Watercolor

Instructor: Paul Pietsch
Wednesdays, 7-10pm
 
This course will introduce watercolor as a medium and a process, focusing on its unique attributes as well as strategies for using them in a personalized way. The course begins with explorations of watercolor properties and painting techniques before focusing on assignments that encourage individual development. Skills and concepts addressed will include:
	
Understanding watercolor pigments, tools and surfaces,
	
building transparent layers of color,
	
color vocabulary and mixing,
	
using the white of the paper,
	
balancing the unexpected with the controlled, and
	
basic composition 
 
Students will work from still life set ups, photographs and the live model. Through group discussions and critiques, students will cultivate a classroom community based on dialogue, exchange of ideas and positive feedback. 
 
The ultimate goal of the course is not to teach students how to paint in a particular way, but rather to enable students to develop a competency in the medium that facilitates their own artistic explorations.
 
Who is this class for: This class is for those who want to explore this fluid and portable painting medium which is very different than oil or acrylic in terms of how the painting is built. It is recommended that students have some drawing experience before embarking on painting in any medium. However, the class is ideal for those who are new to watercolor as well as those with some experience.  
 
This class is now full. Please email admin@washingtonstudioschool.org to be added to the waitlist.