EXPRESSIVE BOTANICALS
TAUGHT BY PAIGE QUINN VASIC
FIVE WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 1-29, 6:30-9:00PM
SLIDING SCALE $200-275
MATERIALS LIST BELOW, PAPER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN CLASS
Explore the vast possibilities of watercolor and push its limitations. We will be studying the properties that make this medium both perplexing and meditative. Learn different methods of manipulation when it comes to creative expression with watercolor. From salt to plastic wrap, you can use just about anything to produce surprising results. These methods will be applied to our beautiful botanical subjects, so bring your inspiration and any pictures that move you. This class is open to all levels from beginner to seasoned watercolorists.
The format of the class is loose, but guided in technique. What you create is ultimately your choice. Each class will begin with a brief demo and then it is up to you how you will apply what you’ve learned and approach your botanical subject, whether from a photo or a cut specimen. Clear step by step processes are also provided for those who appreciate more structure on their journey. Whatever your vision, we will break it down together and find opportunities to add unexpected flair with some playful, simple techniques.
To register, please email by clicking the button below and include your name, address, and phone number.
Payment can be made by mailing a check made out to NCFA to PO Box 366, Northampton, MA 01061 or by Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Pay Later or Credit Card by clicking the link below.
*Payments on the upper end of the sliding scale help support our continued commitment to accessibility, including sliding scale models and the NCFA Community Fund.
Paige Quinn-Vasic is a local working artist who is trained in many creative mediums such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, and more. She completed her bachelors in fine arts and art education at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which drove her to explore an interdisciplinary practice. Her medium of choice in the last few years has been collage with painted paper, but recently got back into oil painting. The feeling of manipulating color is meditative in a way that other processes feel more removed from the quality of direct play. Her practice tends to hop between mediums as she follows the whims of her creative inner child, exploring whimsy, peculiar curiosities, and microaggressions. Since moving to Northampton in 2023, she has earned a LCC grant for her community project, Noho Art Club, and dove into teaching workshops. You can see more of her work at www.paigesquinn.com or @paigesquinn and @nohoartclub on Instagram
WATERCOLOR SUPPLY LIST
The instructor will have some paint tubes to share small amounts of paint and paper you can buy by the sheet as you go, but do not rely on them to provide full palettes ready for students.
PAPER:
1 full sheet (22 x 30) hot press watercolor paper $10/sheet in class recommended
1 full sheet (22 x 30) rough watercolor paper $10/sheet in class recommended
Brands: Arches, Fabriano, Waterford, Whatman, Strathmore (budget)
A small (8 x 10”) spiral watercolor pad for testing
BOARD:
To hold 15 x 22 size paper so should be a few inches larger in both directions.
Masonite is best though corrugated cardboard and foamcore will do in a pinch
PAINTS:
Please avoid cheap sets like Reeves, Maries, Sakura etc. They will create poor paintings. Tube paints only and please bring all the tubes to class Stick to quality brands like Winsor Newton Cotman or Professional, Grumbacher Academy, Da Vinci, Holbein, Schminke, and Van Gogh. The catalogue stores/online like Dick Blick and Cheap Joe’s (American Journey) have their own brand which is very good and cheaper. Colors: any white, any black, ultramarine blue, pthalo blue, alizarin crimson, cadmium red (or hue), cadmium yellow (or hue), yellow ochre Additional colors if you want to add more are cadmium orange, dioxazine purple, lemon yellow, and permanent rose. Metallic and neon watercolor palettes are welcome, but they can be unhelpful when learning the basics.
BRUSHES: Good brushes – a combo of synthetic and natural- are essential. Poor brushes lose many hairs and flatten out when used which will frustrate the painter. So stay away from cheap sets. Sizes: Rounds # 4, 8, 12. Also, a Japanese Hake brush at least 1 ½” wide or any “wash brush.”
PALETTE: large rectangular palette around 10 x 14, like a John Pike palette, with wells for paint all around and large mixing area in the middle. Again, the online art companies sell their version of this palette for half the price of the other brands. Please don’t get the small round ones with a small area for mixing in the middle. They won’t do.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Small color wheel (available to borrow)
Blue painters tape (like masking tape) from hardware store
Liquid mask (sometimes called frisket) non-permanent
Masking fluid pen/art ruling pen (available to borrow and/or purchase)
Rubber cement pick-up (available to borrow and/or purchase)
White vinyl eraser
#2 pencil
Black fine permanent marker (micron is good)
2 Water containers (deli containers, big yogurt container)
Small portfolio to carry artwork home – not mandatory, but it could be rainy.
Paper towels