Learn to make and use value plans to turn photo references and/or figure drawings into exciting paintings full of texture.  Selecting and using photo references, gridding up drawings, applying tracing paper to watercolor paper backing, and use of color schemes will be covered.  Students will make 1 or more finished 11” x 14” paintings.

Day one is the planning stage.  It begins with photo selection and making a composition which integrates the figure with a background by cropping, inventing, simplifying, and modifying backgrounds present in photos and/or creating backgrounds to incorporate with drawn figures.  Drawings will be enlarged by “gridding up” to conform to the size of the painting paper.  Next, these drawings will be traced onto the final tracing paper surface and attached to the watercolor paper backing using matte medium which will dry overnight under heavy book(s).  Finally, value plans will be made, evaluated, and used to help unify compositions into exciting patterns of dark, medium and light. 

Day two is the execution stage.  It begins with selecting a color scheme and planning which pigments to use to accomplish it.  Next, paint will be applied, following the selected value plan, using color mixed on the palette and/or color mixed on the paper.  Finally, finishing touches will be made.  Watercolor crayon will be used to soften edges, accentuate texture, lighten or darken areas, and/or add lines for interest.  Water soluble ink will be used to darken or accent areas and/or add lines for interest.

Enrolled artists may email, up to one week before the start of the workshop, 1 to 3 photos or drawings of figures/faces they would like to paint, to watercolorworks@gmail.com.  These will be evaluated and suggestions/modifications for 1 photo will be made and returned to the participant before the start of the class.

This class is appropriate for all painting levels except brand new beginners.  Artists do not need to be accomplished but should have some painting experience.

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Artist Bio

Julie Anderson was born and raised outside Philadelphia, She spent many childhood hours drawing horses and painting in oils.  This love of art led me to a BA degree in art (University of Delaware) and graduate studies in art and art history (Tyler School, Temple University), followed by many years teaching art in grades K-12.  A move to California in my mid-twenties allowed me to pursue my interests in outdoor activities.  Upon retiring from teaching, she began her adventure with watercolor.

The vibrancy and versatility of watercolor led Julie to choose this medium for her artistic journey. Attracted by the effect of light and shadows, she chose landscapes, cityscapes and florals to be the subjects of her early paintings.   Over time and after study with many expert watercolor artist-teachers, her interest shifted to figures.   Using a camera as a sketchbook Julie seeks the interesting, zooming in to create compositions with a unique point of view.  These black and white photos provide source material for her paintings.

Julie's work may be seen in the monthly juried exhibitions at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s Liberty Station gallery where she has won many awards.  In addition, her work is on display in periodic shows of the Point Loma Artists Association, at whose website her work may be viewed (www.pointlomaartists.com/julie-anderson); in occasional group exhibits at Gallery 21 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village; and on various utility boxes in Point Loma and Mission Beach. 

Non Members Fee: $185.00 Members Fee: $165.00