Vibrant Watercolor Portraits with David Amsellem
Saturday, September 19th
10am to 2pm
$50 Members/$60 Non Members

We will discuss anatomy, expression, emotion, light, color, and composition. Emphasis will be placed on how to handle formed shadows, cast shadows and reflective light on the figure.  I will employ my experience as a watercolor artist in my instruction.  You will benefit from how and what you should be seeing in a purposeful approach to painting your subject. The atmosphere will be both creative and supportive for the watercolorist of any level, in an enjoyable hands-on learning experience resulting in heightened awareness that can be used in all their watercolor works.

Supply List:

I encourage you to bring the supplies and colors that you are already familiar with using in your daily paintings for this workshop. The following (below) is a complete list of supplies that I use and not required for this workshop.

Watercolor Paper: 140 lbs (I use 300 lbs) Arches, Windsor & Newton or Fabriano, are all good papers. You may want to try both the hot press and the cold press to see which you prefer. I do suggest that you stay away from anything less than 140lb paper for this workshop.

Brushes: Brushes are an investment!! Sable is considered the best quality for watercolor brushes; however, there are good inexpensive natural hair and synthetic blends out there. I use a variety of all of the above. Bring 2 or 3 round brushes and 1 or 2 flat brushes from the following: (Round numbers 10, 12, 14 and 16 and flat 1/2in, 3/4in and 1in) I mostly use one or two of the larger round brushes.

Paint: I suggest you use professional grade paint. Lesson # 1, FYI, you can use the basic 3 primaries to accomplish any color you wish. You may start with just the simple 3 primaries or a full palette of colors if you are already familiar with what colors you like or if you have already created your own favorite palette. While the student grade paint is less expensive, the colors can vary too much from professional grade. Please avoid student grade paint or dry cakes and use professional grade paint in tubes.
Colors I use: Vermilion, Quinacridone Gold, Peacock Blue, French Ultramarine, Antwerp Blue, Indigo, Windsor Blue red shade, Cobalt Blue, Manganese Blue, Hookers Green, Mineral violet, Windsor Yellow Deep, Aureolin, Burnt Umber, Quinacridone Burnt Orange, Brilliant Orange, Alizarin Crimson, Scarlet Lake. (it is not necessary for you to have all of these colors, use what you are already comfortable with.)
Easel: I do not use an easel, however, I tilt my board on the table approx 35-45 degrees. We will have easels in workshop should you wish to or if you are used to using an easel.
Miscellaneous Supplies:
 
• Watercolor palette – (I use Mijello Fusion Air-Tight)
• One inch artist tape.
• Large water container
• Board (one that is sturdy and light weight)
• An absorbent rag or paper towels
• Small spray bottle

Drawing: For your project, bring your own reference photo and drawing.  Start with a quarter or half sheet (11X15 or 15X22) depending on your comfort level. Spend a good amount of time on your drawing prior to the workshop and bring your watercolor paper with a detailed drawing to workshop mounted on your board and ready to paint. Try to enlarge your photo reference so that it is close to the size of your painting. Use a reference photo that clearly depicts where your source of light is coming from to depict critical tonal values necessary for your painting (Values of dark, mid-tone & light at minimum).

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Vibrant Watercolor Portraits with David Amsellem