Watercolor for Beginners

Topics:
• Types of washes: flat wash and gradient wash
• Essential brush strokes and water control
• Introduction to dry brush techniques

Practical Activity:
• Practice creating uniform washes and experiment with dry brush effects on sample sheets

Topics:
• Mixing secondary colors and subtle shades
• Creating value scales from light to dark
• Exploring color harmony

Practical Activity:
• Develop a series of swatches showcasing gradual transitions in tone and color

Topics:
• Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry applications
• Techniques to add texture using various brush strokes
• Enhancing your painting with fine details

Practical Activity:
• Create small studies focusing on textural differences using both techniques

Topics:
• Basic principles of composition and design
• Planning and sketching a simple still life (e.g., fruit, vase)
• Integrating learned techniques into a cohesive artwork

Practical Activity:
• Sketch and paint a simple still life composition using your mastered techniques

Topics:
• Review of all key watercolor techniques
• Planning and executing your final painting
• Self-critique and incorporating feedback

Final Project:
• Complete a final watercolor painting that demonstrates mastery of all the techniques learned