Join New England Watercolor Society signature watercolorist Michael E. Vermette for a painting journey that focuses on 5 different technical and compositional approaches in painting the Maine landscape. Each lesson is taught over a two weeks block of time. The first week is devoted to instruction and the week that follows is devoted to artists painting in the studio classroom. Each class is 2 1/2 hours long with two classes devoted to each of the 5 lessons.
Michael will demonstrate his sheer enjoyment of painting no smaller than half sheet size watercolors and no larger than 18 x 24 inches to the create exciting landscapes. He describes painting as a place where he can let 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 in representing visually what the artist sees and experiences. The course will show artists how to set up a home studio and will provide studio space in a classroom environment.
A supportive group critique will happen each week to help develop the power for artists to talk about and represent their landscape paintings. No previous experience is needed for this class and yet experienced artists will benefit as well with Michael’s friendly and open style of teaching. You will love just how much this inspiring course will teach you about painting larger watercolor Landscape paintings, while developing a full and interesting portfolio.
Watercolor Supply List The instructor will go over materials on the first class.This is what I would suggest you think about purchasing for the workshop, although you may want to bring what you have and add what you don’t have after the first class.
1. Watercolor Paper, buy a minimum of 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 handmade papers I’ve used Twinrocker, Indian Village and vintage Whattman all 140 lb to 300 lb press (cold press is preferred, but you can also experiment with 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. A large Studio Palette, with mixing areas separate from the paint wells.
4. Three watercolor brushes, I use the Balmoral Kolinsky brand, but cheaper Langnickel brushes will also do. Choose a small round no. 6 or 8, a no. 12 and a Large 1" to 2 “ Flat.
5. Cotton Rags or roll of paper towels.
6. Painted light weight board or light weight plexi-glass or formica board that is Waterproof and no smaller than 20 x 26 inches.
7. Portfolio, large enough to fit your paper and painting board. No smaller than 20 x 26 inches(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" masking tape (I use white Artist Tape), a sponge (natural are the best), 2 collapsible cups for holding water, a kneaded eraser, ex-acto knife, and extra media to add to watercolor such as ink, liquid watercolor or watercolor pencils and even watercolor pastels.