We finally got around to our second watercolor lesson last Friday, and it seemed to go over well.
Here is the overview of lesson #2:
- Still using the 3 primary colors and having them mix others.
- Drew 3 squares on the paper, (we were working small because I was running low on watercolor paper) and had them paint the first with plain water and then dab on different colors to see what they do and how they flow. ("wet on wet" intro)
- In the 2nd square, had them paint with plain water then carefully paint on a single color to achieve a smooth, even block of color. (a "wash")
- In the 3rd square, had them paint with plain water, then apply color to the top and part way down to achieve a "graded wash".
- Introduced the terms "landscape" and "portrait" in regards to paper positioning.
- On some really cruddy watercolor paper I had (have got to re-stock with the 140lb!), had them do a blue wash and lift off color with natural sponges for clouds. (Big hit!)
- Introduced the term "horizon line" and had them add green for grass and set aside to dry for a few minutes.
- After the grass was dry, they painted in simple trees and used the other end of the brush to "scrape" in the trunks.
- Was planning on having them do some smaller trees in the distance and introduce elementary "perspective", but things sort of fell apart right about then. :-)
