Create two exciting watercolor paintings without using a brush! The watercolor pour technique involves wetting watercolor paper and then pouring or dripping diluted, transparent watercolors onto it, tilting the paper to guide the colors as they flow and blend. You can mask out areas with masking fluid to preserve them, add more colors in layers, and use tools like spray bottles, pipettes, and paper towels to manipulate the flow and create desired effects. The technique creates soft, blended transitions and is ideal for spontaneous, abstract backgrounds and landscapes

We will discuss compositional issues and the use of an app to create a reference. You will practice various watercolor masking techniques and pour your paintings using only 3 colors.  Project reference pictures will be sent after registration.

Supply List:

140# cold press watercolor paper – 2 x ¼ sheet with drawings completed and everything except the dark areas masked (photos and instruction to be sent to participants separately before class). Masking takes time, especially for the initial first layer. This way we spend more time learning the techniques and having fun! Each image will print on a regular sheet of copy paper and is 8 x 10”. Put your drawings in the middle of the paper so there is space on each side for handling purposes. Do not make the drawings any smaller than the stated size as this will make detailed masking extremely difficult. You may make them larger than the stated size if you wish.

8 x 10” piece of watercolor paper to practice various masking techniques

A support for your paper – gatorboard, plexiglass, even a piece of cardboard covered in plastic wrap. This should be large enough so your paper can sit completely on it. Do not tape paper to support.

Color shaper – it’s a small brush with a brush end and a pointy silicon end. If you don’t have one or can’t get one, use a small round brush that you don’t mind getting full of mask

Pointy palette knife or drafting pen used for fine lines in mask

1” Flat brush, used for masking large areas, one you don’t mind getting full of mask

Bar soap to help keep mask out of brushes

Masking fluid – I use Pebeo Drawing Gum (blue color), but any brand will do

Masking cement pick-up – to remove mask

Watercolor paint in the tube – at least 5 ml of each –

Antwerp Blue (Winsor & Newton)

Quinacridone Rose (any brand)

Quinacridone Gold (any brand)

3 x 1-cup containers with leakproof lids. More if you want to add different colors. I sometimes add a cobalt or a Lemon

Puppy pad or lots of paper towels to mop up excess paint

5ml plastic pipette for pouring – Melanie will provide if you can’t get one

Water misting sprayer

Watercolor palette or plate and brushes for making any adjustments at the end