Sun West Art Club

Workshops are nonrefundable.

Creating a Bold Contemporary Still Life in Watercolor

More examples and details here.

In this engaging studio class, students will learn to create vibrant watercolor still life compositions enhanced by the unique textures and patterns of stamps and stencils. Designed for artists of all levels, the course starts with a brief introduction to still life arrangement and basic watercolor techniques, including washes, blending, and layering. Examples of artists who use patterns and stencils in their work will be reviewed and displayed during class for ideas and inspiration,

Shirley Trevena's images available on Google serve as outstanding examples of her effective use of patterns to entertain the viewer within her completed still life paintings. Taking Risks with Watercolor by Shirley Trevena is a good resource book to look at. 

Students will then explore how to incorporate stamps and stencils into their work, learning how these tools can add interest, depth, and individuality to traditional watercolor paintings. Demonstrations will cover methods for applying stamps with watercolor, as well as the methods for using stencils with paint. Participants will practice using these techniques to create patterned backgrounds, focal points, and decorative details within their still life compositions. Students can bring an photo example of a still life to use, sketch from a still life set up, or they can trace a still life from drawings provided by the instructor. 

Throughout the class, students will receive guidance on composition, color harmony, and balancing hand-painted elements with stamped and stenciled designs. At the end of the class each participant will have completed a unique watercolor still life that combines expressive brushwork with imaginative stamped and stenciled motifs.

What You’ll Learn

• Fundamental watercolor techniques for still life painting
• How to arrange and sketch a still life composition 
• Creative use of stamps and stencils in watercolor art
• Tips for integrating patterns, texture, and detail
• Balancing the various elements such as value, shape, color etc. for a harmonious final piece

Who Should Attend?

This class is ideal for beginners seeking to expand their watercolor skills, as well as experienced artists looking for fresh inspiration and new techniques to incorporate into their practice.

Join us for a creative journey that fuses classic watercolor artistry with playful pattern-making techniques!

Materials list

• Watercolor paper (140 lb. cold press or heavier)
• Watercolor paints (pan or tube sets)
• Watercolor colored pencils (optional)
• Variety of brushes (round, flat, detail)
• Palette (for mixing colors)
• Jars of water
• Pencil and eraser
• Masking tape or painter’s tape
• Spray bottle
• Pre-made stencils and decorative stamps (instructor will provide a large selection of these)
• Small sponges (makeup sponges work well for dapping on paint over stencil)
• Paper towels