A Shell: An Introduction to Watercolor | Molly Barker | Skillshare

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    • 1.

      Introduction

      1:21

    • 2.

      Project and Materials

      4:29

    • 3.

      Examine and Sketch

      4:04

    • 4.

      Base Wash

      7:13

    • 5.

      Pick Out Key Details

      8:17

    • 6.

      Darker Wash and Shadow Color

      7:12

    • 7.

      Shadow on Table and Shell

      7:10

    • 8.

      Add Reflected Light and Ridge Details White Pen

      4:15

    • 9.

      Signature and Critique

      1:53

A Shell: An Introduction to Watercolor

Molly Barker, Lifetime Artist - Creative Entrepreneur

About This Class

In this class I will be teaching you an introduction to several different watercolor techniques.  In the process of learning these techniques, you will be going through the process of studying, sketching and then painting a seashell.  You can find pictures of the shell that I am going to be illustrating in the Resources section of this class, however, having a shell in front of you while painting gives you another level of dimension that you simply cannot get with a flat photograph.  Using a shell that is yours also adds to the final project, as there will be personal memories associated with it that a random shell won't have. 

By the end of this class, you will have learned:

  • The foundations of watercolor
  • How to study a chosen subject (In this case, a shell)
  • How to sketch with the mindset of later using this sketch for a watercolor painting
  • The various ways to use watercolor: 
    • Wet-on-wet
    • Wet-on-dry
    • Dry-on-dry
  • Several different ways to utilize a one type of brush (we will be using round brushes)
  • Many different tips for how to add depth and dimension to a painting
  • Along with numerous tips for sketching and painting along the way

 

This class is intended for the beginner with no prior knowledge of watercolor painting, all the way up to seasoned painters that simply want some new tips and tricks, or needs a brief refresher course after taking an extended break.

As for materials, you will need:

  1. A watercolor sketchbook or a sheet or two of watercolor paper
  2. Watercolor paints (I'll be using Winsor & Newton Professional)
  3. 3 sizes of round brush: 7, 3, 0 (or similar)
  4. Your favorite pencil and eraser (I recommend a kneaded eraser)
  5. Gelly Roll White Gel Pens (I'll be using size 05, 08, and 10)
  6. Clips to hold your sketchbook open, or masking tape to hold loose paper down
  7. Water and a paper towel 

I look forward to starting this watercolor journey with you, let's get painting!

Class Projects Show All (6)

Please note that this class is provided for personal educational, informational and convenience purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional, legal, or medical advice. Read more about this in our Terms of Service.