Watercolour is the perfect medium to convey the wonder and transience of the natural world. Through its fluidity and immediacy, it can express shift in light and liminal space infusing a sense of mystery, intrigue and ambiguity.
Drawing on the landscape as a starting point, the aim of this workshop is to create a series of semi abstract studies focusing on an intuitive response; allowing the paint to flow and observing what happens when you let it do its thing. I will demonstrate how adding other mediums and materials creates expressive marks and unexpected discoveries.
Through this immersive and unpredictable process, you will tune in to your own personal response and learn how to cultivate a playful approach which will take you on a new journey with watercolour.
Cost: £60
6 places available
Please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and other drinks provided.
Some materials are provided but please refer to the materials list to see what you need to bring along for the day – see below.
any questions then please email breda.holden@btinternet.com
website: www.bredaholden.co.uk
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Most products are available from jacksonsart.co.uk or hobbycraft.co.uk. Shop around and you will find bargains on e bay and art discount stores.
I will have materials for you to try out , but if you already have these, please bring with you. (These are marked as optional )
Watercolour Paint
Ideally no pans, only artists quality tubes as pigments are rich and vibrant and you will be able to squeeze out lots of paint.
I recommend Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolour or Daler Rowney Artists’ Watercolour Tubes ( 5ml )
If you are a beginner or on a budget, Winsor and Newton Student Grade Cotman watercolour are an inexpensive range, but not so vibrant.
Watercolours
Green Gold
French Ultramarine
Indigo ( Winsor and Newton, preferably, as it has some green in it)
Winsor and Newton gouache Permanent White 14ml tube ( optional)
Brushes ( a wide wash brush, a round medium sized brush and a fine brush )
Flat wide wash brush ( at least 1 inch). Hake watercolour brushes are inexpensive and great for experimental work
No 12 Round brush - Pro arte Prolene round series101 (or similar)
No 2 Rigger brush - Pro arte prolene rigger series 103 or any very fine brush for mark making
Palette
I recommend a palette with good size wells to allow for mixing lots of paint
Jacksons ‘Studio Essentials large Rectangular Plastic Palette ( 10 inches x 13 inches) is a good one or Hobbycraft 16 well plastic rectangular palette
Remember new plastic palettes will repel water , so its a good idea to ‘wear them in’ ! I will also have some spare palettes
2 Water containers/ jam jars
Water sprayer ( either small or large)
Dry Media
White Wax candle or Stockmar crayon ( white) - available individually from salago.co.uk .These are beeswax and water repellant (optional)
Pipettes. ( optional)
Derwent Inktense pencil in Bark and Ink Black (optional )
Stabilo Woody 3 in 1 Watercolour pencil in black ( optional )
6B pencil
Old toothbrush for spattering
Decorators Low tack masking tape. ( Hardware shop)
Kitchen roll. ….ESSENTIAL
Plastic sheet or lots of newspaper for table ……it’s messy !
Drawing board or a hard flat surface to tape A3 sheets
Apron
Watercolour Pads ( optional )
Please bring any watercolour paper you may already have and would like to experiment with. I recommend 140lbs or heavier. ( We won’t be stretching paper !)
Bockingford glued pad 140lbs /300gsm 12x16 inches : 12 sheets : NOT surface ( jacksonsart ). This is a moderately textured NOT surface and is quite durable. Glued pads are less likely to buckle with lots of water.
A cheaper and better value alternative , especially if you are a beginner :
Canson XL Aquarelle Watercolour A3 Pad 140lbs/300 gsm ( 30 sheets)
Available from Jacksonsart
This has a slight texture . It will buckle a little with lots of water , but is great for experimental work and not so ‘precious’
I will also provide Canson A3 watercolour sheets for experimental work
LOCATION
I will be hosting the workshop in my Studio at Webbers Yard in Dartington. There is plenty of space and you will have your own workstation with wall space for putting up your work as you go.
Unit 3, Webbers Yard, Dartington. TQ9 6JY.
PARKING
Meadowbrook and the cider press carparks are a 3 minute walk away from the venue. It costs around £5 for the day. Otherwise there can often be empty spaces along the road opposite Webbers Yard.
ACCOMODATION
If you are travelling from afar and need to book somewhere to stay there are a few options in the Dartington area, including air b and b’s, rooms at Dartington Hall and rooms at the Cott Inn. Do let me know if you would like a comprehensive list of places to stay.
FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS
You can bring a packed lunch or if you prefer to buy something on the day there is a nearby shop as well as Baynards cafe at the nearby Ciderpress centre. A healthy salad and pasta lunch can be delivered on the day for £10. let me know if you would like this option in advance. Thanks.