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Jun 1 - Jun 6, 2025 (Four Teaching Days) Returning for the 7th year in 2024 • www.dalepopovich.com  Description There is a quiet beauty in nature that speaks directly to the soul, and it takes a discerning eye and a practiced hand to translate that essence into art. In this 4-day workshop, Dale L. Popovich will guide you through the process of capturing the serene waterways and timeless landscapes of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with the clarity and luminosity that only transparent watercolor can achieve. Dale’s approach is rooted in careful observation and a deep respect for the natural world. His step-by-step instruction will give you the tools to see beyond the surface—to understand the interplay of light, shadow, and atmosphere that brings a scene to life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or have only painted for a short while, this is more than just a lesson in technique—it’s your opportunity to awaken your creative spirit and elevate your skills to new heights. Deepening your understanding of the land and its forms, sharpening your artistic voice, and embracing the quiet poetry of nature on your canvas. This is the perfect opportunity to focus on your creativity, learn from a master, and maybe even make a few new friends. If you’re ready to walk this path, join us. The landscapes await.  Before the Workshop Before the workshop, Dale will send you a specially crafted PDF workbook to set you up for success. He recommends printing it out and placing it in a ring binder, with some of his students even using protective sleeves to keep everything in pristine condition. If you prefer digital, you can easily upload it to your tablet for quick access during the workshop. This workbook includes: 
 The Workshop Teaching through a paint-along method allows the student to follow each step as it unfolds, observing the brushwork and techniques in real time. It offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and recreate what has just been demonstrated—a powerful way to internalize the process. Dale encourages his students to ask questions freely as he paints, understanding that curiosity is the foundation of growth. He believes that every inquiry, no matter how small, deepens the connection between artist and craft. And don’t forget to bring your camera. Capturing key moments along the way provides a valuable reference as you build your understanding. For Dale, the act of teaching is as much about sharing his insights as it is about fostering a spirit of exploration. In his view, knowledge shared generously leads to mastery—and that is the essence of excellent learning. Dale Will Show You: Dale will guide you in mastering the natural rhythms and movements of water, teaching you to approach it with a relaxed yet deliberate hand. You’ll learn:
So, get ready for a hands-on, immersive experience. You’ll dive right in, painting the rapids, rivers, and waterfalls of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s time to embrace the wild beauty of nature—and translate it onto your canvas with confidence.   715-588-3143
[email protected] Physical Address 13277 Dillman's Way Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 Mailing Address PO Box 98 Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
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Painting Water Reflections and Nature in Watercolor   Dale L. Popovich IWS will be offering a two-day Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor Workshop on Saturday, April 24th and Saturday, May 8th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. In this Zoom workshop students will walk away with a better understanding of transparent watercolor. He will be teaching his personal step-by-step process of how to start and finish a watercolor. Dale will concentrate on reflections of water. Students will acquire an understanding of how reflections of the shorelines reflect into the water, and how to interpret them. He will also give participants an understanding of the values, temperatures, intensities, and hues, and how they react as a reflection. A better understanding of how to cross mixed colors that best capture the reflections in the water will be demonstrated. In this process, he will illustrate how to block-in and build a painting properly. Students will experience various applications of watercolor, color palette, properties of watercolor, tools, and techniques. Dale’s objective through the step-by-step instruction will show how to avoid watercolor problems and grow as a painter.  You will be painting this image – water reflections and nature in watercolor – this is from Dale's personal library Workshop #1, April 24th, Dale will conduct a 2.5-hour painting workshop on Zoom stopping between steps and answering questions along the way. During the painting process, photos will be taken of each step. The photos will be added to the original packet creating the Popovich’s Start-to-Finish packet. Workshop #2, May 8th, Dale will lead a Zoom Group Critique sharing his screen with students. During this time, he will walk artists through two paintings and answer any additional questions. Tuition is $115 for members and $135 for non-members. Supplies are not included in this workshop. After payment is received, a supply list will be provided. In addition, a full reference packet will be sent prior to the workshop which will also include the Zoom links. Students must register and pay before the first class. To register stop in, call, or visit the website at www.chestertonart.org or Eventbrite.com (search Chesterton Art Center). For questions, please call the Chesterton Art Center at 219-926-4711. The Chesterton Art Center is located at 115 S. 4th St., Chesterton, IN 46304. For a list of all classes being offered at the Art Center, please see the website www.chestertonart.org.  