2300 - Mini Watercolor En Plein Air: Painting Outdoors
Course Overview
Join us to paint the local landscape en plein air (painting outdoors) – and mini! We will explore painting and drawing fundamentals in watercolor at the UNM Duck Pond. Topics include composition, color theory, technique, and style - while also exploring techniques for painting water, trees, buildings, ducks, and plants. You will become familiar and confident with watercolor and find joy while painting outside. All skill levels encouraged to attend!
Please note this is an outdoor class and subject to changing weather.
What You'll Learn
- Explore painting and drawing fundamentals in watercolor
- Learn about color mixing, composition, technique and style
- Find joy in painting outside at various UNM sites
Who Should Attend
All skill levels encouraged to attend!
If you are interested in learning to paint various landscapes en plein air, join this class!
Additional Information
Watercolor Materials List
You get what you pay for! Professional quality brands are noted in parentheses.
- 4x6” 100% cotton watercolor paper block, cold press (Arches, Fabriano, Strathmore)
- 1 Sakura Koi Watercolor Half Pan - Set of 24 Sketch Box, Assorted Colors (or a similar tray of portable watercolors – i.e. Windsor and Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Old Holland, Da Vinci, local watercolor makers in Santa Fe: L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts))
- Refillable Watercolor Brush Pen (comes with the Sakura Koi set)
- Round watercolor brushes, size 10, 8, and 4 (optional)
- Mottler brush size 1, or other flat brush
- 2 small jars for water - ones with lids make for easy transport
- Paper towels
- Sketchbook and mechanical pencil
- A pocket color wheel
- Fine line Micron Pen Set of 3 (these are waterproof pens – the set comes with .25mm, .35mm, and .45mm sized tips)
Supplies for painting outside:
- Something to sit on while painting (comfort is key!)
- Something to paint on - a plein air easel, pochade box, painting board, etc. (Sakura Koi set comes with a painting board built in)
- A tote (or backpack) to carry art supplies
- Sun and desert protection (sun hat, sun screen, long sleeves, pants, closed toed shoes)
- Drinking water and a snack
Links to materials for online purchase:
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Set - I work from a 24 color set. I would say less is more!
- Introductory level, but still good quality - Winsor and Newton Cotman Watercolors.
- Daniel Smith is great quality, but more expensive
- Round watercolor brushes, size 10, 8, size 4, mottler, and refillable brushes
- Some great brushes are the Princeton Brand, Velvetouch series
- Sketchbook
- Color wheel
Please note that some UNM parking is by paid meter.
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UNM Tuition Remission
UNM Staff, Faculty, and Retirees: This class is eligible for UNM Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment. Click here to see UNM HR's Tuition Remission policy for eligibility and tax liabilities.