FA 362: Watercolor
Summer 2011; M-F 1:30 – 4:15

Michelle Forsyth, Associate Professor
Office Hours: by appointment
Office Room #: FA 7015
Office Tel: (509) 335 – 3278
Email: mforsyth@wsu.edu

Course Objective:
No prerequisites. This special topics painting class will initially begin by exploring traditional approaches to watercolor painting; however, contemporary or subversive approaches to the medium such as ones taken by Marcel Dzama, Shahzia Sikander, Henry Darger or Tim Gardner will quickly become the focus.

Grading:            
Handouts, critiques, and demonstrations will contribute to each student's formal studio technique and critical facility. Interaction and collaboration with your peers will be an important aspect of the learning process. Attendance is mandatory. You must show work during class to receive a grade. You can miss no more than 5 classes to pass. (Breakdown: 40% In-class Exercises, 30% Participation, 30% Final Project/Large Watercolor).

Students with Disabilities:
I am committed to providing assistance to help you be successful in this course. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) during the first two weeks of every semester to seek information or to qualify for accommodations. All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC (Admin Annex Bldg, Rooms 205). Call 509 335 3417 to make an appointment with a disability counselor.

Academic Dishonesty:
WSU is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of academic work, and can result in suspension or dismissal from the university. In this class, academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. See http://www.conduct.wsu.edu/default.asp?PageID=343 for more information.

Optional Text:         
Dewey, David. The Watercolor Book: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist. (New York; Watson-Guptill, 1995)

Supplies:
The following is a suggested list only. I will discuss materials during first class so you can make an informed decision about what to purchase. If you have worked with watercolor before feel free to bring the materials you prefer to work with.
Paper:
5 sheets 140 lb Cold Press watercolor paper like Arches, Fabriano or Lanaquerelle
1 – 7 x 10 Watercolor Block (20 sheets)
Brushes:
1 Large Wash Brush (1.5-2 inches)
1” Bright
1/2 “ Flat with sharp edges
semi large mop – oval shaped brush
4 Rounds of various sizes
Tube Paint:
Paynes Grey
Raw Umber
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow Lt.
Permanent Green
Phthalo Blue
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Dioxazine Violet
Gummed Paper Tape
Ox Gall Liquid
Folding Plastic Palette
Elephant Ear Natural sponges
Small bottle for waterPencil
Spray bottle
Larger bottle for carrying water
Tote for transporting supplies
Folding stool for working on location (optional)
Jar with watertight lid
Small bowl or Tupperware container
Large cheap sponge
Scissors
Ruler
Ceramic plate or butcher tray (optional)


Course Schedule:
Week 1: An Introduction

Monday
Introduction to the course and course content. Information about materials needed for the course.
About watercolor paints (types and brands)
Related mediums (gouache, liquid watercolors, watercolor sticks)
Brushes (fibers, types, manufacturers and care)
Paper (Weights, sizes, sizing, texture)
Exercise: get supplies

Tuesday
Demo on stretching paper
Color Theory and watercolor
Transparency and layering
Color chords and harmonies
Color mixing techniques
Creating washes (wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, variegated)
Exercise: Stretch paper and create a series of 3 washes on half sheets (one wet-on-dry even wash, one wet-on-wet gradient, and one wet-on-dry gradient with a distinct wet on wet area in a different color)

Wednesday
Images of watercolor: A brief history of the medium.
Palettes, Easels and studio organization
Drawing and watercolor
Importance of light and dark
From Line to Value
Exercise: Working on stretched paper, create a painting from the still-life try building up washes using drawing to outline areas of value.

Thursday
Mediums
Preserving whites
Glazing
Layering
Exercise: Continue working on stretched paper, focus on preserving whites.

Friday
On Location (On Campus near the Cacti)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Week 2: On Location

Monday           
Textural Effects
Lifting, blotting, sponges
Resists
Masking fluids and glues
Exercise: Continue working on stretched paper, try using lifting, sponging, glazing and layering.

Tuesday           
On Location (Conner Museum)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Wednesday           
On Location (Abelson Greenhouse)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Thursday
On Location (Lawson Gardens)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Friday             
On Location (Sunnyside Graveyard - Corner of Old Wawawai and Main St)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Week 3: On Location

Monday
On Location (Conference Room)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location   

Tuesday           
On Location (Sunnyside Park)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Wednesday           
On Location (Cemetary behind Wallmart)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Thursday           
On Location (Abelson Greenhouse)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Friday          
On Location (Kruegal Park or Classroom if Rain)
Exercise: Create at least 1 painting on your watercolor block/journal from the location

Week 4: Large Watercolor

Monday           
Studio work
Enlarging techniques (using a grid, opaque projector)
Exercise: work on large watercolor

Tuesday           
Images of Contemporary Watercolor
Exercise: Wet-on-wet techniques Studio work

Wednesday           
Studio work
Watercolor and gouache
Exercise: work on large watercolor

Thursday           
Studio work
Watercolor and colored pencil
Exercise: work on large watercolor

Friday           
Large Watercolor Due/8 onsite works/3 gradient studies and still life.
Potluck and show of work in gallery 2. Invite your friends to see your work