If you want to learn watercolor, this class is your first step. First, we will go over all the basics, such as identifying supplies, vocabulary of watercolor, color theory, getting set up and the basic functional skills. Next, we will continue to cover relevant watercolor topics to expand your knowledge while creating content designed to help you practice the techniques we’ve discussed. Finally, we will work together as a class to complete individual masterpieces and have a ‘private showing.’ 

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"Embracing Watercolors" is the perfect first class if you've never tried watercolors or are just beginning. The lessons are intended to give you a full overview of the medium, generate some excitement about the magic of watercolors, and build your basic skillset. 

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My name is Laurie Edwards and I live in South Pasadena with my husband. I started watercolors two years ago and am excited to share my passion and knowledge with other students. I have gathered so much information from a beginner’s viewpoint that I want to provide an introductory class at a reasonable price. 

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Supply List 

** Please bring asterisked items* to the first class. Feel free to start out with only the essentials for approx. $100 on Amazon. ** 

1. Round brushes* (I recommend this item from Amazon - (Click here for Amazon link) approx. $34 

3. Flat 1” brush 

4. 140 lb. watercolor paper (I prefer Arches) – 9x12* (I recommend this item from Amazon - (Click here for Amazon link) approx. $39 

5. Mixed Media or Watercolor journal – 4x6* (I recommend this item from Amazon - (Click here for Amazon link) approx. $11 

7. Palette – (I recommend this item from Amazon - (Click here for Amazon link) approx. $16 

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Paints: 

Unless you already own watercolor paints, I am recommending that you start with the three asterisked items, in 5ml tubes (Approx. $30*). These are Holbein watercolors, and we will only use these three during the first class. Bring them unopened to class and we will walk through setting up your palette. In our first class, we will discuss other color options so you can more efficiently build your palette according to your own style. For those students who already have paint (or any other supply) bring what you have. 

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Pyrrole Red 

Nickel Azo Yellow 

Prussian Blue* 

Rose Madder*

Gamboge Nova*

Cobalt Turquoise Light 

Quinacridone Magenta 

Yellow Ochre 

Cobalt Blue 

Indian Red 

Quinacridone Gold 

Phthalo Blue 

Burnt Sienna 

Leaf Green 

Indigo 

Burnt Umber 

Sap Green 

Mineral Violet 

Veridian Hue 

Neutral Tint 

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Syllabus 

Class 1: 

1. Introduction Class

a. Introductions (Name, experience, goals)/ Name plates 

b. Business (attendance, payment methods, absences)

c. Water control (wet-in-wet, dry-on-wet, dry-brush, flat washes, graded washes, consistency) 

2. Pigment and Paint

a. Student vs. Professional 

b. Building your palette 

c. Palette Chart – EXERCISE 

3. Color Theory

a. Color wheel 

b. Grays and neutrals 

c. Contrast/Complimentary 

d. Value Studies 

e. Color Wheel – EXERCISE 

 

Class 2: 

1. What’s Your Style?

a. Realism, Impressionism, Abstract, etc. 

2. Creativity

a. Follow your heart 

b. Investigate 

c. Browse images 

3. Composition

a. Design Elements 

b. 1/3 rule 

c. Drawing vs. ‘Not’ 

d. Contrast/Compliment 

4. Practice – Florals 

 

Class 3: 

1. Brushwork and mark making

a. Brush types – synthetic vs. natural hair, shapes, sizes 

b. Scraping, embossing 

c. Masking fluid 

d. Splattering, salt, and other tricks 

2. Brushwork practice – dry brushing 

3. Composition with value study – Snow scene 

 

Class 4: 

1. Discussion on social media and ‘Glazing’

a. AI 

b ‘Glazing’ 

2. Exercise – touching circles 

3. Composition – Water scene 

 

Class 5: 

1. Respect the Original, BE Original (what are the rules re: copying) 

2. The Color of Perspective – near vs. far 

3. Composition - Architecture 

 

Class 6: 

1. Painting what you see, not what you THINK you see. 

2. Practice – upside down and negative spaces painting 

3. Composition – Hard Objects 

 

Class 7:

1. Battle of the Self-Critic – Combatting the ‘ugly stages’ 

2. Putting it all Together

a. Plan & sketch small 

b. Value study 

c. Color choices/palette 

3. Composition – Individual choice, working session in sketchbook 

 

Class 8: 

1. Finishing Your Work

a. Signature 

b. Framing/Matte board 

c. Cradleboard 

d. Name Your Work 

e. Consider a selling price 

f. Measure final piece 

2.Composition – Individual from sketchbook to paper and working session 

 

Class 9: 

1. Composition – Individual work on final project 

2. Show and Tell

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