How to Get Confidence Mixing Greens for Landscape FEBRUARY 13 AND 27, 2021  THIS IS A PAID EVENT: The Watercolor Society of Indiana asked me to conduct a virtual workshop for their organization. Due to COVID, this organization has turned its focus on meeting with its members on Zoom. The next adventure will be offering workshops. I’m honored to have been asked to kick this off for them. Here’s a link to the paid event. Need more info read below. Private message me with questions. Hope to see you there.   THE DEMO - DAY 1, Feb 13 THE REFERENCE PACKET You will receive a reference packet for our Zoom workshop. This packet includes one of my photos from my personal collection. In addition, I will supply you a pencil sketch on watercolor paper you will recreate on your own paper. Finally, page 3 includes:
 I will talk about how to build a painting. The main emphasis will be on gaining confidence and demystify mixing and using greens. Secondly, is the process. I will explain the block in the method of painting. Working from large to small areas, painting from background to foreground, developing your values from light to dark, and finally working your colors more intensely at the beginning to grind down to a slow process as you work through the painting.  ©Dale L Popovich IWS, Ballet of Smoke There are several things that I will continue to remind you during the demonstration. A few of these are keeping your edges as soft as you can for as long as you can. Understanding various uses of the brush including applications of the toothbrush in applying and removing color.
The Photo Marilee, my wife, and I suffer from wanderlust! With empty memory cards, a thermos of steaming hot coffee, and a full tank of gas we headed out to discover new sceneries. In northern Wisconsin during the spring, there are numerous intense colors of green in the forest – yellow-greens to blue-greens where the sparkling sun meets the fog rises from the early morning forest floor. This special swampy area opened into a meadow in the distance. It was a bit mystical to me. There was an ancient fire road directly across the way that led to hiking trails curving through the marshland. As we explored we passed small stagnant ponds and disfigured trees that almost seemed to wave at us as we passed by. This was a perfect spot calling to be painted.  THE VIDEO This demonstration will be recorded so you can recreate what I painted. You will receive an email approximately three to four days after the demo with a video link. This video is yours along as YouTube is around. In addition, you will receive a Start-to-Finish packet that includes photos of each step along the painting process. If you have any questions before the critique please send me an email and I will answer them.  THE CRITIQUE – DAY 2-Feb 27 Once you have completed your painting email it to me by Noon Friday, February 26, 2021. Here's What to Expect:
 My 3-full day workshop at MainStreet Art Center, Lake Zurich, IL, Abstract Paintings of Nature in Watercolor was finally a go! I had a wonderful time getting back in the teaching "saddle". Because of COVID19, this workshop had been rescheduled several times. But Frankie Johnson, owner of MainStreet and I were bound and determined to have it happen. As you can figure all of my events had been canceled. Marilee and I were incredibly organized this year with scheduling teaching, workshops, shows, and demos This was the weirdest thing to see it vaporize before our very eyes. Besides demonstrating the beauty of watercolor I shared my thoughts about materials and the importance of buying the best products you can afford. One of my students was using a mix of Winsor and Newton Cotman and Grumbacher watercolor paints. Needless to say, she was struggling so I let her try my QoR watercolors and she said "WOW! What a huge difference." I can't stress enough the importance of using professional-grade watercolors. In addition, the same goes for watercolor paper. Only buy 100% cotton. You are asking for trouble if you buy a cheaper grade that contains wood fibers. The paper will pill when you scrub it. My third must-have is real hair brushes If you can afford them. Otherwise a blend of synthetic/real hair. If you take care of them you will keep them for a long time. My series The real hair loads a lot of paint and doesn't wear out like synthetic. My 1" 202 Morrilla is over 40 years old. Unfortunately, it's not made anymore but you may find a used one on eBay. If you would like to see my supply recommendations and list CLICK HERE. Masks on, socially distanced in place, sleeves pushed up to work, learn, and have fun! DAY 1: The morning painting was a snow scene of the beginning of the Wisconsin River (Land O' Lakes, WI) which has been one of my favorite sites to paint, whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter. The levels of water change as does the foliage, colors, textures, and the influence of light. I call this river home. In this exercise, I wanted to teach how to handle snow and paint anything white. evaluate temperature and not copy the photo.
