Brush/Pigment/Water/Paper

A live, virtual workshop with
Sandy McDermott

What do those tools have in common?They hold the key to better understanding the medium of watercolors!

The magic of watercolors is in the interaction
of the brush, pigment, water, and paper variables.The goal is to help you “play”
with these variables in a "purposeful" way.Something I call Purposeful Play.Learn what it feels like to manipulate these variables
and you’re on your way to better handling the medium.Let me help you demystify a little bit about watercolors.

"Classes with Sandy are opportunities for exploration, of a particular medium and of nature. She plans her lessons with care from her extensive knowledge and experience." ~Marty

July 19 & 26 and Aug 2 & 9
Saturdays 12:30-2:30pmEST

Do you struggle with getting watercolor to “behave” in a way that pleases you?It is said that watercolor is the most difficult medium to master, but what if mastering it isn’t your goal? What if you just want to enjoy working with it in a simple way?It may be that you just haven’t learned yet how four variables – brushes, pigments, water, and paper – interact with each other, and how changing one of those variables changes the outcome of your work.

This workshop is for you if:

  • You practice field sketching, nature journaling, plein-air watercolor, or studio work at a beginner or intermediate level

  • Anyone who feels the essence of watercolor has eluded them, frustrated them, or if you just want to “up your game” by filling in some knowledge gaps

  • You want to gain insight that will allow you to make more informed decisions about sketching and painting with watercolors

What the mini-course will cover:

  • Class 1) BRUSHES. Not knowing what your brushes are capable of, or what they’re limitations are, sucks the joy out of painting. This is not helpful. Come learn what different fibers, shapes, and types of brushes can and can't do for your practice.

  • Class 2) PIGMENTS. So many brands, so many qualities. I'll help you begin building a foundational knowledge of the different qualities of pigments like: cakes vs tubes; professional vs student; and staining, transparent, grainy, etc.

  • Class 3) WATER is an essential partner in this practice. It’s a tricky thing so come find out how to work with it.

  • Class 4) PAPER. Hot-press, cold-press, rough, sketch, mixed media. It's important to compare different papers so that you know how to choose the right one for your project.

Cost
• All classes $100
• Individual classes $40ea

"Sandy is amazingly talented and superbly supportive and encouraging no matter what your skill level is.” ~Angela

Be prepared

  • Your collection of watercolor brushes, but if you can, please add to it a large round brush (size 10 or larger)

  • Your current watercolor pigments. If you are using student quality pigments, purchase one or two tubes of professional quality pigment in a color of your choice

  • A palette for mixing watercolor pigments

  • A 9x12" sketchbook that allows for water media, a few sheets of 140lb cold-press watercolor paper or a block of 140lb cold-press watercolor paper.

  • Water bowls (2)

  • Paper towels or cloth towels

  • If you wish to see a list of tools currently in my field kit, tap here.

Questions about the workshop or supplies?
Just ask!
[email protected]

Stop the guessing process and learn how to tap into watercolor's magic by playing in a purposeful way!

Join now!

IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Experience with watercolors is not necessary but a wee bit might be helpful.
- All classes will be recorded to which you will have access for 6 months
- The workshop does not cover drawing techniques.
- We will meet over Zoom, link to be provided to registered participants
one day before the workshop.
- Refunds can be issued only if minimum participation is met (beyond your registration).
- Refunds are subject to processing fee

About the Instructor

My field sketching practice informs everything I do as an Artist, Instructor, and Writer.Art and nature have been part of my life in varying ways since childhood. After a few years flipping between art and biology as an undergrad, I found my way to Natural Science Illustration and never looked back.Teaching others to connect with the natural world through direct observation and journaling brings me as much joy as my personal art practice does.With a focus on "process" rather than always completing finished works, I am teaching skills that apply to anything you want to sketch.You know the old adage..."Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? That's what I aim to do.Join me for a year of coaching your own practice.

All images on this page ©Sandy McDermott with exception of the instructor photo above, ©Morgan Lee Photography, and cannot be used without permission.