Watermedia Workshop 2023
Day 1 of the Iain Stewart Workshop . 21 students were in attendance and worked on a warm-up sketch in their sketchbooks which Iain called "Eggs and Flowers". It was meant to get everybody warmed up, learning about their palette, using soft and hard edges and letting colors blend on the paper. It was so fun to see everyone's interpretations without a reference photo. The second demo was a medieval city scene in Tuscany where Iain said to "just take a slice of the pie" so that the scene doesn't overwhelm you with the multitude of buildings, rooftops and scenery. He discussed his use of different colors in the shadows, how to think of the buildings as big geometric shapes, use of negative shapes, how to make fabulous greens and super dark darks. What a treat it was to learn and laugh together! Looking forward to Day 2, then the opening reception of the exhibit and then the annual banquet. It's going to be a big day!
Day 2 Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity with a full day workshop with Iain Stewart where students learned to paint a seascape paying special attention to composition, shapes and forms that move the eyes throughout the painting. Iain projected his reference on a large screen to show the class how to break down complex images into simple geometric shapes.
Day 3 of our 4 day workshop, Iain completed his sketch of the seascape demonstrating how to "cradle" a painting. Then he started a demo of a boat yard scene and actually completed it the next day but we are showing you the completed version here. He again drove home the compositional idea of connecting shapes, adding verticals and horizontals, using warm and cool colors and pops of unexpected colors for added interest.
If that wasn't enough, many of the students attended MTWS member Ilene Paulsen's opening reception for her exhibit at The Phillips Gallery. Congratulations Ilene on a wonderful art show and an opening day sale! Congrats to the new owner of your bison painting!
If that wasn't enough, many of the students attended MTWS member Ilene Paulsen's opening reception for her exhibit at The Phillips Gallery. Congratulations Ilene on a wonderful art show and an opening day sale! Congrats to the new owner of your bison painting!
Day 4 was fast and furious, finish a sketch and watch Iain Stewart Watercolors as he sketched and painted in real time, a scene from Colmar, France. A detailed scene of intricately designed buildings with lots of figures in the foreground. He started the "bones" of a sketch and then went back to fill in the details and darken lines. He told us to paint from our hearts. He critiqued some of his own paintings and told us what he might do differently, or change. He allowed us a "selfie" before packing up for the day.
On Saturday after class, he made a mad dash for a quick drive into Glacier National Park where he carved out some time to do a sketch of the Going To The Sun Road, mountains and aspen in full fall colors. He shared his fabulous sketch with us in class the next day.
All in all, it was a fun filled, brain filled, sketch book filled 4 days with a great group of artists from several states. We all made some new friends and connections to add to our artistic journeys. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the week's events.
On Saturday after class, he made a mad dash for a quick drive into Glacier National Park where he carved out some time to do a sketch of the Going To The Sun Road, mountains and aspen in full fall colors. He shared his fabulous sketch with us in class the next day.
All in all, it was a fun filled, brain filled, sketch book filled 4 days with a great group of artists from several states. We all made some new friends and connections to add to our artistic journeys. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the week's events.