#076-LOOSE FLORALS: FROM OBSERVATION TO IMAGINATION The Magic of Expressive Imperfection

Class Dates:

FRIDAYS 7/17 7/24 & 7/31 from 1:00 pm–4:00 pm (PST)

Class Instructor: Leanna Weber

Instructor Email: leanna@leannaweberart.com

Instructor Website: leannaweber.com

Instagram: Leanna_Weber_Art
Price: $135.00
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    Students will need to supply these materials

    Do you find yourself overthinking, overworking, getting caught up in details, fearing mistakes, or trying to control every brushstroke? 

    In this three-week watercolor series, we’ll use loose, expressive florals as our subject while exploring foundational watercolor techniques including washes, values, color theory, expressive brushwork, edge control, and creating mood and atmosphere. Students will learn to create expressive textures, strengthen their observation skills, and gain confidence working with watercolor’s beautiful and sometimes unpredictable nature.


    Flowers provide the perfect opportunity to practice observation and simplification. Together we'll learn to focus on shapes, light, shadow, and value patterns rather than getting lost in details. 

    Beginning with reference photos and observation, we'll gradually move beyond simply copying what we see. As the series progresses, students will learn to make artistic choices, trust their instincts, and use imagination as a creative tool. By the final class, we'll create original floral paintings inspired by observation, memory, personal expression, and the beauty that emerges when we trust ourselves and paint from the heart. 

    One of the things that makes watercolor so special is that it doesn't always do exactly what we planned. Instead of seeing that as a problem, we'll learn to welcome the spontaneity, texture, movement, and surprises that make each painting unique. We'll celebrate blooms, soft edges, interesting textures, and those unexpected moments that bring a painting to life. 

    We’ll begin with simple “blobby flowers” and gradually move from observation toward creating original floral paintings from imagination. Along the way we’ll discuss practical ways to loosen up, quiet the inner critic, and paint with greater freedom and expression.

    Suitable for beginners as well as students with some watercolor experience who would like to paint with more confidence, freedom, and expression.


    Let’s Observe, Simplify, and Let Go of Perfection. 

    Maximum of 8 students. Three 3-hour sessions.

    *To reserve your place in any class, payment must be received at the time of registration.

    *For a refund on any of our classes, we will need to be notified at least 48 hours in advance of the first class.

    ***All Students get 20% off purchases made while enrolled in a class***

    For your complete material list - please click on link


    If you already have watercolor supplies, please bring what you have. 

    WATERCOLOR PAPER 

    Practice Paper•Strathmore 400 Series watercolor paper or similar


    Final Projects Paper  Arches, Fabriano Artistico, or similar 100% cotton watercolor paper

    9” x 12” recommended 11” x 14” also works wellI would not recommend going smaller. 

    A watercolor sketchbook is also welcome. Just be sure it is large enough to give yourself room to stay loose and expressive.


    Cold press, hot press, or rough watercolor paper are all welcome. Each surface has its own unique characteristics and can produce beautiful results.


    PAINTS

    Bring at least:

    One yellow

    One red

    One blue

    One dark watercolor 

    Suggested Darks

    Payne’s Gray

    Neutral Tint

    Indigo

    Jane’s Gray

    Your favorite dark mixing color If you already own watercolor paints,

    feel free to bring your favorite colors.

    Optional Additions

     Warm and cool versions of the primary colors

    A favorite green

    A favorite earth tone

    Additional favorite colors


    BRUSHES

    Bring a variety of watercolor brushes including:

    Large round brush (#10–#14 recommended)

    Medium round brush (#6–#8 recommended)

    Small round brush (#2–#4 recommended)

    3/4” to 1” flat wash brush

    Large mop brush (optional)

    Medium mop brush (optional)

    A large and medium mop brush are wonderful additions if you already have them, but they are not essential.

    I will share some of my favorite brush choices during the first class for those who are interested. Students are encouraged to bring at least one larger brush than they normally use. 

    PALETTE & WATER Mixing palette Two water containers


    DRAWING SUPPLIES Pencil Kneaded eraser


    OTHER SUPPLIES

    Paper towels or absorbent clothI personally love blue paper shop towels. They are very absorbent and do not leave a texture pattern. 

    Spray bottle (optional)

    Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White (optional)

    Painter’s tape (required unless using a watercolor block)

    A board for taping your watercolor paper to

    Heat tool (optional) I highly recommend allowing watercolor paintings to dry naturally whenever possible. Watercolor often creates its most beautiful blooms, textures, and soft transitions when left alone to do its thing. However, for the sake of time during class, a heat tool can be helpful for speeding up the drying process between layers.  

    REFERENCE PHOTOS

    Class 1  Reference photo provided by instructor 

    Class 2  Bring two or three floral reference photos that inspire you

    Class 3  No reference photo requiredWe will be creating from our imagination

    MOST IMPORTANT SUPPLY

    Bring a willingness to experiment, make a few blobs, and let go of perfection.

    ***All Students get 20% off purchases made while enrolled in a class***