Students will learn how to paint in layers, which is one of the important concepts in watercolors. They will also learn about concepts of values, colors, and consistency. This class will teach you that watercolor painting is a gentle play of color and movement, where soft washes blend and flow naturally across the paper. There is no fixed subject—only the quiet conversation between pigments as they spread, overlap, and fade. The
loose shapes and subtle transitions invite the viewer to slow down, breathe, and find their own meaning within the colors. It celebrates imperfection, spontaneity, and the beauty that emerges when control is lightly held and the water is allowed to lead.
Student Supply List:
Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly watercolor class supply list you can use. These supplies will last forever and will make the job really easy.
Arches Cold-pressed watercolor 300lb lb (640 gsm) - 9.5 inches x 12inches two of them. This is the thickest sheet in Arches series. It is perfect for layering and can hold lot of water. You can buy it at any store and cut two pieces 9.5 inches x 12 inches or have the store cut it for you. Texas Art Supply helps with cutting.
2B drawing pencil, sharper and Eraser Synthetic Artist's Sponges (can be found at any store, hobby lobby sells for $2)
Watercolor paints (pan or tube set) recommended – Any paints that you already have or Van Gogh or Cotman or Winstor and Newton. Basic colors - Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Lavender, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Payne’s Gray, Sap Green
Watercolor brushes - Hybrid Round brushes (sizes 8 & 14) Flat brush (optional for washes)
Water containers (2 jars — one for clean water, one for rinsing) (WAS-H has plenty available)
Masking tape (optional)
Paper towels (for blotting/excess water)
Spray bottle (for keeping paints moist)
Marge (Madhavi) Ragam: I am an architect (University of Texas Arlington) and
watercolor artist. I have been painting throughout my life and really enjoy watercolors. I love the fact that watercolor has transparency and vibrance that no other medium has. My watercolor work is inspired by the light, emotion, nature, and beauty found in everyday life. Having worked as a lecturer and teaching assistant at Grad. School and as a private instructor, I understood that everyone can excel at painting given the time and effort. My teaching style is simple and easy to understand that gives you confidence to paint in your own style.
Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.
