Painting the Figure with Watercolors
The spontaneity of watercolor can capture the living quality of the human form in ways few other materials can. This workshop is for anyone curious about the possibilities of the medium, as well as those with some experience who want to build skill and confidence working from life. Together, we’ll explore practical approaches to seeing and painting the figure from a live nude model: simplifying shapes, building light and shadow, and mixing skin tones. Along the way, we’ll look at how to work with watercolor’s unpredictability, embracing happy accidents and learning when to control the paint and when to let it do its thing.
No prior watercolor experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Some experience with drawing is helpful, but all are welcome.
Required Supplies
Paper: I will mostly be working on archival printmaking paper. I recommend a few sheets of Hahnemühle Ingres- 18-3/4" x 24-3/4" (white or light colors that are not vibrant/saturated.) Watercolor paper would be fine too (hot press or cold press.)
Brushes: round and flat watercolor brushes (I mostly use a #6 and #12 rounds and #8 and #12 flats)
Other: pencil and eraser (I use a Prismacolor col-erase Carmine Red pencil)
