Even while having some success with studio watercolor painting, I have long found sketchbooks to be bit of a hit
or miss proposition. I must have several dozen sketchbooks in my studio, some finished, some abandoned, and
perhaps an overall success rate of 35% (with “success” itself being a wavering concept).
I attend a lot of watercolor workshops, where the presenters often show-off their beautiful sketchbooks, which I
sometimes envy more than the finished studio paintings. And while the idea of plein air painting is romantic, it is
not so easy to pull it off. When you’re out there painting and someone inevitably asks to see your work, It’s nice
when you can share with pride and confidence.
Over time I’ve set about addressing these challenges, turning trial and error into a set of basic, repeatable
techniques. In this workshop I will share what I’ve figured out. I’ll discuss materials, preparations, and a process
which can put you on the road to success to creating successful watercolor sketchbooks (simple watercolor
paintings based on minimal pencil sketches). You may also find tips that can be individually incorporated into
your own sketchbook / plein air painting processes, and many of them can be applied to other media.
In this workshop, emphasis will be placed on working quickly, with a target time range of 30-90 minutes to
complete a watercolor sketch. Working quickly improves the spontaneity of your work, and greatly improves the
chances that working with your sketchbook will become a regular habit.
We’ll discuss setting yourself up for success, including:
having a simple set of materials in a portable toolkit
having a minimal but versatile pallet ready to go, and understanding some basic, reliable, repeatable color
mixes
understanding your sketching process ahead of time so you minimize time staring at the blank page
We’ll describe and practice a simple process, involving the following steps (thinking in terms of 10 minutes or so
per step, maybe 20 for the painting step)
finding the view
developing the rough sketch
refining the sketch - finding basic shapes
planning lights and darks, and a couple of negative painting opportunities
painting the sketch, following the plan that you’ve already laid out
adding finishing details, either on site or saved for later
deciding what you like and what you will do different next time, including definitions of “success”
We will focus on two specific sketches, an outdoor landscape and a museum portrait (for those who envy people
who sketch in museums). Participants may work on both or choose one, depending on confidence and skills.
A materials list and suggested preparations will be provided.
About me
I dabbled in sketching and watercolor for years before retiring from my job as a Program Manager in 2017 and
deciding to step-up my painting. I focused on watercolor, began attending regular classes and workshops, and
producing work on a regular basis. It took a few tries but I juried into Signature membership in the Baltimore
Watercolor Society in the Fall of 2022.
My paintings are increasingly focused on figures and portraits. I enjoy painting people and scenes from detailed
research on my ancestry, as well as anonymous people in interesting situations.
I am now a member of the governing board of BWS and run the annual Mid-Atlantic Watercolor Exhibition for
BWS.
I have also been a part-time studio potter since the 1980s, working from a studio I built at home which includes a
large wood-burning kiln.
Jim Sandford, BWS
Cost of Workshop: Members $35.00 and Non-Members $45.00
Step 1: Register to sign up on the Club’s Team Up calendar: https://teamup.com/ksvnyvdcdyfmo34pv4.
Step 2: To pay for this workshop use one of the following three methods: (Must Note in Comments your Name and the Name of the Workshop!)
PayPal.me/SykesvillePainting (if asked use last 4 digits 7267)
Or
Zelle: cclymer99@gmail.com
Or
Check made payable to The Sykesville Painting Club, P.O. Box 73, Sykesville, MD 21784