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Watercolor Introductory Class
Saturday, May 18 ~ 10am-5pm
Sunday, May 19 ~ 12pm-4pm
Guided By: Greg Miles
Watercolor is often thought of as a difficult and unforgiving medium. This is not so . . . I’ve created my own technique which allows almost anyone to paint with ease, and I’ve eliminated the frustration of creating “mud” rather than color.
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Many people love the idea of learning to paint – but don’t know how to pursue it ~ or don’t have the time to find a good instructor. This class is designed to take the hassle out of “learning” and make it easy for you to pursue something you’ve “always wanted to do”.
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Often, my students leave saying something like "wow, I can't believe I did this!!" Part of my intention is for you to take something that is lasting (you can take it home and hang it on your wall), extremely positive, and in some cases even life-altering (I've had some GREAT students who had no idea they could paint).
W h a t d o y o u n e e d ?
An open mind and a willingness to learn.
Structure & Schedule
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First and foremost, our goal is to have fun!
This class will look into what you want to do with watercolor and will then introduce you to the principles and techniques to take you there.
This is about immediate gratification – you will paint and do some fun exercises.
We’ll work on your own individual projects ~ while I help you to make the most out of where you are and where you’d like to go.
We will delve deeper into concepts of depth & dimension, light & shadow, lost edges, etc.
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SATURDAY 10am-12pm
Introduction to the tools and principles along with demonstrations and student participation. We discuss what you’ve learned and what you like about what you’ve done so far.
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SATURDAY 12pm – 1pm
Break for lunch
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SATURDAY 1pm - 5pm
We will focus on exercises to enhance what you’ve learned and discuss what you’ve done and what you like about it; identify and work on individual projects ~ I will walk around and observe and help guide you to where you want to go.
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SUNDAY 12pm – 4pm
We will continue to work on individual projects; identify what you’ve learned; identify what you like about what you’ve done; discuss options for future work.
Principles
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The Basics – water, gravity, pigment, light & shadow, and value.
Play (release attachment to results – this stimulates freedom and spontaneity and thus creativity)
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Technique – it’s different from others in that it allows the student to "create art" from the beginning rather than having to work at studying different aspects of form, shadow, and composition.
For this Introductory class the flow will go like this:
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Discuss principles: I demonstrate exactly what I mean
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"Now your turn": students do what I just did
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Add depth & dimension: I demonstrate lifting color and adding deep values
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"Now your turn"
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Practical application: I take a real life subject at hand and use the former stated principles & techniques to demonstrate how to apply.
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"Now your turn"
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During the "now your turn" sessions, I walk around, comment and direct individually.
Objectives
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TEACH – this means showing you what I know in order to give you new tools and further your growth
FACILITATE – help you to identify where you want to go, how to get there, and then how to put what you’ve learned into practical application.
CRITIQUE – this is where I will help you with your elements of design – your composition, technique, use of value, light and shadow, subject matter, and your own sense of style.
Overall, I want you to grow. Again, that means that it’s up to you to communicate to me what you want or need – or the fact that you don’t know what you want or need.
I ask that you have an open mind, be willing to accept a challenge, keep a positive attitude, and have fun.
Because precise drawing is not necessary, though definitely a plus, my classes are great for beginners as well as advanced students. The technique is unique enough that advanced students typically stand to learn a lot. Here’s why . . .
The principles that I teach in the basics are about color, mixing, value, depth & dimension and PLAY! These principles apply across the board - into oil painting as well. However, watercolor is ideal because it is a medium for quick turn-around and immediate gratification. Plus, it is easy to transport the materials and the work.
Materials List
The following items should be brought for your personal use during the two-day class. It is your responsibility to get these materials. Please reach out to Greg if you need some support in your materials selection.
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PAPER
Arches (or another high quality paper such as Winsor Newton) – Buy it in blocks or sheets – Stay away from papers with sizing (coating), such as Canson, Strathmore, etc . . .
PAINT
Good quality paints – I recommend buying professional quality paints – you will do some great work and you don’t want it done in paint that will fade and lose its intensity. BUT, if budget is a consideration, then Winsor~Newton Cotman brand (student grade) paints are a good alternative.
Also, I recommend rather than buying sets that are already put together, buy those individual colors which you are most drawn to – in the full spectrum of colors from red to yellow to blue (hot, warm, cool).
If you decide not to continue, I’ll sell your good quality paints for you to an upcoming class . . . if in doubt, email me and I’ll guide you. Don’t buy grumbacher or other low end paints.
BRUSHES
Try for a 1” flat, a #10 or 12 round and a #2 (or so) round - here’s where you CAN actually skimp on quality if budget is a consideration.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Bring along any watercolor supplies you may already have. In addition, bring along the following:
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Sealable palette (heavy duty with a good lid is preferred) ~ I will have a few on hand for use. Contact me if you need to use one until you get your own . . . my favorites are the John Pike Palette, Sterling Edwards Palette, and Tom Jones Palette (it’s not unusual to see these in the class. See what I did there?)
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Roll paper towels
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Two large clear plastic containers for water (try cutting the top off a 2 liter soft drink bottle)
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Hair dryer (optional)
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Spray Bottle (optional)
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Sponge (optional)
About Greg Miles
I have been a professional artist since 1997 - focusing primarily on watercolor. I have a unique style and technique for painting in watercolor - and I love teaching.
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My work has been used for book covers and has been featured in Western Horseman magazine, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, as well as being featured in numerous galleries throughout the country and in the homes of collectors worldwide.
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My classes have ranged from 1 to 35 students from all over the country. You can see some of my work on my website at www.GregMilesArt.com, on facebook here, or on instagram here.
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Contact Greg with any questions: greg@gregmilesart.com
Investment
Your investment for this class: $250
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Space is limited to 10 participants, so sign up now!
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Partial scholarships are available. Email Jason for the scholarship application form: jason@communitymatters.us
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After registering, you will receive a questionnaire and other information.