1-DAY WINTER WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT THE LAKELAND ART LEAGUE

I want to thank the Lakeland Art League in Minocqua, WI  for the fantastic opportunity this past Wednesday, January  2. This is a large group of passionate artists in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

The watercolor workshop went very well, and the students were great! I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the final paintings. Oh, and the heartiness of these artists fighting the frigid temps and snow.

This eager group of artists wanted to focus on snow and pines. I demonstrated a snow scene in the morning working through the three phases of a transparent watercolor painting. Working light to dark, background to foreground and warm to cool. 

After we broke for lunch, we started the second painting – a paint-along. I feel this is a great way to have the students learn watercolor in small doses. In my experience, the student retains the information they have learned. 

We talked colors and which brushes to start with. This is a block-in stage, so a big brush is a key to your success. I painted the first phase, and then the students went back to their easels and recreate the first phase. I always walk around and give personal direction with every student. 

I took the students through phase-two which takes twice as long as the first. I walked then through the difference of winter verses a spring or summer. The sky is different, bark on the trees and overall light.

Phase three you really slow down, and now they can go in and use smaller brushes. This is the final stage where you focus on the details. I always feel an accomplishment when I take the tape of the painting. This clean edge gives you a sneak peek of what a mat will look like on your painting

I raffled off my demonstrations at the end of the day. Here are the two winners.

I would like very much to be included in your schedule this spring/summer. Thank you.