Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Bit of help and advice please .
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
I have been asked by a local art group to give a demo of whatever I want and have people do some stuff themselves.
I thought Yupo and flowers .my intention is to take the Yupo paper and ask people to bring brushes and their own choice o& watercolours. ...I have already stated no pencils or rubbers.
Then I thought Yupo is so quick and simple unless they want to do more than one , but thought people might like yo do exactly the same on "proper" watercolour paper.
So I am asking should I take rough/ Smooth or what. I only use a decent paper so anywher3 I could perhaps buy a mix of A4 in a pack at reasonable cost , I have three hours to fill , so thought a contrast would be interesting.
Plus they are paying me. Whoeeeeee.
Posted
Surely you’ll have to demonstrate more than one in three hours Sylvia. Presumably you’ll be working loosely and fairly rapidly…
When I’ve demonstrated drawing and watercolour techniques in the past, I’ve gone big, Al size and I’ve generally used a marker or layout pad… cheap but adequate.
What you want to avoid is the class working away on postcard size paintings. Well I wouldn’t want that, but that’s me!
Bring your own brushes… well I would give them an idea of sizes, two decent Rounds plus a rigger sounds about right. You don’t want people turning up with a no 2,3 and 4 sable, which is possible!
Rough is great for expressive stuff, that would be my choice if I was after a more finished look, but I’ve never seen mixed packs, I don’t think they exist…
Posted
Thanks Faye and Alan. Ooooer more than one demo ....! Though yes I'm sure you are right.
The Yupo I use is A4 though I have some A3 . So yes a good idea. Plus rough paper which is so opposite from the smooth Yupo. I have already said no pencils so now will add big brushes.
It's not till June so plenty of thinking time...
Posted
Sylvia I’m doing a workshop in June for the volunteers of local wildlife charity, I will be taking rough and a smother paper as its a learning workshop for non painters. I will be doing two demos one on each type of paper , with a chosen subject for the participants to copy in their own way. To finish off the day each person will have the choice of paper and paint what they would like to do. I do agree with Alan re brushes you could end up with someone bring 001 size and another a 2 inch .
I certainly would not work less than A4 and have found in the past that a size between a4 and 3 the best as a lot of non artists and some artists find the bigger sizes quite intimidating. You can use any off cuts of paper for testing out colours and dry brush technique etc I always take done with me for that reason as it seems to help some people to have the scrap bit to fiddle with.
I have used bigger sizes my self to demonstrate so that people can see what I’m doing more clearly.
Some participants might like to bring their own equipment and I have always made it clear that I don’t have a problem as long as it the same medium as everyone else is using , in my case watercolours. Whatever you do enjoy yourself as well, and do allow for the one who will always demand your attention.
Edited
by Paul (Dixie) Dean
Posted
I wouldn’t presume to offer any and advice on anything watercolour Sylvia, but it looks like you’ve had good advice above. As Dixie says make sure you enjoy it, and don’t forget if you have a tea break half way, that will kill 10 minutes and they can have a look at what everyone else has done.
Good luck. I’m sure you’ll love it and they will also. Your work speaks for itself. Could be a whole new career!
Posted
As Tessa said build in a tea break . Stop early so that everyone can show their work , I always take a old mount so that they participants can see the difference with and with out a frame around their artwork, and as you know it always makes the look better. I make a point of picking out the very quiet person and make sure they get some attention and praise .
Take a few of your own paintings along people love to see them and it’s useful for given examples etc, hey you might sell a couple as well. Most important don’t forget to let us know how it goes, and take as many bookings as you can , some may even ask if you do lessons etc.
Posted
Sylvia you said a demo not a workshop I have done a few of each watercolour and sketching techniques can easily last 3 hours and are much easier than workshops where you get half the group ahead of you and the rest 2/3 steps behind. With a demo you go at your own speed and the questions come thick and fast time flies. Best of luck...
Posted
Thanks Bari, it will be a demonstration and then a hands on workshop. I have decided to take just Yupo paper but enough fo a couple of sheets each person.. unlike conventional paper you don't draw your subject first which might come as a bit of a shock to some of the group. Hence no fiddling about .just get in there with a brush, a bit of splat, cotton buds . I am looking forward to it.