Botanical Illustrations in Watercolor with Sophie McVicar

Saturday, February 17
10 AM to 12 PM
$30, supplies needed

Follow along as local artist, Sophie McVicar demonstrates illustrative watercolor techniques. This class will be primarily a follow-along demo, with individual assistance as time allows. Students will create beautiful botanicals, inspired by scientific and ecological illustrations. We will cover basics in color theory, as they relate to watercolor. We will cover basic techniques that will help you in your watercolor practice, whether you pursue a realistic or more abstract approach. We will work through one to two botanical studies. Reference materials will be provided. The goal of these illustrations will be to understand how to layer watercolors to develop an image that has richness and vibrancy.

Materials:
Sophie has developed her own set of brand preferences, but focus on what you have access to. As you do more watercolors; you will develop your own preferences that complement your approach to painting.

– Watercolor paper 8″x10″ or bigger (Example: Fabriano, Fluid Blocks)
– Brushes: small-medium round (Ex: Princeton Neptune Round 14, Princeton Aqua Elite Round 10)
– Palette: this can be a plastic, ceramic, or enamel tray, etc.
– Paper towels or reusable cloth for cleanup and blotting – these should be white/unpatterned
– Medium pencil: HB, 2B, or 4B
– Soft, clean eraser (Ex: Faber-Castell PVC Free)
– Large cup for water
– Watercolor paints: any starter student set with primaries will be sufficient; if you have additional colors please bring them as you may want to work with an expanded palette (Example colors: Quinacridone Red, Cobalt Yellow, Phthalo Blue (Green Shade), Hooker’s Green, Quinacridone Pink, Carbazole Violet, White)

Supplementary materials to consider:
– Soft pencil: 6B or 8B
– Tracing paper
– Masking tape

Check out Sophie McVicar’s website: www.sophiemcvicar.co/

Level 1: Beginner – This class is appropriate for beginner to advanced painters. Covers the basic techniques of the medium and offers individual assistance. No prior experience is required.