Join Richard Stephens when he returns to SAAC for a fun two day watercolor workshop April 1-2. Lighten Up – Loosen Up is geared to all levels of painters; beginners through advanced are welcome. Richard says, “Come for two days of learning, laughter, and loose painting!”

When you take a Richard Stephens workshop, you will be exposed to three main things: informative technical information sprinkled with humor and antidotes, entertaining and educational painting demonstrations and lots of one on one time with Richard as he helps you through your individual painting process. Richard has a true passion for watercolor and enjoys the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with students of all levels.

A day starts with a short presentation on the “topic of the day” determined by the level and interest of the class. It is not so much a lecture as it is a conversation. Richard encourages feedback and questions as he feels we learn from each other and everyone has something important to share.

Richard will do at least one complete painting demonstration a day. He constantly explains what he is doing, and more importantly, why. Most demonstrations last about an hour and the students learn techniques, creative use of the “tools” of watercolor such as brush choice and manipulation, color mixing and water/pigment relationship. There is always strong emphasis on the elements and principals of design.

After the demonstration the class will start on their own paintings. Richard offers individual advice as per subject selection, designing the image on the page and technique based on the unique style and goal of each student.

Richard Stephens’ watercolor workshop is informative, challenging and fun. It is not about competition or turning out a great painting during the workshop. It is about being exposed to a process of watercolor painting that has been successful for him and perhaps some of that process finding a voice with the students and their work.

April 1-2, 9am-4pm
$135 members/$160 new members (includes one year Friend Level membership to SAAC)
Call 870-862-5474 to register.

SUPPLY & MATERIALS LIST

WATERCOLOR PAINTING & DESIGN
Instructor: Richard Stephens

BRUSHES: For this class you will need only a few basic brushes. Synthetic brushes are less expensive and will work just fine for our projects and exercises.
• 1” Flat(or larger) • 1/2” Flat(or smaller)
• Large Round(# 6,7,or 8) • Small Round(For making fine lines)
I do a lot of my painting with round squirrel mop brushes. If you have them already please bring them. If you don’t have them I don’t require you buy them as they are rather expensive. If you are a more experienced painter I’m sure you will have a variety of brushes. I will also bring extra brushes for students to borrow.

PALETTE: Nothing fancy required here. Actually a white dinner plate or butcher tray will do. Inexpensive plastic palettes with “wells” for keeping colors separated are available at local art supply stores or on line. These come with lids that keep your pigment from drying out and would be worth the investment.

PAINT: Tube colors are strongly recommended but cake or pan colors will do if that is what you are used to. For the sake of expense we will work with a minimum of colors. You certainly can purchase all the colors you want but the following will be all you actually need for this class.
Reds: Alizarin Crimson and Cadmium Red
Blues: Ultramarine and Cerulean
Yellows: Cadmium Yellow and Lemon Yellow
Browns: Burnt or Raw Umber
Optional Colors: Sap Green, Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre

PAPER: I suggest 140 Lb. Cold Press watercolor paper. Full sheets are 22” x 30”. We will cut these into 1/2 and 1/4 sections for most of our projects. Watercolor blocks or pads are acceptable and come in a variety of sizes. You will also need a small SKETCH PAD( 8” x 10” or 11” x 14”) for designing and value sketches.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS: The following items are things you probably have around the house but are important tools in the painting process:
• Water resistant gatorboard, masonite, coated plywood, plexiglas, formica or lucite. Needs to be slightly larger than 15” x 22”(1/2 sheet w/c paper). Or slightly larger than 30” x 22” if you plan on painting on full sheet.
• Water container that will hold at least a pint of water and wide enough for your widest brush • Cellulose Sponge • #2 Pencils • 4 Clips for securing paper to board • Masking Tape • Spray Bottle • Paper Towels or Tissues • Kneaded Eraser
• Fine Line, Medium and Broad Tip Black Magic Markers(optional) • Students are urged to bring reference material for paintings they want to produce. Richard will also bring many photos and actual paintings the students are welcome to use as reference

To see more about Richard, visit his website www.raswatercolors.com or his Facebook page Richard Stephens Watercolors.