Join this month’s Adult Studio and learn about the materials and techniques needed to be successful with watercolors. This class seeks to make working with watercolors attainable for people at all levels. Over the course of four weeks students are guided through the creation of artworks in abstraction and landscape. Students will then be encouraged to create their own original work of art. The class includes a tour of selected exhibitions at the Asheville Art Museum to discuss creative concepts and to become inspired by the works on view.
Week 1: In our first class we will learn about materials and techniques through the exploration of abstraction. We will look at original works in the gallery for inspiration as well as technique. We will consider the importance of the different types of paper, watercolors and brushes in the creation of watercolor works.
Week 2: In the second class participants are guided, step by step, through the painting of a watercolor landscape of our regional mountains. We will continue to explore watercolor techniques, considering color and how light is important in any work.
Week 3: Going deeper. Using skills and techniques we learned in the first two classes we will create a study of a leaf. This painting will be a little more involved than our mountain landscape, as each student will be guided through the creation of a personal painting of a leaf that they have chosen. For the final class students will be invited to bring their own ideas and photos in order to create an original painting using all of the skills and techniques gained so far.
Week 4: Finish line. This is a working class where students continue to work on their personal artwork with the support of the instructor, Nate Barton. Participants are encouraged to share their work and consider the progress that has been made together over the course of the four-week Adult Studio.
Nate Barton is an artist who works in multiple mediums. Watercolors were his first love and he has been working with them for more than 25 years. In addition to making and selling his original art here in Asheville, he also teaches young people how to make art at ICImagine, a free public charter school. He lives with his wife and two sons in Fairview.
Local and visiting artists help students of all levels and abilities develop skills in media that reflect techniques and themes featured in the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. Classes are designed for anyone interested in exploring specific media in depth or introduce new media and processes.
Refund policy for Adult Studio: Unless otherwise noted, refunds for ticketed/paid adult programs will be made if a request is submitted in writing at least two weeks before the scheduled program. The full cost of the ticket/registration, minus any credit card or other processing fees, will be issued via check within 30 days following the written request.To add your name to our Adult Studio mailing list, click here.