My afternoon demo was a fall scene full of autumnal colors where my students learned the spontaneity of no drawing and following the light and dark patterns. Two paintings completed and so proud of everyone’s first day of work.  DAY TWO: The learning and fun continue! Two more were paintings completed. The morning demo was T.C .Steele's house in southern Indiana. During this demo, I wanted to share the ease of drawing a structure and how to incorporate it into a landscape in a simple way. I also shared how to make a very dark subject interesting. The afternoon demo was another scene from the Great Northwoods of Wisconsin. The tranquil water scene was a perfect example to show how to achieve an atmospheric perspective. Pushing the background back and look believable. I also get quite a few requests for the secrets of painting water. I shared my approach to water with just a few brushstrokes. So proud of everyone’s second day of work.  DAY THREE: the last day of my 3-full day watercolor workshop. In the morning study, I wanted everyone to learn how to work with high-contrast and minimal drawing. I also wanted to share my techniques of dry-brushing in watercolor. The afternoon was the student's choice. I shared two different subjects and the vivid green forest won. Once again this demo was without a pencil sketch on their watercolor paper, freehanding light and dark patterns. Working with a close color palette of greens and blue-greens and how to use one complementary color to gray down your shadows. And finally, be fearless about pushing the darks especially at the beginning.  I want to thank everyone for signing up and attending including the owner, Frankie Johnson, and Kathy Clouse who is MainStreet's Girl Friday and more. The three days went by too fast. I was so impressed with everyone and I’ll let you in on a little secret — half the students never painted in watercolor before which made it that much more thrilling for me because my goal is to help people truly see. Also thank you Frankie and Jay for your hospitality.  UPDATE: |
| First of all, Mainstreet is nestled in the quaint town of Lake Zurich, IL. Frankie Johnson, Owner, and Director has owned Mainstreet for almost 26 years. She is an accomplished master painter with over 40 years of experience in oil painting and pastels. She shares this knowledge with her students and it shows. I am always amazed at the talent that comes out of this art school Checkout Frankie's personal studio site. www.frankiejohnsonartstudio.com |  |
Many of these budding artists are in their third act wanting to explore a desire to paint after they have retired and or the kids are out of the nest. Other artists want to take their skills to the next level. The Mainstreet Art Center offers a wide variety of fine art classes for all ages. Beginners start with drawing in charcoal and then advance to painting in oils, pastels or watercolor. Advanced students are constantly challenged with new techniques and subjects. The craft of painting is taught by demonstration and individual instruction.
| Mainstreet Art Center offers a wonderful selection of classes including:
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Frankie asked me to develop the best 3-Full Day Watercolor Workshop for Mainstreet. This workshop called Abstract Patterns of Nature in Watercolor is a concentrated study in watercolor. I have seen these intensive studies help the student climb to a new level whether you are starting the journey or you have painted for a while.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Let me show you how to ignite your passion for watercolor. In this 3-day workshop, the student will experience my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor. Exploring the beauty of nature, and gain a deeper, richer understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of this unique medium. Students will learn how to block in the painting, interpret color, values and temperatures. Use different processes of watercolor: work wet-into-wet as well as wet-on-to-dry. Understand the importance of a focal point and how to place it. He will also share his secrets to bring your painting to a new level.
Let me show you how to ignite your passion for watercolor. In this 3-day workshop, the student will experience my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor. Exploring the beauty of nature, and gain a deeper, richer understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of this unique medium. Students will learn how to block in the painting, interpret color, values and temperatures. Use different processes of watercolor: work wet-into-wet as well as wet-on-to-dry. Understand the importance of a focal point and how to place it. He will also share his secrets to bring your painting to a new level.
My objective for this workshop is to share my 41 years of professional art instruction and for the student to gain confidence in this medium. The student will walk away with a greater, more in-depth understanding of transparent watercolor. The class is designed for beginners and intermediate artists.
Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor. Supply list will be handed-out at registration. If you have any questions please email me.
Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor. Supply list will be handed-out at registration. If you have any questions please email me.
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Updated July 1, 2019
That's right when you sign-up for my mentoring workshop you can continue your watercolor studies in the comfort of your own studio. You will receive a code the first day of class to log in to Towering Winds Academy of Fine Art online school. This way you can continue your learning with me. This course is yours FREE as long as the school is around. And if you have questions or want to share your work with me I'm always there for you.
