Intro to Watercolor Painting on YUPO Paper / Beginner Level

Scared to try watercolor?  Don't be!  Give this synthetic paper a try - it wipes clean, doesn't buckle or rip, colors are more vibrant, and you can create amazing watery textures! 

About This Class

In this Intro class, you will learn the basics of watercolor painting on YUPO paper.  YUPO paper is a synthetic paper which is very different from traditional watercolor paper.  It is GREAT FOR BEGINNERS.  The water and pigment do not absorb into the paper - this allows you to manipulate the pools of color until the water evaporates, creating fascinating watery textures. Also, most colors wipe clean from the paper, and the colors are more vibrant and bold!  

I will go over supplies you need, we will do some experimenting and observing, color blending (using a limited palette of four colors), and you will be completing simple painting exercises all helping you get the feel of YUPO paper.  

Basic skills/tips to be taught:

• water/pigment rations

• paint control

• color mixing

• erasing/lifting paint

Your final assignment will be to create a loose, impressionistic mini-painting of pumpkins on a vine using only 4 colors.  I will walk you  through every step!  I can’t wait to see some of the end results!

Who is the class for?

Anyone!  You really don't need much artistic skill to take this beginners class.  Just jump in!  With some simple instruction, I know you will create something you love!

Learn something new and have a blast doing it!  Join me for the fun class where you will gain confidence in watercolor painting! 

Supply List

Everything can be found at your local art supply store, however, you may have to order YUPO paper from Blick's art supply online.  Please, watch my supply list video for details!

• YUPO paper (pads are best, any size 5 x 7 - 11 x 14) ($5-15 depending on pad size)
• Watercolors in 4 colors - Payne's Grey, Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Orange (or colors very similar to these).  Small tubes are perfect, and student grade (Cottman's) is fine!  ($3-5 each)
• Brushes - I am recommending size 4, 8 round brushes and size 4 filbert brush.  A mix of synthetic and natural are my favorite. ($2-4 each)
• Small palette ($2-4)
• Q-tips, paper towels, masking tape, water reservoir, wash cloth
• Krylon fixative spray, clear (optional) ($6)

Average cost for all of art supplies listed (not household items) is around $35

Class Outline

• Class Overview / Intro
• Supply List
• Lesson 1 - YUPO vs Traditional Watercolor Paper
• Lesson 2 - How Much Water?
• Lesson 3 - Lifting Color
• Lesson 4 - Monochromatic Painting
• Lesson 5 - Color Mixing
• Lesson 6 - Color Mixing Practice / Fall Tree Painting
• Final Project - Part 1
• Final Project - Part 2
• Sealing and Framing