INTO THE WOODS: UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE – TWO-DAY WORKSHOP IN DOOR COUNTY

I want to thank the Peninsula School of Art for the fantastic opportunity this earlier this month. The 2-day workshop went very well, and the students were great! Those of you that have never been to the school I want to let you know first hand the facility was beautiful and accommodating in every way to make the experience work for the teacher and student.

Considering how many miles I have clocked in traveling to Wisconsin this was the first time I experienced the quaint charm of Door County. Picturesque scenes were suitable for a postcard or better yet an afternoon of plein air painting.

In this hands-on workshop, my students gained a foundation and more in-depth understanding of the elements and techniques of transparent watercolor. They discover the unique properties of the medium, as well as how to control and use them to their advantage concerning landscape painting.

During the two-days, they learned how to use their materials effectively, interpret of color, create a working composition, and build a successful painting from start to finish through demonstrations and guided exercises. I supplied photo references for various types of landscapes.

I encourage my students to take photos and videos – as much as they want. The combination of taking notes, pictures, hands-on painting and the final critique produces a good learning experience that the student retains.

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DAY 1

A simple landscape was demonstrated with a farmhouse and outbuildings. This introduced the student to necessary procedures of the ”block-in..” Also, I had a brief talk about simple perspective. This painting took about one hour.

Paper:

• Indigo

Colors:

• Sap green
• Burnt sienna​
• Raw sienna​
• Cobalt blue​​

The second demo of the morning was a snow scene (farm scene in the woods). I discussed the painting of white subject matter and how the temperature is perceived.
Paper:
Hot press Arches
Colors:

• Sap green
  
• Burnt sienna​
  
• Raw sienna​
• Cobalt blue

Finally, the paint-along with the students was a forest scene with a small creek and reflections. Big sweeping movement of color was demoed, paying attention to large shapes, not objects.

Paper:

• Cold press Arches

Colors:

• Sap green
• Burnt sienna​
• Raw sienna
• Ultramarine blue
• Yellow medium​

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DAY 2

Water was the theme! Still water, moving water and water in a snow scene. Elements from day one we're employed. 

This first demonstration I wanted to show how you can take 3-colors from a primary group: a red, a yellow, and a blue and give the impression of full color. I also wanted to demo how simply water can be executed by paying attention to the patterns of value. 45 minutes
Paper:

• Hot press Arches

Colors:

• Burnt sienna​
• Raw sienna
• Ultramarine blue ​

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The second demo was how to simply paint falling water with your brush. This demo took 45 minutes.
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​Paper:

• Indigo

Colors:

• Raw sienna​
• Sap green
• Ultramarine blue

Above is the photo I supplied the class. It's the beginning of the Wisconsin River in Land 'O Lakes. You may recognize this image because I have painted it before but I have interpreted in different ways through color, lighting, temperature, and focal point.

At the end of day two, a casual critique took place. I talked with them about what they did wrong and how to improve or correct it. Also wanted to let them know what they did right and encourage them and build on their successes.

I'm sorry we didn't have an extra day or two to continue – I felt like I was just getting to know you. What a talented group of artists.

Class was a lot of fun. I plan to rework the “paint-along” pictures done in class.
– Judi P

Thank you! I will try to practice what you showed us. I wish we had had more time too. I had a wonderful time in class. You had many life lessons along with watercolor techniques. Thank you.  I look forward to staying in touch.
– Andrea N. B.

"I just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed your watercolor workshop this weekend in Fish Creek, WI. I learned a lot and appreciated your personable and easy-going style. I also was impressed with the way your critiqued our work, constructive and encouraging. It really helped me to think of ways I can improve my landscape painting."
– Dee M.