20% off from Art Department for this class.

Arches Watercolor Cold Press paper, 140#. If you have 300# that works too, but is not required. The painting will be on 9 x 12 paper. We will have a second image as a back up, so if you're a fast painter, be prepared. It's a good idea to have some extra paper just in case.  If using loose paper, please bring a board of some sort to tape the paper to. Watercolor blocks are several sheets of paper glued together on the side. They are nice to paint on, but more of an investment. You would not need a board for a block.

Professional Quality Watercolor paint is required. Please do not bring student-grade paint. These are the paint colors I will teach from. If you are an experienced painter with a broad range of pigment options, you may prefer to bring what you have. 

• M.Graham Nickel Azo Yellow (PY 150)
• Winsor & Newton Winsor Blue Green Shade (PB 15)
• Winsor & Newton Quinacradone Magenta (PR 122)
• Winsor & Newton Permanent Rose (PV 15)
• Optional - M.Graham Titanium White Gouache OR Zinc White - this is helpful to have on hand in case you need to touch up the center of your flower
• An assortment of synthetic watercolor brushes (round) in sizes: 1, 3, 6, 8, or a similar range of sizes
• Optional - possibly used for second painting - A larger brush such as Princeton Umbria Round 12 or Neptune Round 12.
• Scrubber Brush - small to medium sizes, as related to the brush sizes listed. 
• Inexpensive watercolor paper for color mixing process
• Quart-size Containers for water (2)
• A roll of paper towels, or a box of facial tissues without added lotion
• Spray bottle for water
• Fine tip pencil, such as a Graphgear 300 mechanical pencil with HB .7 ml lead
• Kneaded eraser
• White eraser, like Faber-Castell
• A palette with several inches of flat space for mixing paint, such as Mijello Fusion 24 or Art Advantage Airtight watercolor folding palette box. The most important factor is a broad, flat mixing field.
• Transfer or graphite paper
• Ivory or white artist's tape - 1/2", such as Art Alternative brand; (important to avoid colored tape) NOTE: You will need this to tape loose paper to a board. If using a watercolor block it won't be necessary.
• If you have a cellphone or ipad, please download the reference photo for use in the class. Sherree will also bring photos.