Watercolor bootcamp

~ MaryG

I’m now embarking on Year 2 of my watercolor “journey” 😉

After two sessions of “loosen up with watercolors,” I signed up for something called “watercolor bootcamp.” I probably should’ve taken this class first, but the description scared me off. It’s a watercolor techniques class with heavy emphasis on color theory, color mixing, etc. We spent a whole three-hour class mixing greys. There is homework. There are in-class critiques of the homework.

The very first homework assignment was to do a monotone (one color) painting of three objects with a clear light source.

I used Payne’s Gray.

For this week, we had to do a “complementary color” painting. So two colors that sit across from each other on a color wheel. (Red/Green; Yellow/Purple; or Blue/Orange)

I used only Rose (Red) and Phthalo Green to paint these hydrangeas.

I didn’t spring for all the expensive professional-grade paints that are on the syllabus. (There’s a syllabus!) I’m using what I have and will buy new stuff as needed. Jury is out on whether I’m going to like this class. It’s a bit intense so far. Bootcamp.

29 thoughts on “Watercolor bootcamp”

      1. You’re very welcome. It sounds like the class I’m taking about reading the classics. It’s difficult, but I’m going with the flow, learning as I go, and doing my best during the discussions.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh cool! That sounds interesting.
        It’s a bit nerve wracking to hang your artwork in front of a group of strangers and an exacting art teacher, but I got good feedback today. 😅

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Pingback: Watercolor bootcamp – part 2 | 50 Happens

    1. Thanks! And yes, this class is a big contrast to the other one I took called “loosen up with watercolors.” I think I’m glad I took the looser one first. This teacher might’ve scared me off if I was brand new to watercolors.

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