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Course Description

This course is open to students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with previous experience who wish to refine their techniques. Under the instructor’s guidance, you’ll receive individualized instruction tailored to your abilities and interests. You’ll learn how to mix and blend colors, control water, and use various brush strokes to achieve different effects. The course also covers the selection and use of watercolor paints, papers, and brushes. Students are encouraged to work on independent projects, allowing you to explore your creative ideas while developing your skills. While no prior watercolor experience is necessary, some basic drawing skills are recommended.
Additional features often include access to reference materials, opportunities for instructor critiques, and a supportive classroom environment focused on both skill-building and creative expression.

No prior watercolor experience is required, though some basic drawing ability is suggested. All necessary theoretical and technical skills will be built piece by piece, ensuring each student feels supported throughout their watercolor journey.

 

Course Outline

Course highlights and curriculum may include:

  • Exploration of materials: how to select and use watercolor paints, papers, and brushes, understanding their unique properties and impact on your artwork.
  • Fundamental techniques: mixing colors, controlling water-to-paint ratios, creating washes, glazes, and learning wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry methods for textural and visual effects.
  • Brushwork: practical exercises in brush handling, developing signature strokes, and mastering effects from delicate lines to bold washes.
  • Understanding color theory: learning about the color wheel, complementary and analogous colors, value and hue scales.
     

Learner Outcomes

  • A confident grasp of essential watercolor techniques for both representational and abstract painting.
  • The ability to start and complete individual pieces using appropriate tools and materials.
  • A foundational understanding of color mixing, paint layering, and compositional strategies.
  • Improved visual observation and hand skills through instructor and peer feedback.
  • Finished watercolor artworks developed independently, with the option to explore personal topics or styles.
  • Enhanced creative problem-solving and artistic decision-making abilities.

 

Notes

Supply List

•    A block of cold pressed watercolor paper or pad: 9 x 12, 11x14, or 11x17
•    Watercolor Paint (Hohlbein, Windsor and Newton, or Reeves brand) – Student Grade is ok.
•    Colors: Titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, lemon yellow, raw sienna, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, raw umber, burnt umber, and alizarin crimson.
•    Artist tape
•    A plastic palette(rectangular) large you can find it at Blick, Michaels, or Artist and Craftsman.
•    Graphite(pencil)
•    Kneaded Eraser
•    Two cups, for water
•    Paper towels or some kind of cloth to dry your brushes.
•    A variety of Watercolor brushes rounds and flats of different sizes. You may find this at Blick, Michaels, or Artist and Craftsman.

If you have any questions concerning supplies? Please call the Community Music and Arts Center at 847.925.6303 or send us an email at cmac@harpercollege.edu

Occasionally, Continuing Education courses are cancelled due to low enrollment. Cancellation decisions are made three (3) days in advance of the start date of the course. We highly recommend that you do not purchase supplies and/or textbooks until you are sure that the class has not been cancelled.
 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Watercolor Studio
Type
In-Person
Days
Th
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Mar 19, 2026 to Apr 30, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
15.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $249.00 Click here to get more information
CEUs
1.5 CEUs
Instructors
Section Notes

Minimum 6 / Maximum 12

Angela Redmond, Instructor ► Angie's Official Website

No classes on Thu, 26 Mar 2026, Spring Break, and Thu, 02 Apr 2026, Professional Development Day

 


 

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