Watercolor Realism Basics Class Spring 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!
This class will begin with a new segment on color mixing with the paints listed below. If you bring different paint colors, you will have different results. I will discuss why I use these specific paints and paint colors, the benefits of using light fast, transparent, staining colors, how to identify such paints moving forward.
If you took this class already, we will be painting different subjects and will apply some new techniques.
There will be a midway break to eat snacks or lunch which are welcome to bring.
Supply List
Arches Watercolor Cold Press paper, 140 #, cut or torn to size 9x12. I recommend a 9x 12 watercolor block if you can afford it. If not, plan to bring a board to tape your paper to, with the tape listed below. You may need more than the one 9x12 piece, so please bring a whole sheet or some extra of the same paper. 300# paper is expensive but would not need a board if you use this weight. It’s kind of a luxury.
Paints we will use in this class
Professional Quality Watercolor paint is required. Please do not bring student-grade (Cotman) paint. See the inspiration photo for the color range.Please try to bring these specific, professional grade pigments and brands. If a substitution must be made, then go with the paint number in a different brand. It will not be the same but will be closer than a paint with a similar name.
Additional Supplies you will need:
An assortment of synthetic watercolor brushes (round) in sizes: 1, 3, 6, 8, or a similar range of sizes
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.
Quart-size Containers for water (2)
A roll of paper towels
Fine tip pencil, such as a Graphgear 300 mechanical pencil with HB .7 ml lead
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.
Gray graphite paper (to transfer drawing)
Ivory or white artist's tape - 1/2" or ¾”, such as Art Alternative brand; (important to avoid colored tape)