That's right when you sign-up for my mentoring workshop you can continue your watercolor studies in the comfort of your own studio. You will receive a code the first day of class to log in to Towering Winds Academy of Fine Art online school. This way you can continue your learning with me. This course is yours FREE as long as the school is around. And if you have questions or want to share your work with me I'm always there for you.
Wet-into-Wet Watercolor: $50.00 Value
4-Day Mentoring Watercolor Workshop
in Door County, WI
in Door County, WI
| Concept The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a painter’s paradise. Explore the beauty of nature as you conquer the medium of transparent watercolor and gain a deeper understanding of its unique properties, techniques, and tools. Experience Step-by-step instruction will lead you through the creation of a series of paintings. How to block in a painting, interpret color, value, and temperatures, use different watercolor-specific processes, and create sound compositions will be emphasized. Dale will provide individualized feedback throughout each exercise and painting. Photo references of various types of landscapes will be supplied by the instructor. |  |
JuLY 10-13• 9 AM-4 PM daily
Painting Nature's Wonders
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Peninsula School of Art
3900 Co Rd F
Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
920.868.3455
Painting Nature's Wonders
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Peninsula School of Art
3900 Co Rd F
Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
920.868.3455
Step by step. Walk away with more.
Here's a three minute video where I fill you in on my 2-day workshop
Concept
The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a painter’s paradise. Explore the beauty of nature as you conquer the medium of transparent watercolor and gain a deeper understanding of its unique properties, techniques, and tools.
Experience
Step-by-step instruction will lead you through the creation of a series of paintings. How to block in a painting, interpret color, value, and temperatures, use different watercolor-specific processes, and create sound compositions will be emphasized. Dale will provide individualized feedback throughout each exercise and painting. Photo references of various types of landscapes will be supplied by the instructor.
Please ask the PSA for the workshop supply list. Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor.
The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a painter’s paradise. Explore the beauty of nature as you conquer the medium of transparent watercolor and gain a deeper understanding of its unique properties, techniques, and tools.
Experience
Step-by-step instruction will lead you through the creation of a series of paintings. How to block in a painting, interpret color, value, and temperatures, use different watercolor-specific processes, and create sound compositions will be emphasized. Dale will provide individualized feedback throughout each exercise and painting. Photo references of various types of landscapes will be supplied by the instructor.
Please ask the PSA for the workshop supply list. Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor.
In May I was invited to hold a full-day workshop for the Lakeland Art League in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Spring had come late this year up north just like in the Chicagoland area. Normally the lilacs are just starting to come into bloom and the trees are budding out in the most beautiful tender green. This year the lilacs were a week behind and the hardwoods on our property at our log cabin were still bare. I could tell the members were excited to get out, shake off their cabin fever, and learn something new.
My thoughts while preparing for this workshop was to have the students get right into the painting. That meant not drawing on the watercolor paper, but instead, do the drawing with the paint brush. I also was introduced to QoR Watercolors earlier this year at the Watercolor Society of Indiana. I wanted to share with my student this beautiful, full pigment paint which is a relatively new brand. I didn't have QoR included on my supply list when I was booked for this workshop but I do know. I have a full review in an earlier blog post. CLICK HERE TO READ.
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I first spent a little time lecturing on patterns of values and colors – looking for the abstract shapes first before picking up the brush. From there I asked them to gather around while I started a step-by-step painting demonstration in values and colors. Step #1 began with large bold washes working wet-into-wet allowing the watercolor simply to flow across the paper. This is the unique beauty of watercolor letting the colors mix on the paper. This is something that cannot be achieved in oils or pastels. I then let my students go back to there easels and recreate what I had first done.
Step #2 I approached the painting by cutting out shapes of the foliage and smaller areas so that it would start defining the subject matter.
Step #3, the final phase, I put in the tree trunks where they actually belonged according to the patterns that were previously painted. The students follow along really quite well. I thought they adapted to this process nicely.
Step #3, the final phase, I put in the tree trunks where they actually belonged according to the patterns that were previously painted. The students follow along really quite well. I thought they adapted to this process nicely.
The afternoon demonstration was of Pioneer Creek. This lovely little piece of Heaven is nearby our log cabin. It's one of my favorite places to just study the colors and textures – enjoy the beauty of the Great Northwoods. For this painting, I had them do a drawing as a guide. Usually, the painting can be broken down in three steps, but for this demonstration, I broke it down into five steps because it’s easier for the students to follow along.
