Wednesday, January 8 – March 19, 2025
10-week Art Clinic with J. Jordan Bruns–
Watercolor Pencils and Acrylics go together like peas and carrots. Use watercolor pencils to create a fantastic foundation while mapping/sketching out both the still life and figure. Acrylic paints are then added right on top of your watercolor pencil foundation in selective areas, bringing attention and focus to specific areas. It’s the perfect marriage of expressive and detailed painting. Please note there is a $40 model fee paid in class. Class Level: intermediate to advanced.
Schedule of Classes:
Class 1) January 8- In class Demo on Derwent Inktense Pencils (or equivalent brand)
This is a day to experiment! Just using a simple object or two (just for practice), test out the watercolor/ink pencils in a variety of ways. How do we create a large wash? When is it effective to keep the drawn line? How do I preserve the white of the paper?
Class 2) January 15– In Class Demo – Mixing Derwent Inktense pencils with Golden High Flow Acrylics
This is another day to JUST EXPERIMENT! Although, since it might make the most sense to use the acrylics in the negative spaces, let’s do a quick sketch still life painting. When is it the right decision to keep the watercolor pencils visible and when do I cover them up or layer acylics on top?
Class 3 January 22– Begin Two Week Still Life Painting
I recommend a large (16x20ish) piece of watercolor paper for this! We’re going to begin working ONLY with the ink pencils to start, laying down a foundation and begin to think about WHERE opaque paint will go and where you will keep the watercolor pencils visible.
Class 4) January 29– Finish Two Week Still Life Painting
This week, we’re adding opaque paint in select areas to bring attention to the focal point of your painting. You will also make decisions on where linework can be added to move the viewers eye around the composition.
Class 5) February 5 – Begin Painting from Photo
Bring in some options of some photographs that you would like to turn into a painting using this technique! We will have talked about what makes a good reference source in prior classes so hopefully you have some options already.
NO CLASS DATE FEBRUARY 12
Class 6) February 19 – Continue Painting from Photo (starting second?)
Some students may work fast and if you are ready to begin a second painting from photo that is just fine! Otherwise, this is a workday to
Class 7) February 26- Finish painting From Photo
Final touches!
Class 8) March 5- One-week figure drawing/painting
These are quick draws! We will do TWO drawings in one day so leave your details and facial features at home! The focus is on the gesture and the expressive quality of the model rather than the likeness.
Class 9) March 12- Begin Two-week figure pose (1 of 2)
Our focus is more this week. Proportions, strong foundation etc are important before adding the color. We’ll begin with light pencil planning before the ink pencils and washes.
Class 10) March 19- Finish Two-week pose (2 of 2)
For our final class, our model returns so we can add details using either the pencils or the opaque acrylics. If you finish early, consider doing a quick sketch like we did in class #7.
Suggested Supply List
Acrylic Brushes rounds (#6 and #10)
Acrylic Brush, filbert or flat (#8 or #14)
¾” White Artist Tape (acid free)
Derwent Inktense Colored Pencils (set of 12 or 24)
Acrylic Paint (see below)
Gray Matters “disposable” pallet paper
Two sheets, 20×30” Arches (or similar brand) Cold Press watercolor paper
Acrylic Paint Note:
Any acrylic paint will work for this Art Clinic. Any of these varieties will work just fine: “Heavy Body”, “Soft Body”, “Liquid”, “Open”, “High Flow” or “Fluid”. I think GOLDEN “High Flow” and “Fluid” work awesome in mixed media, so I have those colors listed below. If you have a color palette that is comfortable to your painting approach, please bring what works. If you would like additional suggestions on a palette that are for Heavy Body Acrylics, let me know and I can send you that list as well.
Suggested Paint High Flow or Fluid Colors 4 0z tubes
Benzimidazolone Yellow Light Naples Yellow
Pyrrole Orange
Naphthol Red Light OR Quinacridone Red
Permanent Alizarin Crimson (Hue) OR Quinacridone Magenta
French Ultramarine OR Pthalo Blue
Phthalo Green BS
Sap Green Hue OR Green Gold
Yellow Ochre OR Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide
Burnt Siena OR Transparent Red Iron Oxide
Burnt Umber
Titanium White (8oz or 160z)
Carbon Black
Not Important but FUN Paint Colors:
Teal
Neutral Gray N5
Permanent Violet Dark
Quinacridone / Nickel Azo Gold
Materials Pass
is encouraged for “Just Add Water” but is an optional fee that rents out all the materials you would need for your Art Clinic class and provides the specific paper needed. For this session of “Just add Water” the materials pass is $75. Please note that with Material Pass, you keep your artwork but are leasing the drawing/painting tools (like brushes and palette). If you select to pay the Materials Pass, please email Jordan Bruns, to let him know. You can always email with any questions.