Plein Air Painting with Gouache
Summer Class | Available
Enjoy the fun of painting “en plein air” (in the open air) using the fun and forgiving medium of gouache (opaque watercolor).
Topics will include choosing a subject and creating a composition; starting a painting; understanding value and edges; creating textures to suggest foliage, tree trunks and other surfaces; working with gouache paint; brush handling; paint mixing; understanding hue, value and chroma; and mixing a wide range of colors from a simple limited palette.
The class will include demonstration by the instructor as well as individual instruction at each student’s level of experience.
Come paint and let the troubles of the world fade away for a few relaxing hours.
- Gouache paint in tubes, Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache is a good choice, (NOT "Himi” or “Jelly” gouache) in 5 colors: Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Pale (or Light), Perylene Maroon (or Alizarin Crimson), Burnt Sienna, and Permanent White (Titanium White):
Short handled synthetic brushes suitable for acrylic or mixed media (like those labeled as made of “Golden Taklon”, for example: the Beste line from Jerry’s Artarama): 1/2 flat (ideally 2 of these), 1/4” flat (two of these), 1/8” flat, #2 round;
Watercolor paper 9x12”, 8x10” or similar, ideally hot press, cold press also OK, at least 140lb/300gsm or heavier
Water jar for cleaning brushes, small water jar for clean water; spray mister (atomizer) for keeping paint wet on the palette; watercolor palette with generous mixing area (a small Masterson “Sta-wet Palette” can be helpful); a few paper towels.
For working outside — something to hold your palette and paper like a pochade box, field easel, folding table or drawing board leaned against an extra folding chair; plus, whatever you need for time outdoors — folding chair, hat, sunscreen, drinking water, etc. (We will be in the shade.)
Charley Parker
Charley Parker studied painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. For the past several years he has been teaching at the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware College of Art and Design and Jester Artspace. Charley works in and teaches workshops and classes in gouache, water mixable oil and ink and watercolor. Charley is the author of the popular arts blog, Lines and Colors: http://linesandcolors.com
Website: http://www.charleyparker.com