There seems to be a never-endinq quest to loosen up in watercolor and it’s probably the most common goal of students. It’s easy to fall into the trap of putting too much into your paintings, and editing out the non-essential whether working from photo reference or painting on location is vital.

Painting loosely doesn't just 'happen', it comes from gaining a comfort level with your skills and materials over time. However, there are techniques that can speed up this process.

My workshop will focus on using value studies from the outset to identify the large shapes in a scene. These large shapes provide the artist with opportunities for lost edges when painting in watercolor, which is essential if we are to take full advantage of the medium. Too often the 'found edges', or details, take over the painter's thinking process, and the result is a tight watercolor.

We will move on toward color paintings using value studies as our guide, and complete color painting lessons together. Demonstration paintings will be done by Andy to reinforce the lessons.

“My interest in art started at a young age, and I spent a great deal of my time drawing. When I began watercolor painting in my 20s, I was inspired mostly by the British artists Edward Seago, Ed Wesson and Trevor Chamberlain. Their ability to capture the landscape with such an economy of brushstroke is remarkable, taking advantage of the luminosity of watercolors done in just a few washes. In addition, I was impressed with the way those artists seemed to capture everyday scenes in such a way that revealed a hidden beauty, subjects that many would simply pass by.

I now find myself trying to emulate that in my watercolors of the Midwest.”

• April 2-4

• 9 am - 4 pm each day

• Teaching artist: Andy Evansen

• Level: Intermediate

• Age: 16+

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $375

• Student provide their own supplies

Andy has been featured in many publications and has become a sought-after workshop instructor who paints and teaches internationally. He became a signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) in 2012 and served as their President from 2015-2017.

His paintings have won numerous awards, including the Bronze and High Winds Medals from the American Watercolor Society.

His love of painting on location also led to him being a featured presenter at the 2014 and 2016 Plein Air Conventions and inclusion in the 2017 Qingdao International Masters Watercolor Plein Air Event.

In 2022 he was voted into the Pure Watercolour Society of England as an International Member.

You can view his work at www.EvansenArtStudio.com.

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