Level: all

January 6 - February 10, 2022

Thursdays

10am - noon

6 wks

Instructor: Sharon Schmiedel

Instructor's website

Fee: $190

Do you have a sketchbook that’s just sitting on a shelf because you liked the idea of keeping one, but got intimidated by all those white pages? This class is about getting past that fear and jumping in. Hallelujah! You can use whatever materials you have for pencils, markers, and watercolor. Subject matter and styles will vary from observational to fantasy. I will introduce ideas, share tips, and give demos at the beginning of each class. Then, everyone will sketch, paint, and play. While you are painting, you can ask questions and I will do mini demos to answer them for those who want to watch. This course is open to students of all levels; some drawing experience is helpful but not required.

NOTE:  This class will be taught online using Zoom.  Students are expected to be well versed in the use of Zoom prior to the start of class.

Suggest Supplies:

  • Drawing Materials: pencil, eraser, black fine line waterproof marker (a sharpie is fine), a few colored pencils, watercolor pencils, markers or crayons. You can improvise with what you have.
  • Sketchbook: You can use whatever you have, I will be using a Strathmore Mixed Media Art Journal size 8.5”x11” closed. Paper a little heavier than drawing paper is best. Another favorite is the Stillman and Birn softcover, 5.5”x8.5” closed, the alpha, beta or zeta series.
  • Watercolor Paint: Use whatever you have, if you have to buy some Jerrys Artarama in West Hartford has the Winsor Newton Cotman Pocketbox watercolor 12 pans on sale for $14.99. About $20 online elsewhere.
  • Brushes: I mainly use a #12 round synthetic sable watercolor brush
  • Scissors
  • Magazines with color images
  • Glue or Gluestick, I use matte medium and a cheap flat acrylic brush

I will show you some of my favorite supplies in the first class which are optional.

Instructor:   Sharon Schmiedel

Sharon Schmiedel has a BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She works in watercolor, pen and ink, mixed media and acrylics. These works are energetic and expressive; it is the opposite direction from the many years she spent working in technical illustration, medical illustration, and graphic design. She now spends her creative energy painting, drawing, and teaching.  To see Sharon’s most recent artwork follow her on Instagram artwork_sharon or her website at www.sharon.gallery.