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Watercolour Techniques


Join this class and learn to paint with watercolour, a beautiful and complex medium. Every couple of weeks the subject matter will change and each painting will offer you a new painting challenge. The classes are supported with demonstrations and instruction which are then followed by the students working on their own piece. The aim of this course, week by week is to develop your skills and understanding of the world of the watercolourist.

Suggested Student Materials

Paper:        Arches: 185gsm – good paper to start with no hidden surprises

Board:                    Marine Ply – 5ply is the best 

Size - 60cm x 80cm min. (5cm larger all round than paper.) Watercolour Gum Tape (not masking Tape) in Plastic Bag

Cosmetic Sponge

Small Water Container (small ice cream tub)

Towelling – White Clean – face washer

OR Paper Block     A3 size minimum, medium surface

 

Paints:

Basic List:   Aureolin, New Gamboge, Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Rose,                                       Permanent Blue, Prussian Blue, Burnt Sienna

Others:       Cadmium Red, Cobalt Blue, Manganese Blue Hue, Winsor Blue, Winsor Green (blue), Raw Sienna, Indian Red, Ivory Black, Holbien Ultramarine Blue Deep (Granulates)

There are many, many other colours some of which will be suggested in class or you may discover them for yourself.

 

Brushes      You can look forward to a large collection of brushes of many types and sizes. If they are looked after they will last for a very long time

1 x Large Chinese Calligraphy Brush - recommended Raphael No.5 or 6. Although these may be expensive they are the best and they will last a long time. A cheaper copy will suffice for now

      1 x       Large square ended brush for washes (Hake)

      1 x       Rigger Brush for fine work

      1 x       Medium watercolour brush – square end

 

Miscellaneous

       Pallets: A flat non-porous surface (White); eg dinner plate or large serving platter

                              (Disposable Aquabee Pallets are ideal for class work)

Sketch Book or Drawing Pad         Pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B      Drawing Rubber

Small Watercolour Pad for Colour Exercises           Fine Mist Water Sprayer

2 cosmetic sponges - one large one small             2 Water Containers (Ice Cream Tub)

Stanley Knife          Razor Blade                             Sea Salt in container.

Waxed Paper         Cling Wrap                   Masking Fluid   & Rubber Cement Eraser

Hair Dryer              Rags     Tissues Mild Soap in Container



About Mitzi


Mitzi Vardill is an accomplished artist whose work practice covers drawing, watercolour, mixed media, acrylics, print media, sculpture and ceramics. She has many years of experience in teaching art, conducting weekly classes and workshops for adults in various art schools and from her own studio. She has also provided private tuition to senior high school students.


 

In 2004 she gained a Masters Degree in Contemporary Arts for Educators at the Sydney College of Arts at Sydney University. Her Masters specialised in teaching art to adult students. She also has a Diploma in Fine Arts and Advanced Standing in Printmaking. She is a regular participant in group shows as well as individual exhibitions.