Watercolor Workshop: Beginner’s Guide to Brushstrokes

In this watercolor workshop, Sara will be teaching various brushstroke techniques most often used in loose watercolor painting.  This workshop has a required materials list-be sure to check that out at the bottom of this page!  We will be practicing our brushstrokes with Sara’s Highlander Cow in watercolor- as seen in a previous class- as well as a simple landscape.  This class is appropriate for beginners and anyone who wants to refine their skills. Be sure to bring your favorite beverages and treats!  Coffee, tea and other hot beverages will be available.  This class is limited to 6 painters.  This is to ensure you get the most out of this workshop. Ages 16+ please!

$60-see Ticket Policy Below. (Note earlier sign-up deadline)

Meet your instructor:  Sara Porter

Sara is a local artist who grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She has a Studio Art Degree from Northwestern University, Roseville, MN with an emphasis in oil painting. Currently, besides teaching at Kicks since 2018, she teaches elementary and high school art classes to home school co-op groups. Her class sizes have varied from 4 to 28 students, K-12.  While she enjoys teaching, she seeks time out to paint in the studio or outdoors. Sara struggles to isolate a single medium as a favorite. She finds enjoyment in the freedom to grab whatever medium suits her mood. This results in a variety of classes for Kicks!  In addition to teaching,  Sara shows original works for sale on her gallery wall at Kicks and offers pet portraits in paint or dry media, such as colored pencil and soft pastels. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram under ArtistSaraPorter.

Materials List:

Before you begin your search: Quality over Quantity is key. However, the price range on paint brushes varies dramatically from a few dollars to nearly $100 or more.  It isn’t necessary to spend a fortune, but you will experience the best results possible in this class with artist-quality materials. I (Sara) will be demonstrating in brushes made of synthetic sable or similar.  A brush in synthetic squirrel or Gold Taklon will behave differently. Try to find synthetic sable or a comparable version such as Princeton’s Velvetouch series.   I recommended tubes or pans in Winsor & Newton or a close alternative: Grumbacher Academy.  You can purchase the colors individually or in a set. Michaels has sales periodically.  The most important material you will bring is the PAPER.  The brand most widely used by artists and required by art schools is the Arches series. The minimum criteria: 100% cotton, cold-pressed, 140 pound, and acid-free.

High quality synthetic sable brushes such as Princeton’s Aqua Elite and Heritage lines are recommended for lower cost without sacrificing longevity and quality. Look for Princeton’s Velvetouch series or Winsor Newton & Cotman for a close, budget-friendly alternative.

• 2-3 Pointed Rounds such as this Princeton Aqua Elite in  #4 and #8 and  #12: (at least one larger and one smaller)  https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-round-watercolor-brush-10553033 or Winsor Newton Cotman: https://www.michaels.com/product/winsor-newton-cotman-round-brush-10368012
• Flat brush such as Princeton Aqua Elite in 1/2″ or 3/4″: https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-stroke-watercolor-brush-10553039 or the 1/2″ velvetouch version: https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-wash-brush-10658646
• Script Liner brush or small pointed round as this #1 Princeton Aqua Elite: https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-liner-watercolor-brush-10553024   Or a small pointed round such as this #1 in velvetouch: https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-round-brush-10658641

Watercolor Paint Tubes:  Winsor & Newton is a great brand. This is a great starter set, however not all these colors are mandatory: https://www.michaels.com/product/winsor-newton-cotman-water-colours-10-color-paint-set-10636594?michaelsStore=5507&inv=3\   Try to bring at least these colors: Lemon Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red Deep, Permanent Rose (or Quinacridone Magenta or Rose) Hookers Green

OPTIONAL:  Add- on colors not included in the above set:  Payne’s Grey, Prussian Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Pthalo Blue

Paper:  For the purposes of this class, Strathmore’s 500 series is recommended over other student-grade paper. Their 400 series is available at Michaels, but you don’t want to go lower in quality than that.  Regardless, it’s a good idea to buy a large sheet of Arches paper (22″ x 30″) at Hobby Lobby for $8.99.  It can be torn into smaller sizes and you will see the difference in your results. Strathmore 500 series: https://www.michaels.com/product/strathmore-500-series-cold-press-ready-cut-watercolor-paper-D841196S?cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-18514200146-_-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5deshs-ikwMV4nF_AB31GCefEAQYAiABEgJOW_D_BwE&pla_channel=online&sku=D841196S&channel=online&local=&dev=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18508163256

Ticket Policy:

*No refunds

*Sign up in advance! Ticket sales close at 8PM two nights before. Last minute inquiries, call to check on availability.

*Class minimum: 4

*In the event of not reaching the minimum, class is subject to cancellation.

*Cancellations by us will result in a credit towards a future class or a refund.