Blog

Lesson 1.  Learning about values

The classes began with four students registered; however, one student had a family emergency and couldn't make the classes.  Learning to paint or draw anything takes perseverance; it is a person's dedication to get a task done or an action completed.  In this watercolor class, the lessons were geared toward the steps to create a simple painting using one color.  With a study in values,  three students started interpreting those values into a small painting of a church window.  Quite successfully, I might add! A folder with instructions was taken home with each person.

The next week, we continued the value studies with each painting becoming more beautifully done.  They did paintings of rocks, mountains, barns and fences; I was really pleased with Brad and Kay's progress.  Unfortunately, one of the student's did not come to class this night and after a number of calls trying to contact him, I gave up.  What happened to Chris, we wondered?

The third week, the assignment was emailed to the three students to grid a chart designating for a one inch square to each color in their palette.  We would be doing a color chart using the wet into wet technique creating multitudes of color with basically 12 colors plus Chinese white.  Painting this chart was fun to see how one color interacted with another to create something entirely new.  It also helped them learn they weren't limited by the color in the tube or pan of paint; they could create one themselves.

The fourth week's assignment was to plan the subject they wanted to paint in class, prep their watercolor paper, make the sketch and begin painting the project in class.   At the end of the evening, I did a critique of what they had accomplished and as anyone who paints knows, time really flies by quickly as you are painting and enjoying what you are doing.  Before we knew it, the class time had come to an end.  It was time for a photo of Brad and Kay with their paintings and to say goodbye. 

Brad and Kay.  Thank you for sticking with it and not giving up.  You both are doing so well and I'm proud of your progress.  Keep painting as much as you can, even if it's only a half hour a day.  If you can do that half hour of painting everyday, you'll be amazed how fast you'll progress and become a better artist.

Here's Brad and Kay with their not-yet-finished paintings.  Lookin' good; keep up the good work!