Watercolor Workshops
by
Graham Flatt
A painting must consist of both a solid understanding of design and composition,
and passion in order to function properly. The difficulty is in a maintaining a
delicate balance between the emotional, intuitive side of laying the paint down,
and the logical, orderly side of design application.
Most paintings run into difficulty not because watercolor is a difficult medium.
On the contrary, I find watercolor a wonderfully exciting and often forgiving
medium to paint in. The difficulty comes from a lack of knowledge surrounding
design and how to successfully apply that knowledge.
This is a student-driven workshop with a strong focus on understanding
the concept of design and the role it plays in successful painting
(regardless of subject matter).
Daily demos will feature a variety of subject matter and attempt to resolve
several common problems in watercolor painting
This workshop is geared to the beginner, intermediate painter and
professional alike...you'll work hard
but Graham will show you how to have fun doing it.
The seven element and eights principles of design will be cut down
to a few key components and each day
you will see how they are applied to painting. You will learn something valuable and practice it on the spot,
coming away with a deeper personal understanding and several paintings of your own of which you will be proud.
Classes generally start at 9:00 each morning. After a brief talk on the day's objectives,
Graham will do a complete painting, walking you through what he's doing and why. Graham explains
his decision-making process as he paints, pointing out noteworthy aspects as the painting unfolds.
The "mysteries" of design will be unraveled for you while you watch!
Subject matter varies according to the class interests and is not restricted to western-themed material.
Then YOU paint, applying the morning information while what you have seen and learned is fresh in your mind.
It's one of the fastest ways to learn.
In the afternoon, Graham generally reviews the morning material and fields any questions or concerns.
A brief lecture on a new aspect of the design process followed by a quick demo and class painting time rounds out the day.
The information presented each day is dependent on whether the workshop spans
three days (weekend) or runs a full week (five days).
Regardless of the workshop duration all key areas and components are thoroughly covered with
ample painting time to be able to integrate the information.
Classes are casual and loosely structured in order to provide an easy comfortable atmosphere
in which to grow and learn. Daily demonstrations reflect the interests and common problem areas for those in attendance.
These demos are incorporated into the daily lessons and allow the student to further integrate the
workshop information into their own personal style of painting.
Workshops are open to all levels and mediums and anyone is eligible to attend;
groups are made up of beginners, hobbyists, students and professionals.
The class is necessarily limited in size on a "first come" basis, and your cheque holds your place.
Non-painters are welcome to attend
Call Graham for more information or
to book your next workshop.
780-991-3423
E-mail: gvflatt@telus.net
