Blotting paper is one of the most useful materials a watercolour artist can add to their painting kit. You can create a huge variety of convincing effects that replicate the look of ice, churning seas, tree bark, dazzling light and even animal hair. Once you get the knack of handling this paper it can revolutionise how you make art.

Blotting paper used here to paint both the sky and the sea

Jason is known for his dramatic seascapes in which he used blotting paper extensively. On this course he will show you some of his unique seascape methods as well sharing a wealth of other blotting paper effects that will expand your understanding of watercolour painting and perhaps change the stylistic look of your art.

Blotting paper was used within the tree bark and the foreground snow effects

Used in this painting to soften back the sky and help lift off light areas

Medium

Watercolour

Level

This course would suit those who have a little experience of watercolour painting

Day, location and time

Wednesdays from 10:15 to 12:15 at Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Duration

5 weeks – see calendar

Cost – £70

Why does Jason think this course would be of value to you as a painter ?

This course will help you re-think how you handle watercolour particularly in relation to saving white spaces. You will be able to move away from masking out the white sections using blotting out instead which is faster and more fun !

What will you do on the course ?

• Find out which types of marks made using blotting paper will best illustrate water, trees, frost, clouds and hair.
• Broaden your understanding of controlling wet in wet
• