Painting The Huntington - Wednesday Series

Session 1: Mastering Your Tools & Materials

In the first session, Richard shares how to skillfully use brushes, water, and paper to produce satisfying results. Students also learn a mindset to get the most enjoyment and beauty out of this exhilarating and spontaneous medium. This session will be conducted in the studio classroom.

Session 2: Mastering Your Palette

Paints on a palette, like the keys on a piano, can create beautiful harmonies. Students learn how to produce virtually any desired color using a small palette of watercolor paints. Richard shares his latest ideas on color and how to gain the upper hand with this commonly misunderstood and fascinating area of study. This session will be conducted in the studio classroom.

Session 3: Transforming How You Sense Color

Most people see only a small fraction of the colors around them. In this session, students learn practical methods to improve their perception of color and how to accurately capture those colors in their artworks. Students apply the lesson to explore and paint the gardens of The Huntington. This session begins in the classroom before moving to the Japanese Garden.*

Session 4: A Smarter Way to Paint en Plein Air

Artist John Singer Sargent called painting watercolors outdoors "making the best of an emergency." The emergency? A moment of perfect, fleeting light. In the fourth session, Richard shares a fun and logical approach to painting watercolors outdoors. Students learn how to paint fleeting sunlight before it changes. Students apply the lesson to explore and paint the architecture and gardens of The Huntington. This session begins in the classroom before moving to the south terrace of the Huntington Art Gallery.*

Session 5: How to Express Light with a Paintbrush

In the fifth session, Richard shares how to paint the visual effects of light in watercolor. Students learn a variety of effective techniques with brushes and other tools. Students apply the lesson to explore and paint the architecture and gardens of The Huntington. This session begins in the classroom before moving to the North Vista.*

Session 6: The Poetry of Watercolor

In the final session, students learn how to distill a subject down to its most beautiful and expressive essence. This intuitive and practical approach helps the artist express their own interest with greater skill and produce artworks that elicit an emotional response from the viewer. Students apply the lesson to explore and paint the architecture and gardens of The Huntington. This session begins in the classroom before moving to the Library Lawn.*

*Locations subject to change depending on weather

You are welcome to use any materials and brands you prefer. For those interested, below is a list of the gear and materials the instructor will be using in class.

Paint Brushes

You do not need to buy expensive brushes. Synthetic brushes (listed below) are excellent and inexpensive:

• Flat synthetic brushes: sizes 1" and 1/2"
• Round synthetic brushes: sizes 14 and 8 (or similar sizes)
• Small rigger brush for adding details

Watercolor Paints

You are welcome to use any colors and/or brands you like. For those interested, below is a list of colors the instructor personally uses:

• Cadmium Yellow Lemon – Schmincke Horadam Aquarell
• Cadmium Yellow Deep – MaimeriBlu
• Quinacridone Gold Hue – Schmincke Horadam Aquarell
• Cadmium Orange – MaimeriBlu
• Transparent Brown – Sennelier L’Aquarelle
• Quinacridone Red – Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour
• Violet – instructor mixes his own violet by mixing together Quinacridone Red – Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour and Cobalt Blue - Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour
• Ultramarine Light – Sennelier L’Aquarelle
• Cobalt Blue - Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour
• Cerulean Blue - Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour
• Viridian – MaimeriBlu
• Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) – Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour

Paints (and watercolor blocks) can be found online at jacksonsart.com. This is the instructor’s favorite art supply source–although based in England, they typically process orders and ship quickly.

Watercolor Paper Block

Instructor’s suggestion: Do not compromise on paper. Purchase one of the options below. “Blocks” are 20 sheets of watercolor paper glued together on all four sides to keep the paper flat while painting – HIGHLY recommended.

• Arches Watercolor Paper Block - Cold Press or Rough Surface / 140 lb. / 9" x 12" or 10" x 14" (or any size you prefer), OR
• Saunders Waterford Paper Block – Cold Press or Rough Surface / 140 lb. / 9” x 12” or 10” x 14” (or any size you prefer)

Both brands are available locally at Blue Rooster Art Supplies in Pasadena.

Watercolor Palette

• The Portable Painter Palette is excellent. Available online at portablepainter.com. The instructor recommends the “Classic Plus Kit” (it has extra wells for additional paint colors, if desired). Enter promo code SCOTT during checkout to receive a 10% discount on your order (promo code is case sensitive.)

Other Materials to Bring:

• Pencil and eraser (any brand)
• Water bottle
• Small cup (to hold water while painting) – if you purchase the Portable Painter Palette, you won’t need this item
• Small spray bottle filled with water
• Sponge
• Art tape (1/2” or 1” wide)
• Inexpensive easel (you will NOT need an easel during the first two classes; instructor will share what he uses during the first class)
• Metal clips (to attach watercolor paper to easel)
• Folding chair (if you want to sit while painting outdoors)
• Hat and sunscreen