Learn How to Paint Native Trees in Watercolor (Bloomington, IN)

In this hands-on workshop, MarySue Schwab will demonstrate key approaches to painting native Indiana trees. Students will be instructed in multi-layered, wet-on-wet techniques using watercolor processes to create both subtle and dramatic tree formations. You will learn to use a mixture of warm and cool greens and how to juxtapose shadow and form. Students are encouraged to bring a reference such as a photo for their own piece. This workshop is open to students of all levels, and each will receive individual attention.

During the workshop, Julie Roberts from Canopy Bloomington will lead a short presentation on the importance of native trees in the landscape.

Fee: $95 for nonmembers, $60 for members

About MarySue Schwab:

MarySue Schwab studied art at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and has continued her education in San Francisco and at the New York Art Students’ League. MarySue has worked as a graphic designer and transitioned into a career as an art instructor. Her paintings have hung in many galleries and museums across the country. She is a signature member of the Indiana Watercolor Society and the Bloomington Watercolor Society, and a member of the Ohio Watercolor Society and Indiana Plein Air Association as well as a founding member of the Upland Plein Air Society. For more info, see: http://marysueschwab.com/

Supply list:

• Students are welcome to incorporate their own material preferences. Students must bring their own supplies including WC paper, WC paints, Brushes, Hard pencil, kneaded eraser, sharpener, small ruler, paper towels, mixing palettes, mixing pans (can be from recycled yogurt containers) and 2 small water holders.  The following list is based on MarySue’s own painting approach, and are SUGGESTIONS, not requirements. 
  • PAPER: The most important element. MarySue recommends Arches paper in block or sheet formats. Block, 140 pound, Cold Press, 9×12 or 10 x14 or 11×14. Sheets can be divided into 2-4 smaller sheets.
  • PAINTS: MarySue recommends a limited palette, ten Winsor Newton Professional grade colors: 6 warm colors: Windsor Red, Windsor Yellow, Burnt Siena, and Raw Siena, Permanent Rose and Windsor Violet. 4 cool colors: Windsor Blue Green Shade, Windsor Blue Red Shade, Hooker’s Green, and Payne’s Grey.
  • BRUSHES: Do not spend a fortune on brushes. Windsor Newton has an inexpensive line. Sizes: 1” and ½”flat; #4 or #6 round; Detail #2 round.
  • ACCESSORIES: mixing palette, paper towels, water container, etc. — your favorite supplies
  • PHOTO REFERENCES: picture(s) of trees you would like to paint. 
  • PENCIL AND SKETCH PAPER: for simple exercises

CURRENT ARTISTS FOR CLIMATE AWARENESS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $35 DISCOUNT on the workshop. To register for the discount, please email art4climate@carolrhodes.net.

A portion of the proceeds from the workshop will be donated to Canopy Bloomington.

Artists for Climate Awareness is pleased to offer this workshop as part of its series to help artists learn how to use art as a way to bring social awareness to conservation efforts in your communities.
As such, a portion of the workshop fee will go toward a Contributors membership in Artists for Climate Awareness. 

Each participant will be automatically considered a member of Artists for Climate Awareness at the Contributor’s level (equivalent to $35) for one year, unless declined. Contributors get workshop and event discounts, news, and enhanced insider participation.