The World Around Us: Watercolors PA01

Adult Classes | This program has been canceled

200 Broad Street Sewickley, PA 15143 United States

Community Room

Ages 18+

3/27/2017-5/22/2017

1:00 PM-4:00 PM EDT on Mon

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$230.00

$200.00

We will begin with the basics as we learn about brushes, paints, and paper and move into the all-important design and composition. Watch how your paintings will come alive when the foundation is exciting. Personal expression, abstract or otherwise, is encouraged. Lessons are designed to explore color and compositional possibilities to spark ordinary subjects into eye-catching visuals. All levels welcome. A materials list may be found online at www.SweetwaterArtCenter.org/classes. NO CLASS ON APRIL 17

  • NO CLASS APRIL 17. A materials list can be found online at www.SweetwaterArtCenter.org/classes.
  • Please bring a support board, gator board or plywood, etc, to adhere your paper to using clamps or tape.
  • Tables are provided but I recommend working on a slanted surface, approx. 30 degrees.
  • Colors; from tubes, The list below is not mandatory. Substitutions are OK in most cases. I mostly use Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton.
  • Brushes; any watercolor variety including a 1 1/2" wash. a few 1/2" flats, and some rounds in various sizes.
  • I also use a 2" wash for larger paintings.
  • Paper is important; any brand that is 100% cotton rag. I use Arches, 140# cold press. Watercolor blocks are good. Full sheets 22 x 30 can be cut into quarter sheets. (Strathmore/Canson brands are poor quality for watercolor. A sketch book, any size. Scrap paper for drawing.
  • Mixing palette; with large mixing areas. I use Robert E. Wood Palette. Other suggested palettes are Tom Lynch, Skip Lawrence, John Pike, Frank Webb.
  • Also; 3B or softer drawing pencils. Paper towels or rags. Masking tape. Paper clamps (bulldog style).
  • 1/2 quart or larger water container.
  • Reference material to draw from.
  • Optional; Plexiglas 8" by 10" and black grease pencil or china marker, for drawing and design lesson.
  • Any other; special tools you have picked up along the way. Electronic devices or lap tops are good. Please, no salt!
  • Drawing skills are important but tracing or projecting is OK. I sometimes pre- draw my demo, (to save time), and you may do the same. Please keep your subjects simple. Students may choose from any subject, sketches or photos.

“A surge of visual impact here, a wisp of creative style there, if it looks good, leave it alone.” Ron Thurston is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and a past President of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society. He is a founding member of Pittsburgh Under Water and a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. Ron has a long career as a commercial artist, whether from design firms in the advertising market, or in the personal commission field where his reputation as one of the area’s premier watercolor painters brings many buyers to his work. Ron’s favorite borrowed philosophy comes from the artist Henry Koerner: “If you do something with love, love looks back at you.” For ten years Ron was the President of Watercolors, an artist-owned gallery located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s downtown cultural district. He currently teaches watercolor workshops at Sweetwater and Touchstone.