What never ceases to amaze me is how each student working with the same photo reference ends up with a little different painting. I always judge their painting in its own frame of reference never by the reference alone.
What never ceases to amaze me is how each student working with the same photo reference ends up with a little different painting. I always judge their painting in its own frame of reference never by the reference alone.
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Everyone had a good time learned a lot and came out with two paintings. I raffled off one of the demos and the other was donated to Lakeland Art League for a charitable cause.
Thank you LAL. hopefully, I will see you this fall.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSUREAmazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you LAL. hopefully, I will see you this fall.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSUREAmazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
Paper:
- Indigo
- 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:
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:
Paper:
- Cold press Arches
- Sap green
- Burnt sienna
- Raw sienna
- Ultramarine blue
- Yellow medium
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:
Paper:
- Hot press Arches
- Burnt sienna
- Raw sienna
- Ultramarine blue
The second demo was how to simply paint falling water with your brush. This demo took 45 minutes.
Paper:
Paper:
- Indigo
- 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.
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.
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"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." |
I started this demo off with Indigo paper which is around 240 lb. It has a handmade feeling with a nice rough texture to it. It’s a softer paper, so you have to be careful when lifting—you have to use a soft brush.
This full-day workshop was crafted into three demonstrations. I wanted to share the differences of watercolor papers and how to chose your subject material that best suits the watercolor paper. As far as paints I explained to my students what you get out of a limited palette versus a full color. The first two demos took around 45 minutes. Finally, I like to have paint-a-longs because the student catches on faster by watching and then doing rather than just observing. This way I can guide them through the painting and help them through the process.
MORNING
Demo #1: I started this demo off with Indigo paper which is around 240 lb. It has a handmade feeling with a nice rough texture to it. It’s a softer paper, so you have to be careful when lifting—you have to use a soft brush.
- Raw sienna
- Ultramarine blue
The limited color approach showed the students using this color palette they could create the illusion of full color.
Demo #1: I started this demo off with Indigo paper which is around 240 lb. It has a handmade feeling with a nice rough texture to it. It’s a softer paper, so you have to be careful when lifting—you have to use a soft brush.
- Limited color:
- - Sap green
- Raw sienna
- Ultramarine blue
The limited color approach showed the students using this color palette they could create the illusion of full color.
Demo #2: I switched over to 300 lb Arches hot press. It is a smoother and slicker paper. Lifting the paint is easier with this paper.
This was a full-color study (note: full color is denoted by six color or more.) Adding just two more colors showed just a hint more variety of colors and helped accentuated temperature changes.
Full color:
This was a full-color study (note: full color is denoted by six color or more.) Adding just two more colors showed just a hint more variety of colors and helped accentuated temperature changes.
Full color:
- Sap green
- Olive green
- Burnt sienna
- Raw sienna
- Cobalt blue
- Ultramarine blue
LEFT: Limited color RIGHT: Full color
AFTERNOON
The Paint-A-Long:
The afternoon demo was on 300 lb Arches cold press. This paper has a rougher surface and can take a good scrubbing. I felt the subject matter lends itself to it – the roughness would add an extra dimension.
Finally, I firmly believe in the paint-a-long when teaching students. It’s a step-by-step instruction of how to build a painting. I selected a snow scene to help my students understand how temperature worked with the white of the snow.
The Paint-A-Long:
The afternoon demo was on 300 lb Arches cold press. This paper has a rougher surface and can take a good scrubbing. I felt the subject matter lends itself to it – the roughness would add an extra dimension.
Finally, I firmly believe in the paint-a-long when teaching students. It’s a step-by-step instruction of how to build a painting. I selected a snow scene to help my students understand how temperature worked with the white of the snow.
- Cobalt blue
- Ultramarine blue
- Burnt sienna
- Raw sienna
- Sap green
- Alizarin crimson
Checkout the great job my students accomplished in just one afternoon. Thank you Next Picture Show for inviting me to your beautiful gallery.
Dale L Popovich IWS
Dale is an award-winning watercolorist and teacher passionate about capturing the raw beauty of the American landscape with the fluid stroke of a brush. As you will see, the works selected in his portfolio represent the depth of his holistic approach to painting. You can also learn with this talented and experienced teacher through his workshops, Palette & Chisel, and Popovich Studio classes.
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