Ron Thurston 4 day Workshop "Jump In The Water's Fine"

"Jump In The Water's Fine"

Painting in watercolor does not have to be fearful. Students will be reminded it is a simple and beautiful process. The class starts with a few principles on paper, paints, brushes, and the fundamentals of design and color theory. To help stimulate your creative juices, a few basic and non-traditional techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. My paintings proceed with a pre-drawn soft pencil line of shapes. Some pre-planning of color placement helps immensely with my confidence in approaching the painting. You may choose your subject from photos and sketches, or start from scratch. See how your painting, realistic or abstract, will come alive when the composition is visually exciting right from the start. Beginning and advanced students are welcome. This is not meant to be a demonstration-imitation workshop as lessons are designed to encourage students to express their own personal subject matter. Individual personalities are encouraged and please do ask questions! A friendly atmosphere will make this class a joyful and rewarding adventure. 

Supplies For Ron Thurston workshop, "Jump In The Water’s Fine"

The list is suggested only. People do ask what I use. Bring what you have. Demos will be given along with individual and group critiques. This is not an imitation workshop. Individual personalities are encouraged. Lessons are designed to explore new color and compositional approaches that will make ordinary subjects into exciting paintings. 

I usually pre-pencil a painting foundation for my demos (to save time) and you may do the same. Drawing skills are important but tracing or projecting is OK. Keep your subjects simple. Students may choose from any subject, photos or sketches.

Supplies

• Soft pencils- 3B or softer
• Kneaded Eraser 
• Magic Eraser
• Brushes: any watercolor variety including a 1 1/2" wash, a few  1/2" flats, and rounds in various sizes. I use a 2" wash brush for larger shapes.
• Paper is important; any brand that is 100% cotton rag. I use Arches or Kilimanjaro, 140 # cold press.  Watercolor blocks are OK. Full sheets (22" x 30") can be cut into quarters. One painting per day? Or you may take your time.
• A sketch book, (any size) or scrap paper for drawing. 
• Mixing palette; with large mixing areas. I use Robert E. Wood Palette. Other suggested palettes are Tom Lynch, Skip Lawrence, John Pike, Frank Webb
• paper towels or rags
• Masking tape. 
• Paper clamps (bulldog style).
• 1/2 quart or larger open water containers.
• support board, gator board or plywood, etc. to adhere your paper using clamps or tape. I recommend working on a slanted surface, approx. 30 - 45 degrees.
• Any other; special tools you have picked up along the way. 
• Photos or iPad/tablet if preferred.
• optional: Plexiglas 8" by 10" and black grease pencil or china marker, for a drawing and design lesson.
• Colors from tubes. The list is not mandatory. Substitutions are OK in most cases. I mostly use Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton. Bring what you have. 

• Cobalt Blue, Prussian Blue, Rose Madder Genuine, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Perrol Orange, Raw Umber, Cobalt Green, Titanium White

• Tube paints come in various sizes depending on Brand - to name a few, Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, M. Graham, Sennelier, Dick Blick, Lucas Aquarell, etc. If color is not available, it is ok to substitute. For example, if Rose Madder is not available, choose another rose.
• A few art supply stores: www.jerrysartarama.com, www.cheapjoes.com, www.dickblick.com