I always get so excited when it’s time to teach a workshop. This time the theme was not the usual “How to Create a Nature Journal,” but an “Intro to Watercolor Pencils.” I didn’t mandate what type of paper or watercolor pencils the participants should bring but, insisted that they get a Niji WaterBrush.

This workshop was part of the Saturday ‘Winter Blues’ Series at the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) Gallery, and they are three hours long. By far the shortest workshop I’ve given. I will teach a mini “Intro to Nature Journaling” on two consecutive Saturdays, at the end of February. No watercolor pencils then, though. I think it will be best to focus on how to get your subject down on paper and enjoy telling about it 🙂

Some of my students already owned their wc pencils prior to the workshop, but really hadn’t explored the possibilities yet. None had ever used a waterbrush before. What fun we had!

First, they took their pencils out for a spin by creating color charts and mixing colors. Then I did some demo’s on how to create marsh grasses, waves and clouds. To my dismay I forgot to show them my technique for spanish moss…….

Then, each went to work recreating their watercolor pencil rendition of a photograph. I hovered and gave pointers/mini demo’s when asked. It was a quick three hours!
When the weather warms, I promised to arrange a plein air instruction session. Thank you, Carol, Debbie, Ruth, Donna , Judy and Pat! See you soon!