Introduction to Watercolor Painting | Spring

This online course, "Exploring Watercolor Painting," is designed to introduce students to the dynamic world of watercolors over the course of a semester. The instructor begins by fostering a sense of familiarity with the medium through various exercises and material experiments, helping students navigate its challenges to ultimately create beautiful effects such as luminous color glazes and expressive mark making. The course then delves into color theory, with extensive color chart exercises to provide a strong foundation for artistic exploration. Throughout, students will study and copy the work of master artists, a practice encouraged by Charlotte Mason's methods, and maintain sketchbooks for personal artistic growth, notes, and material tests.

Simultaneously, the course encourages a sharp sense of observation, valuing the created world and embracing a Christian perspective on art. Students engage in in-depth discussions about art history, the role of the arts in the Church, and the intersection of faith and the creative process. The course structure includes demonstrations, individual instruction, work time, and class discussions, making it accessible to students without prior art experience. It begins with foundational principles and builds in complexity, guiding students through the entire creative process, from idea generation to reflection.