Personal Enrichment

Join Michael E. Vermette for a painting journey that explores the human figure using new skills and techniques in watercolor that depict boldly the figure in the landscape. Michael will demonstrate his method of painting in sheer enjoyment of the figure in the landscape and through portraiture; a place, he describes, where you can let yourself go, have fun, yet still be in control of the medium. From painting lost and found edges, to floating washes wildly to create interesting treatment, watercolor is perfectly approachable especially for the beginner. No previous experience is needed for this class and experienced artists will benefit as well with Michael’s friendly and open style of teaching.  You will love how much this inspiring course will teach you about painting the active figure in watercolor.

Supply List

I recommend that you use what you have and add essentials as you can afford. I am more focused on working with you right where you are rather than imposing my personal material preferences on you. That is why the following is only what I would suggest you think about purchasing for the workshop. 

  1. Watercolor Paper, by 4 to 5 sheets of 22” x 30" or a block no larger than 18"x 24" (they hold 20- sheets or so). I have used Arches, Fabriano and Gemini watercolor brands. For mold made papers and Twinrocker, Indian Village and vintage Whattman for handmade watercolor papers all 140 lb to 300 lb press (cold press is preferred, but you can also use hot press or rough).

2. Watercolor paints in tubes or cakes/pans- a warm and cool statement of each primary color plus secondary, grays, blacks, white for a total of no more than 12-14 colors. I use Holbein, Grumbacher, Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith and Old Holland watercolors because I love color. Only Holbin has no ox gall in the paint, just pure gum arabic as the binder. It is more affordable than most brands. I recommend the following colors:         Cadmium Yellow Light         Cadmium  Yellow Deep        Cadmium Orange         Yellow Ochre         Cadmium Red Light,                    Alizarin Crimson          Chinese White           Burn Sienna         Viridian Green Hue               Cerulean Blue                     Cobalt Blue         Ultramarine Blue Deep          Manganese Blue        Prussian Blue        Permanent Magenta     Ivory Black        Indigo

3. Studio Palette, with mixing areas separate from the paint wells.

4. Three watercolor brushes, I use the Balmoral Kolinsky brand, but cheeper Langnickel brushes will also do. Choose a small round no. 6 or 8, a no. 12  and a Large 1" Flat.

5. Cotton Rags or roll of paper towels.

6. Paint board or light-weight plexi-glass or formica board that is non-absorbent at least 2" larger than your paper.

7. Portfolio, large enough to fit your paper and painting board. (You can make your own portfolio out of cardboard)

8. Graphite Pencils, 6B or HB or H depending on preference and how much you want the graphite line to be seen in your work.

9. Paint Box, to hold all of your paint tubes, brushes, and miscellaneous supplies.

10. Miscellaneous Supplies: Sketch book, a  roll of 1" maskin tape, a sponge (natural are the best), 2 collapsible cups for holding water or a cool whip container,  kneaded eraser, ex-acto knife, and extra media to add to watercolor such as ink, liquid watercolor or watercolor pencils and pastels.

Instructor:

Michael E. Vermette double majored in Painting and Printmaking at the Maine College of Art, receiving his B.F.A in Painting degree in 1980. He has been a certified K-12 Art Educator for 35 years. A full-time artist and part-time teacher, Michael has been painting in watercolor for over fifty years and has won numerous awards for his figurative paintings, including the Loran Coleman, Beverly, and Marilyn Sabin Awards at the New England Watercolor Society where he is a NEWS Signature member. Michael was also a two time first place winner of the Castine Plein Air Festival in Castine, Maine and a participant of several Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, Paint for Preservation art auctions at Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  His watercolors are in private collections throughout the country and internationally. In Maine, he is represented at the Gleason Fine Art Gallery in Boothbay Harbor, The Frame and Art Gallery in Falmouth, and the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island, all in Maine.