I’ve been doing something for the past month that I had never anticipated…besides staying home every day! I’ve taken on a “Watercolor 101” video art tutorial series.
As part of Rancho Cordova Arts’ efforts to shift from providing art experiences at public events, we are showing art tutorial videos every weekday at 4pm Pacific Time. We’ve posted about 20 of them - a variety of media and projects, and some videos are loads of fun! (Sabrina Abbott’s ‘Artsy Fartsy Covid Canvas’ is my fave, and her production values are way better!)
My kitchen table has become my video studio, including a camera dangling from the overhead light fixture and two floor lamps trained on the work area. When friends can come for dinner once more, it’ll all come down!
Check out the Rancho Cordova Arts Facebook page for links to my and others’ contributions, or go directly to Rancho Cordova Arts’ YouTube Channel.
Watercolor 101: Values in Watercolor with Marsha Mason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVY71bk9eDg In this introductory watercolors video, Marsha Mason explains how to establish value (lights and darks) when painting, and how to translate those values into color.
Watercolor 101: Textures in Washes with Marsha Mason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTDT37Ks-tU Explore five different ways to add patterns to your watercolor washes, using salt, isopropyl alcohol, more water, and paper towels. Art tutorial with Marsha Mason.
Watercolor 101: Textures in Watercolor II with Marsha Mason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZaqHhuCd8U Explore 5 more techniques to bring interest and life to your watercolors. Includes dry brush, spatter, sponging, stencils with pencil shavings, and bubbles!
Watercolor 101: Split Primary Palette with Marsha Mason https://youtu.be/teIeApHTYbM Master the art of mixing pairs of watercolor paints to get the hue and saturation you want! Did you think that primary colors (red, blue, yellow) are defined as colors you can't mix yourself? Did you think all color wheels are alike? Surprise! Here's a simple strategy for taking control of the colors and saturation you mix from pairs of paints.
Watercolor 101: Masking with Marsha Mason https://youtu.be/ky5ozQI3Py0 Learn how to preserve the bright whites of your paper by masking with tape or masking fluid.
Watercolor 101: DIY Lightfastness Test with Marsha Mason https://youtu.be/bW07GBeoPlk Ever wonder if your watercolor masterpiece will start fading in a couple of months? Learn which of your paint pigments will last in this quick and easy do-it-yourself test. You’ll have the definitive proof of which pigments are fugitive, and when it’s okay to use them.