"Painting Structures Made Easy" at Sterne Park with Phyllis Vandehaar-- Watercolor on Saturday, September 12, 2020 9:00am - 12pm
Phyllis Vandehaar
Saturday, September 12nd; 9-noon
at Sterne Park north entrance
Fee: $25
Saturday, September 12nd; 9-noon
at Sterne Park north entrance
Fee: $25
Introduction by Phyllis:
When the late Bill Condit first introduced me to the idea of painting structures in the mid 1980’s, my first thought was, “OH, NO!!! . . . HOW BORING!” However, my profound admiration for him allowed me to take this step in my development as a painter. And, from then on out, my career as a watercolorist was launched! He taught me the joy of simplicity and color in painting otherwise what might have been dull subject matter. In this mini workshop I will pass on to you how to allow color to “sing.” I will bring watercolor examples for you to see. And, incidentally, we will be working in a structure with a roof . . . hence, sun will not be an issue.
When the late Bill Condit first introduced me to the idea of painting structures in the mid 1980’s, my first thought was, “OH, NO!!! . . . HOW BORING!” However, my profound admiration for him allowed me to take this step in my development as a painter. And, from then on out, my career as a watercolorist was launched! He taught me the joy of simplicity and color in painting otherwise what might have been dull subject matter. In this mini workshop I will pass on to you how to allow color to “sing.” I will bring watercolor examples for you to see. And, incidentally, we will be working in a structure with a roof . . . hence, sun will not be an issue.
The instruction will be as follows: For a starter, you will receive a handout from which you will quickly draw a similar representation on your watercolor paper. We will all be working together (more or less), in rendering a simple structure (an old weathered shed). We will do a colorful, yet, light underpainting, followed by a few simple further steps to render the “essence” of the shed. I will give you tips on how to simplify, and a few little things on how to put your painting “over the top!” We will not necessarily be painting anything around the shed, unless you wish to include those if you have time and want to do so.
Next, you will work individually on a structure of your own choice. As there aren’t many interesting structures around Sterne Park, please bring a PHOTO or two of something which is SIMPLE . . something that will not be a challenge in perspective! FRONTAL views are good for this. It could be a Dog House, a Tool Shed, a Front porch, an old One-room school house, a Log cabin, a Wooden bridge, a Barn, etc. but select something simple, or something that could be simplified. Whatever it is you bring, you will paint only the “essence” of it, and not get bogged down with details. With that in mind, you will be able to relax and concentrate on larger brush strokes. You will be using color in a way you probably have not worked . . many colors will make up the essence of the structure.
So, come prepared to have a joyful time with color!
Next, you will work individually on a structure of your own choice. As there aren’t many interesting structures around Sterne Park, please bring a PHOTO or two of something which is SIMPLE . . something that will not be a challenge in perspective! FRONTAL views are good for this. It could be a Dog House, a Tool Shed, a Front porch, an old One-room school house, a Log cabin, a Wooden bridge, a Barn, etc. but select something simple, or something that could be simplified. Whatever it is you bring, you will paint only the “essence” of it, and not get bogged down with details. With that in mind, you will be able to relax and concentrate on larger brush strokes. You will be using color in a way you probably have not worked . . many colors will make up the essence of the structure.
So, come prepared to have a joyful time with color!
SUPPLY LIST: >> download supply list
NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED, INSTRUCTOR WILL HAVE IT. NO CHARGE!!!
- Watercolor paper: Not smaller than 11x14; Block or attached to a Board; Good quality, i. e. Arches, or equivalent. No cheap paper . . No Strathmore!
- Watercolor paints in a palette (tube colors are best, even student grade tubes). No grade school paints
- Brushes: Two FLAT brushes: 1” and a ½” *** Buildings are best painted with a flat brush.
- 2 Water containers, i.e, about 8-16 oz. each – always keep one of them with fresh water, one for rinsing
- Pencil and Eraser
- Watercolor paper - I prefer Arches, but any kind will do. Size 11 x 14 or smaller in a block or attached to a board
- Ink Pen - Archival and waterproof ink such as Micron or Faber-Castle - smaller tip
- Pencil and easer if you want
- Any watercolor supplies you might want - masking fluid, spray bottle, etc. Don’t bring too much
- Paper Towel
- Old Flat bristled toothbrush 😊
- Any other Watercolor supplies you might want: i.e. spray bottle, masking tape (to fasten down paper),
- Water to Drink: Keep hydrated in this hot weather!!!!
NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED, INSTRUCTOR WILL HAVE IT. NO CHARGE!!!