Category: Adult Art Classes

Loosening up in Watercolor

4/8/2019

Paintings by teaching artist, Jennie Traill Schaeffer - 1, 2, 5 and 10 minutes on sulphite drawing paper.

Over the past month, loosening up has been the theme in my adult Watercolor and More class held at Oh Canary. My students have been exploring watercolor through the lens of gesture drawing, without the figure. Figure drawing sessions often begin with short, timed drawings that allow the artist an opportunity to detach and focus, really pushing perception and capturing a lot with very little. Using this approach, I brought in easels to create physical space between the artist, artwork, and asked that they stand and hold their brushes further down the handle, creating more energy and getting away from the urge to be too detailed.

The results have been tremendous - not only in the actual work, but in what it has taught my students. Seeing an object and painting it in only one minute forces you to include only the essential elements. Part of being an artist is deciding what to keep and what to ignore - it's a constant tightrope walk - whether a realist or abstractionist. This is super intense, and energizing at the same time.

My handbag was the subject for this student's first go at timed paintings.

A student painting one of her favorite things from the easel.

Yarn as subject matter.

This student discovered the benefit of adding another medium, water-soluble graphite, to add expressive lines, and emphasize direction, or texture in some cases. Both students at different points decided to return to full-on drawing to get a better sense of the objects' forms. After which they reverted back to watercolor only paintings.

TIPS
When painting from the object using timed gestures, here are some tips that helped my students develop confidence and the ability to paint loosely:

STEP BACK - Create space from the work. Stand at an easel, and / or choke up on your paint brush.
SEE SIMILARITIES - Look at the shapes of similar areas of value, rather than outlines.
EMPHATIC CHARACTERISTICS - Notice any key shapes or lines that are characteristic of the object.
ESTABLISH STRONG LIGHTS AND DARKS - first, then layer and add connections between them.
MOVE AROUND - Move around the entire form as you paint - don't over-develop one area.
LET GO of EXPECTATIONS - There may be an ebb and flow to the quality of work as you go, let it happen, and try to leave expectations at the door.
EMBRACE MISTAKES - Notice what to alter or how to approach the next one differently and move on.
ENJOY YOUR SUBJECTS - Work from subjects that speak to you.
MINIMIZE COLORS - Using any more than two colors for quick loose paintings in watercolor is too complex - keep it simple with monochrome or two contrasting colors.
NEGATIVE SPACE - Create paintings seeing the negative space in addition to the positive space. This helps you improve your perception.
LIMIT WATER - Don't overload your brush with water - especially if at the easel.
DON'T PULL OUT THE ROLLS ROYCE- Quick paintings shouldn't be done on your highest quality watercolor paper - but find a paper that works for you - a sketchbook or lower grade watercolor paper - something that isn't so precious. We used sulphite drawing paper the first week - a little too absorbent.
BREATHE - Make sure to breathe - it will keep you calmer, focused, and more fluid.

RESOURCES
Along the way we've explored the work of Sujean Rim, Samantha Hahn, and JMW Turner. I've also researched and learned from David Kessler's blog and Bev Jozwiak's article on the Artist's Network, in addition to my own experience running figure drawing sessions and partaking in them myself.

SHARE
Want to do this on your own? Share it with me on Instagram, @traillworkslessons, and tell me your experience. I'll share it on my stories with my followers!

LOCAL
Enroll and work with me in person - Watercolor and More, held Tuesday mornings at Oh Canary Studio in Maplewood, NJ.

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Summer Art Classes for Adults

5/23/2018

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Summer is a great time to test the waters in an art class with me, teaching artist, Jennie Traill Schaeffer, of TraillWorks. I'm offering two classes in watercolor for adults with a flex schedule. Choose to get outside for a Tuesday morning class (Watercolor in the Reservation) or stay inside for a Wednesday night studio class (Watercolor Painting & More). People often come to watercolor with much intimidation. However, I find it's a very approachable medium, and I teach techniques that enable forgiveness. It's a fabulous vehicle for finding a type of mindfulness, or just an artistic outlet that is within reach.

You have the choice of 6 weeks (full session) or a 4 week flex schedule, as well as drop in options. Pricing varies due to the location. Beginners through more experiences students are welcome and teaching is adapted to the individual.

You will learn how to use your brushes, paints, water, and set up for either in the studio or on the road. Not only will you develop techniques and perception, you might also improve your drawing, and ability to compose a picture, as well as color theory.

Not sure if an art class is for you? Here's what a former student had to say about her studio classes: "I wanted to thank you for introducing me to watercolor techniques and giving me this lifelong outlet for exploring paint. You not only inspired me to paint, but my husband and son, too. They'd see me with the set and supplies out so would grab a sheet and jump in. As a teacher the gifts you give your students are truly invaluable!" -Mary V, Student

Now through Memorial Day, save 10% on summer tuition. This applies to 4 week flex and 6 week classes. Use coupon code SUMMERH2O at checkout.

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