Art for Seniors - LIVE STREAM ONLY

Art for Seniors LIVE STREAM ONLY

Wednesday

October 1, 2025

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Diann Zimmerman

High Contrast

Have you ever noticed how some paintings seem to demand your attention? 

That's the magic of high contrast - the bold dance between light and dark, color and shadow, silence and noise.  It creates drama and focus.  It's the difference between a whisper and a shout - and this week, we are turning up the volume!

1st painting:  1960s Living Room 

Let's start with a blast from the past.  The entire living room is rendered in black and white, creating a high-contrast atmosphere that feels both timeless and cinematic.  The furniture, walls, and window evoke the quiet stillness of a bygone era.  But then -- bam!  The television screen bursts into full color. The past sits quietly on the couch, while the television glows with tomorrow's light.  

2nd painting: Times Square

This painting captures the electric pulse of Times Square, where towering buildings stretch upward like dark silhouettes, framing a kaleidoscope of neon signs and glowing billboards, while taxis stream through the street.  The contrast is bold and unapologetic.  

Supplies:

• Your regular watercolor paints and brushes
• Paper towels 
• Masking fluid 
• Cheap (or old) brush to use with masking fluid 
• White gel pens if you have them (if not, I will bring some)
• Optional:  India ink or liquid black watercolor (You can also mix your own black from complementary watercolor paint)
• • If you plan to use India ink, do not use your nice watercolor brushes, use a cheap brush.  

Let's make art that speaks loudly, stirs memories, and celebrates the bold beauty of contrast! 

We’ll be hopping between projects to let things dry and keep the momentum going. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through each step.  I’ll be like a traffic cop at a busy intersection—waving brushes and keeping everyone on track. Just follow my signals and we’ll get there together!

Class schedule:

Step 1:  Trace the outlines

Step 2:  Apply masking fluid on Living Room painting

Step 3:  Paint bright colors on Times Square

Step 4:  Add black paint (or ink) on the Living Room

Step 5:  Paint black areas of Times Square (this is where the contrast starts to sing!)

Step 6:  Peel off masking fluid and paint a scene on the TV screen 

Step 7:  Look at your paintings from across the room, add any finishing details with white gel pen or ink. 

Step 8:  Admire your art!