Mask and Pour Watercolor Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Led by Brenda Blank
Learn a new watercolor painting technique using masking fluid and little brushwork. Paint is
applied in layers by pouring, flicking, squirting or dropping the pigments onto wet paper. This
creates an organic flow of colors as they flow and blend into each other. The end result is
always unique, having almost a block print appearance.
Students will learn how to convert reference photos into Notan format and then transfer them to
watercolor paper. Determining color values and how to mask will be discussed and
demonstrated. Students will provide their own materials. Instructor will have 300# watercolor paper on
hand to purchase. Students should have a basic knowledge of the watercolor medium before
taking this class.
Materials list:
- Professional watercolor paints – one tube each of a primary color (red, yellow, blue) Also
bring your daily use palette as it can be used for final details in the paintings.
- Brushes – for final details; whatever you’re used to using is fine.
- Professional watercolor paper – I prefer Arches or Fabriano Artistico 300# cold press. If
you bring a single sheet, we will be trimming it to the size needed for the painting. Do not
use watercolor pads because the paper is inferior. However, watercolor blocks work fine.
- Cheap brushes or other tools for masking fluid. Do NOT use your normal watercolor
brushes as masking fluid will quickly destroy them.
- At least one board (gator board, plexiglass, foam core covered with waterproof paper or
a wood board). Each painting uses one board. If you plan to do more than one, bring
enough for each painting.
- Graphite paper (make sure it is NOT the waxy kind)
- Creative Mark Flow Expressions Bottles – you’ll need 3 of these. One for each color. OR
you can choose to use small glass bowls for mixing the pigment. These will be used for
squirting or pouring the pigment onto the paper.
- Spray bottles – to wet the surface of the paper. I recommend larger ones to wet the
entire surface of the paper quickly and a smaller mister to spray areas during the
painting process.
- Masking fluid – Do not use “permanent” masking fluid. Choose one from the following
list.
o Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid – 75 ml
o Pebeo drawing Gum – 45 ml
o Graffix
o Incredible Mask (I prefer this one) 4.5 or 8.5 oz
- 2 water containers – I use pint size plastic containers
- Paper towels
- Drawing supplies – a ballpoint pen, 2B or HB pencil, kneaded eraser
- Masking tape
Mask and Pour Watercolor Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Led by Brenda Blank
Learn a new watercolor painting technique using masking fluid and little brushwork. Paint is
applied in layers by pouring, flicking, squirting or dropping the pigments onto wet paper. This
creates an organic flow of colors as they flow and blend into each other. The end result is
always unique, having almost a block print appearance.
Students will learn how to convert reference photos into Notan format and then transfer them to
watercolor paper. Determining color values and how to mask will be discussed and
demonstrated. Students will provide their own materials. Instructor will have 300# watercolor paper on
hand to purchase. Students should have a basic knowledge of the watercolor medium before
taking this class.
Materials list:
- Professional watercolor paints – one tube each of a primary color (red, yellow, blue) Also
bring your daily use palette as it can be used for final details in the paintings.
- Brushes – for final details; whatever you’re used to using is fine.
- Professional watercolor paper – I prefer Arches or Fabriano Artistico 300# cold press. If
you bring a single sheet, we will be trimming it to the size needed for the painting. Do not
use watercolor pads because the paper is inferior. However, watercolor blocks work fine.
- Cheap brushes or other tools for masking fluid. Do NOT use your normal watercolor
brushes as masking fluid will quickly destroy them.
- At least one board (gator board, plexiglass, foam core covered with waterproof paper or
a wood board). Each painting uses one board. If you plan to do more than one, bring
enough for each painting.
- Graphite paper (make sure it is NOT the waxy kind)
- Creative Mark Flow Expressions Bottles – you’ll need 3 of these. One for each color. OR
you can choose to use small glass bowls for mixing the pigment. These will be used for
squirting or pouring the pigment onto the paper.
- Spray bottles – to wet the surface of the paper. I recommend larger ones to wet the
entire surface of the paper quickly and a smaller mister to spray areas during the
painting process.
- Masking fluid – Do not use “permanent” masking fluid. Choose one from the following
list.
o Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid – 75 ml
o Pebeo drawing Gum – 45 ml
o Graffix
o Incredible Mask (I prefer this one) 4.5 or 8.5 oz
- 2 water containers – I use pint size plastic containers
- Paper towels
- Drawing supplies – a ballpoint pen, 2B or HB pencil, kneaded eraser
- Masking tape
