2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

 Thank you again for coming last night and congratulations on taking the first steps in learning a skill that will quickly grow from being a hobby to a lifelong passion.  Tommy and Patty, I have your watercolor pad and will bring it next time we meet.  Homework reminder:  buy a 9x12 sketchbook with spiral binding and white paper (at least 60 lb weight). 2b,4b,6b pencils (2 of each should be plenty for a while).  Make a viewfinder-small opening (3inches by 4 or 5x7) in cardboard. You can also buy a 5x7 mat while at art supply store for about $1.  Use the viewfinder to isolate scenes that attract your eye.  Look for good shapes (positive and negative) and our 3 tones. Ideally, you should find these outside but photos are still acceptable at this point.  Please complete at least 6 by next meeting (June 1).  The watercolors I use are raw sienna, burnt umber, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, paynes grey and lemon yellow.  These are available at Utrecht for under $3 apiece and will last you for many months.  I also use Strathmore watercolor pads 12x18 and the following brushes: Goathair 2in, 1in, nylon 1 in and number 3 rigger.  If you want to hold off on buying the watercolor materials that is okay.  I will be providing the crayons for next class and the pastels we will use in week 3.  Remember to squint to see the tones.  Exaggerate the differences; use the white of the paper a distinctive gray and a very dark black.  You should be able to see your tonal sketch clearly from across the room.  Happy drawing and enjoy the Holiday weekend.  I will post a new blog on this site by Friday to let you know where and when I will be painting outside this weekend.   Cheers!

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