Victorian Valley

Hard at work

Learn how to see, how to draw/paint — for yourself as well as to gain reference drawing for later paintings. Or you may want the week to develop  the skills you need to record  memories as you travel.

From Shaw, looking at Orcas

During the week, we keep it simple and move from place to place –drawing and painting everything  from boats to old farms to trees and waterfalls, flowers, people.

You name it — we draw it.  Not only will you be drawing different things in a variety of hand-picked locations, you will be learning different drawing styles and how each has a time to be used.  The painting is kept simple and spontaneous.

This class is always a happy experience.  I have had many students show me  travel sketchbooks and other works that they have continued to produce since the class even though they often started out not knowing how to draw or had no confidence in their ability for drawing or painting.  As one said recently, “That is when I found out I could draw!”

Another plus is that you learn how to simplify your painting set up for  mobility and  for easy packing when you  travel.

firs in Crow Valley

Getting outdoors, really seeing what things look like,  watching demonstrations of ways to draw and paint and interpret a scene and then doing it yourself in relaxed settings is the promise of this class. On Orcas,  the 3rd week in August.  It couldn’t happen in a nicer place.

Getting there:

Take I-5 to the exit at hwy 20, #230.  Head west following signs to Anacortes.  At the round-about stay in the right lane.

In Anacortes follow signs to the ferry, obeying the speed limit and I suggest having a full gas tank as gas is $1 a gal higher on the Island.

You will need a ferry ticket (going) and a reservation going and coming.  It is wise to arrive on Sunday. If you plan to leave after class on Friday, please don’t schedule departure until after 4pm. Plan on being through the ticket booth 40 min. before scheduled departure.

I can send you a commuter ticket closer to class time. It is  $31, roughly 1/2 the price,  of a regular ticket. Let me know if you will want one when you register. You can pay for it the first morning of class.

 

 

Equipment

All you need!

Start with a backpack or bag you can fit everything into.

Add a pad, a stool or simple chair for you to sit. I prefer a beach chair as your lap is at the perfect angle to hold your sketchbook or board. Your water and palette can be on the ground beside you.

Where to put your water and palette when you are painting can be a challenge if you choose a regular chair. two folding stools? A TV tray?  Can you attach it to your backpack?

You will also need:

  • a sketchbook or two, one with watercolor paper;
  • a small palette of watercolors squeezed out (allow to dry) It should include red, two blues — thalo and ultramarine, yellow, orange,  a staining (dye) green such as pthalo, a , violet and anything else you wish.  My palette is in the general list: recommendation for supplies .
  • pens — a variety; I like the uni ball black, a Micron; you might get the 4-pen set by Faber Castel or even the 8 with the brushes. If you don’t get one of those sets, include a Sharpie
  • pencils in #2, #4, #6
  • small pencil sharpener
  • firm white eraser such as Staedler

other stuff:

  • Two water containers – keep them small like one-portion yogurt containers
  • 1 pint water
  • tissue (TP works best)
  • sunglasses, sun block, hat, jacket in case of a cool wind
  • the pad or small chair
  • lunch