Workshop: Nature Journaling with Watercolor- Roses

Our Art in the Garden Series continues!

NHG proudly welcomes back professional artist and popular teacher Marian Hirsch, who brings her dedication to the medium of watercolor and hands-on style to a new series of workshops.

With this new series, Nature Inspired Journaling with Watercolor, slow down, learn to observe, and connect with nature by starting a nature journal. Each month offers new subjects to see, colors to try, and perspectives to expand. This workshop is the perfect introduction to exploring nature journaling and watercolor painting in the casual sketchbook format. Watch for more workshops to be announced each month.

This month’s inspiration for Nature Journaling is inspired by roses. We will be working on the variety of rose flower shapes and how to render those curling petals. Leaf shape provides the second portion of the class as we will discuss how to deal with foreshortening, leaf veins and patterns and as always – the fun of adding color with watercolor to your sketch. The class hand out will have some suggestions for pigment selection to expand your palette. Nature Journaling is about learning to observe and record the natural world that you see. When you slow down and focus on what is in front you – all kinds of insights open up. Just beginning – let me share my excitement of the value of sketchbooks and how much fun learning can be!

We’ll take a casual approach with techniques to aid the beginner, and also to advance intermediate skills with helpful tips and instruction.

PLEASE NOTE: Our class is limited to 20 students so that everyone receives the best in one-on-one instruction, and is best suited for attendees aged 16 and up.

$65. Not all supplies are included. Please purchase your supplies (from the suggested basic list below) in advance of the classes. All other supplies are included.  

Marian Hirsch is a full time professional artist and teaches regularly at North Haven Gardens. She devotes her time to on location painting capturing the ever-changing color and mood of the world we live in. These plein air studies provide the foundation for her color-rich watercolor and pastel landscapes, which are composed and created in her studio. Marian is a signature member and longtime active member of  Southwestern Watercolor Society, and articles about her paintings have been published in Artist’s Magazine, American Artist, International Artist Magazine and the Pastel Journal. She has resided in the North Texas area since graduating from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Fine Art.

www.marianhirsch.com

Supply List:

Supplies are listed with options from minimal purchase for beginners to upgraded options for those wanting to expand their equipment selection.

SKETCHBOOK

You will need one Watercolor or Multi-Media Sketchbook. Since we will be using watercolor – you will want a sketchbook with heavier paper so it will not buckle with your washes. There are a number of readily available brands; the best is one that you will use. Sizes range from 5.5 x 8, to 6 x 9 or 9 x 12. Any one of the following will work; you will want something that is easy to take with you into the garden.

• Strathmore Visual Journal Watermedia (spiralbound)
• Hand Book Artists Journal (perfect bound)
• Stillman & Birn Beta Series
• Pentalic Aqua Journal
• Canson XL Multimedia

PENCIL

• A general office #2 pencil is fine. Upgrade to an Artists HB pencil for a cleaner line, or try a mechanical pencil which will not need a sharpener.

• A handheld sharpener if using a wood pencil, try to find one where shavings are enclosed in the case.

ERASER

• Kneaded eraser, or for small lifting you might like the Tombow Mono Zero.

PERMANENT MARKER

• A black, Ultra Fine Point Sharpie –is non-bleeding and works just fine. Or, upgrade to a pigmented waterproof marker such as: Micron Pigma, Derwent Line Maker, or a Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment.

WATERCOLORS

There are a number of small beginner sets. The Winsor Newton, Daler-Rowney, and Daniel Smith brands are well respected. Many offer a plein air set of a yellow/red/blue plus a neutral, and perhaps a green. Pick a set within your budget and if you can, opt for professional grade rather than student grade, as the colors are more saturated. Choose one with a mixing area in the lid. If you have watercolor experience, bring what you usually work with.

BRUSH

• Round Waterbrush– where the barrel holds a small amount of water.

• Or upgrade to a Watercolor brush (not watermedia). A #6 round and a #3. Synthetic choices abound and are an economical choice.

MISCELLANEOUS

• A small container for water.
• An office binder clip, tissue, or some folded paper towels are useful to keep pages from fluttering in the breeze if outside.

If you have questions regarding the supply list, please contact us before attending the class.