Water and Reflection - watercolour

About the Artist:
Frans studied Biology at the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands) and studied soils and the creatures that live in them for more than 35 years. Despite his fascination for the muddy world of worms and other creepy crawlies, his paintings are motivated by light. The natural world, be it landscapes, seascapes, animals or people, are a constant source of inspiration. Whereas Frans is a self-taught painter, his work is influenced by the paintings of impressionist watercolourists such as Edward Seago, John Yardley, Edward Wesson, Trevor Chamberlain and Nina Engle. The work of these painters breathes an air of directness and freshness that is so attractive about watercolour and almost impossible to achieve with other media.
Frans is a member of the Sussex Watercolour Society and the ‘Attic Art Club’, and exhibits on a permanent basis at the Montague Gallery in Worthing and The Artisan Gallery in Chichester.
Website: https://fransdeleijart.com
About the Workshop:
To get the best out of this workshop, you should have some experience of painting in watercolour.
The workshop starts with a presentation by Frans about ‘painting water and reflections’ by looking at the work of various watercolour artists (including Frans’ own work)
After a short break each of the participants will work on a painting of their own using photographs that are provided as reference (you might wish to bring your own photos)
Frans will do a painting of his own as a demonstration for those who want to have a look at how he creates a ‘watery painting’.
Besides painting, Frans will spend most of his time helping the participants with their work.
At the end of the afternoon, the paintings done during the day will be constructively evaluated in the group so that we can learn from all the good bits as well as the not so successful attempts.
Please bring with you:
- Two brushes (one large (no. 8-14) and one fine one (no 2- 4) and/or a rigger
- Paints (suggestions: Cobalt blue, Ultramarine blue, New Gamboge, Burnt sienna, Sepia, Cobalt violet and Rose madder genuine). Tubes are preferred.
- Two stretched pieces of watercolour paper (for example Archers, rough, 140 lb) on blocks of wood (i.e multi-ply).
- A sharp 3B or 4B pencil.
- A pencil sharpener or a sharp knife
- A soft eraser
- Masking fluid (preferably one that is non-tinted or only slightly tinted)
- A palette (a purpose made one, a white dinner plate, or a white ice-cube tray)
- Kitchen roll
- A water container (preferably something larger than a jam jar)
And most importantly Enthusiasm!
If you have already bought some watercolours, please ensure you have red, yellow and blue.
TIP: If you are able, buy the best watercolour quality you can afford. Watercolours are best purchased from an art shop and the paints can last for years if you look after them.