Watercolour Inspired by the Magical West Coast

with David McEown

David McEown

Date: July 9-13
Fee: $475

In this workshop, students will learn essential watercolour techniques and perception exercises that will enable them to paint directly from nature.

Studio painting lessons will focus on and be inspired by ocean shorelines, mountain mist and rain forest. Watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and ethereal softness, as well as its ability to make crisp, highly defined form will be explored. This workshop is for intermediate level painters, but beginners are also welcome.

Supplies

I recommend using artist quality materials.  Student brands can lead to inferior results.

For those already experienced, please feel free to bring whatever other supplies you may have so that we can share and learn from each other’s experience.

  • Watercolour paints in tubes:Windsor Newton, Holbein are very good quality.
    • “Must have” primaries: Aureolin Yellow, Permanent Rose, Pthalo or Windsor Blue (green shade)
    • If budget permits add: Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Scarlet Lake Red, French Ultramarine, Turquoise Blue (I use Holbein’s Blue Grey, Horizon Blue and Turquoise), Burnt Sienna
  • Watercolour palette: White plastic with folding lid, at least 3 mixing wells, and a thumb hole.
  • Watercolour papers:Windsor Newton (my favourite), Arches, Saunders, Lana or Fabriano
    • 140 lb cold press cotton rag. Most economical are 22″ by 30″ sheets, cut to quarters for the first few sessions. Watercolour blocks are a more expensive option.
  • Painting board: 16″ by 23″, for 1/2 sheet. Consider making a storage folder of plastic corrugate (common display board) as your painting board. Acid free foam core could also work.
  • Sketch book and note diary
  • Watercolour brushes: pointed round #12, #10 or #8, and a #4
    • The least costly are the sable-synthetic blend, with the most expensive being the pure sable. The sable-synthetic blend is good value to begin with.
    • Bring any other brushes you choose for experimentation. Some Chinese wolf hair brushes create interesting effects. You will be introduced to other types during the workshop.
  • Other equipment:
    • brush container: e.g. a roll-up type that’s breathable as brushes can rot if stored wet.
    • bulldog clips or painter’s tape
    • pencil kneaded eraser
    • paper towel
    • knife
    • water container
    • digital camera: to gather imagery / reference material, for documentation, and to photograph the demos
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