Progress of Teaching Pieces

Intermediate Watercolor Class

Thought it might be interesting to view the on going progress of the pieces I am teaching.  Here is a photo of the overlapping and see-through figures (design posted previously).  As you can see with the initial underpainting of the thinned down clear gloss medium once I applied watercolor it made a resist which adds to the piece.  I also decided to put my design on with permenant marker which also adds to the design factor.

I applied a radial design from warm to cool underpainting of watercolor and now am beginning to fill in the shapes with pattern.  Have not decided just how to treat the background.  May also make it designs unless I get totally sick of designs and shapes!

Beginning Watercolor

These two pieces are first begun by scribbling on your white paper.  Now it is not white so no fear.  Next three areas were covered with contact paper using small, medium and large shapes.  Next some line work was created with a variety sizes of masking tape.  If desired additional designed shapes were cut out with a craft knife in the taped areas. 

Next the paper was wet thoroughly and painted wet into wet watercolor letting softness occur.  Additional design shapes of wax paper applied (wax paper cut in desired shapes, I like circles) and also plastic wrap applied, then the entire piece is allowed to dry.  We will begin to decide where the focal area is and will enhance and detail these areas.  Will also apply glazes.  We will see what happens next week!

Great To Be Back In The Groove

Was really great to get back in the groove of teaching and get my paint brush to swinging.

Next week we will be painting patterns in shapes of figures.  Should be exciting seeing the designs the students come up with. Think I will have them outline the figures with a permenant marker which will be adding something to the paper other than watercolor.  I believe the design I will use is the one here and will work on 1/2 sheet of watercolor paper.  Also believe it would be interesting small square size 7x7" and frame with a wide 5-6 matt.  May try both just for fun and comparison.

The beginners will splash, paint and drip watercolor along with masking out shapes with tape and contact paper.  Fun and loose along with learning added techniques.

Winter Session in Watercolor....trying again

Well will try again to begin my Winter sessions in Watercolor at the Arkansas Arts Center.  I do believe the weather will be slightly better.

Thought I would share just a bit of what we will be doing.

Beginner Watercolor:
We will be doing a composition that will have a color wheel included in the abstract design.  It was a difficult decision for me to make for the first lesson since there will be beginners and those repeaters who think they are still beginners.

Along with the color wheel will be other abstract shapes drawn in which I will have them do a variety of watercolor techniques in these shapes learning a variety of techniques to have as a "color wheel / technique sampler ".  Should be challenging to the beginners, repeat beginners and me too!

Intermediate Watercolor:
This is a group that has been taking from me for a while and last session I told them I taught them all I know.  They said not so, that I would come up with something.  Well I have.  I decided to apply stufff to our paper therefore painting watercolor onto a slightly to modeerately modified watercolor surface.  This has made me dig deep into my past experimental works.  Hope they enjoy. 

Tomorrow should be interesting for them.  Will have them mark over their paper randomly with clear parafin wax.  Then next we will rotate as a class and put some watercolor mark, design, etc. on everyones piece.  Next I will have the students return to their piece and complete the work by creating a focal point , design or whatever the piece needs to be completed.  This should be a challenge for the entire group but also a good ice breaker for the first class.

Now I am just hoping everyone will return next week.......................

AAC Make up Day

Just booked the make up day for my art classes that were canceled today January 4.  Make-up will be March 15, 2010 same times as we normally meet.

What a day

What a day this has been and it isn't even noon yet.
Class was canceled due to slick roads from a dusting of snow.
 
Well at least I got to settle in and enjoy another cup of coffee.
Not so........................
Our flu caught on fire so there ended up being a 911 call early this morning before 8am.  Fun but at least it turned out okay.  Burned only in the flu with no damage to the house.  I can't believe it after going outside and looking at the flu ablaze.

Now of course we are expecting the coldest snap yet down in the single digits this week and no good warm fire until we clean out the flu.  The roof is too slick from the snow to take care of that.  Guess we will have to layer and use the cold electric heat!

Arkansas Arts Center Classes begin Monday

I am beginning a new series of art classes in Beginning Watercolor and Intermediate Watercolor on Monday January 4, 2010.  Looking forward to getting back with everyone.

Have painted a color wheel to place in the classroom.  Feel it is important to know your color wheel while painting and now there will be one to refer to.

See what you think.  Will it work?

We will be experimenting with treatments to the paper surface.  Should be interesting and totally experimental?????!!!!!!

Also here are two of my pieces I just hung at the Artists Workshop Gallery in Hot Springs this week.

Happy Painting,

Marlene