Karen Richardson Watercolour Studio
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Wondering which skill level you are?
The definitions below may not exactly describe your individual situation, but they are intended as a general guide to help you choose a class that will be informative and enjoyable for you.
Beginner:
You haven't done any art since high school or college, or have had less than 100 hours of art instruction in the last 5 years. You may have some art supplies but they are mostly student quality.
Novice:
You have had 100 to 200 hours of professional art instruction in the last 10 years and have done many paintings on your own. You know how to mix secondary, complementary and dark colours from the primaries, how to make a smooth graded wash, flat wash, hard edges, soft edges, negative painting. You may have a mixture of student and artist grade equipment.
Intermediate to Advanced:
You have had over 200 hours of art instruction in the last 10 years and have done hundreds of paintings on your own. You have started to develop your own painting style and regularly employ colour theory, composition and contrast in your own work. You insist on having your own professional quality brushes, paper and paints.
I offer a limited number of beginner, novice and intermediate level watercolour classes and workshops in my home gallery in Port Perry, Ontario from October through April each year. If you wish to receive timely email notices about my watercolour classes please email me and ask to be added to my 'Watercolour Folk' email group.
I look forward to painting with you!
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What do students say
about my classes?
"I hadn't picked up a brush for years, so I was a little worried about signing up. Karen couldn't have made the experience more enjoyable. I had briefly touched on perspective, but Karen presented it in a clear and precise way, and I realize how important it is if I want to produce an accurate and believable painting. I have learned how to break down a painting into stages of graded wash, transferring objects drawn in perspective onto paper, apply mask, create light and shadows. Mixing colours and values was a bit of a mystery to me, but Karen's 'easy to understand' instruction has removed the mystery and the fear of putting brush to paper. I come away thinking 'maybe even I can paint'. It has been a pleasure sharing Karen's wonderful talent." - Patricia Pyke
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"I enjoyed Karen's class tremendously. I had never done watercolour painting, although I always admired paintings done in watercolour. Learning about the architectural drawing was fascinating. I now view paintings and real life potential paintings differently. Karen made this course exciting and fun while teaching so much in such a short time."
- Bev O'Leary
"I had a great time at Karen's "Fun with Masks" workshop. In addition to being an amazing artist, Karen is a wonderful teacher....she openly shares all of her techniques, be they based upon modern technology or those of the "Old Masters". Although I had never painted before, I was able to create a frame-worthy watercolour that I am very proud of. Thanks Karen!"
- Joanne Dutka
"Thank you for another outstanding watercolour class. I have really enjoyed being a student of yours for several years and look forward to continuing with you. "
- Susan Beatson
"Karen's work is terrifically realistic and she gave me lots of useful technical tips on achieving realism in my own work as well as a good feel for the medium of watercolour. I really enjoyed her classes and look forward to taking more."
- Robin Hobbs
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"Not only is Karen Richardson a fine painter, I've discovered that she is a fine teacher, as well. In classes offered through Meta4 in Port Perry, Karen led us, her students, through well-planned and increasingly challenging studies for six afternoons. Each study began with a drawing using perspective, moved through the various techniques of graded wash, flat wash, wet in wet, dry brush and glazing. Karen demonstrated each step, then gave us time to try it for ourselves. As we drew or painted, Karen circulated, giving encouragement or suggestions or answers to our questions. I thoroughly appreciated her thoughtful and generous approach." - Ann Goldring
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"The Architectural Drawing and Painting course was wonderful! We learned so much in such a short time; valuable lessons in perspective drawing and a bounty of watercolour painting techniques. Karen has a natural talent for instructing; she's well-organized and she has that rare ability to convey ideas and to demonstrate skills and techniques that others can easily follow." - Jane Rowe
2010 FALL CLASS SCHEDULE
My classes are designed for those who want enhanced coaching in watercolour techniques, so there is a maximum of four students in each class or workshop. Students must be 18 or older. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot, with the balance due one week prior to the first class.
Call me if you have questions or wish to register at 905-985-7418. 13% hst will be added to all fees. Visa, MasterCard, cash or cheque accepted.
Cancellation Policy: In case you have to cancel your reservation up to one week prior to start of class, your payment (less a $25 cancellation charge) can be applied to a future class. Cancellations after that point will result in forfeiture of your payment unless your spot can be filled with another student.
For a printable copy of the 2010 COURSE BROCHURE please click here.
For a printable copy of the 2010 MATERIALS LIST please click here.
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OCT 12, 19, 26, NOV 2
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS - 1:30 to 4 pm
‘Old Time Welcome’
Intermediate Level - 10 hours - $162.
Textured stone wall, flowers, wrought iron and shadows. Choose to paint the wooden door and blossoms any colours you wish.
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OCT 16 & 17
WEEKEND WORKSHOP - 10am to 4pm
‘Pebbles 1-2-3'
Beginner Level - 10 hours - $162.
Learn basic principles of composition and value contrast. Mix any colour you need from three primary pigments.
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OCT 20 & 21
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY WORKSHOP
10 am to 4 pm
‘Lake Temiskaming'
Beginner/Novice Level - 10 hours - $162.
Lots of textured rock, water, deciduous and conferous trees, distant hills. One of the cool places I visited this summer. Fabulous variety all in one compostion!
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NOV 9, 16, 23, 30
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS - 1:30 to 4 pm
‘Extreme Skies’
Beginner/Novice Level - 10 hours - $162.
Paint a series of 'serious' skies. Use photos supplied or bring your own!
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NOV 6 & 7
WEEKEND WORKSHOP - 10 am to 4 pm
‘Paint the Wind - Georgian Bay'
Novice/Intermediate Level - 10 hours - $162.
More rocks, water, sky and windblown trees. Many techniques to practice.
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NOV 20 & 21
WEEKEND WORKSHOP - 10 am to 4 pm
‘Vintage Home and Garden'
Beginner/Novice Level - 10 hours - $162.
Learn how two-point perspective drawing can make your paintings of buildings more realistic. Have fun with luscious colour too!
No watercolour experience is needed, but some drawing experience would be an asset for this class.
How will you learn?
I am delighted to share with you my painting experience and valuable insight, distilled from over twenty years of painting and selling my watercolours. I will guide you with personal attention in a patient, supportive and structured environment. Lessons are based around a series of ten minute practical painting demonstrations, interspersed with your own painting time. This allows you to build your paintings in an easy to follow, step-by-step manner, using simple principles of design and colour theory. I emphasize the importance of strong value contrasts and colour mixing using primary colours, allowing you to execute dramatically realistic paintings in a fairly short period of time.
What subject matter do I teach?
If you like my paintings and want to know how they are created, you will enjoy and appreciate my classes. I teach only the subject matter I love - wilderness or rural landscapes in all seasons; natural still life such as flowers, leaves and rocks; and buildings drawn with architectural perspective.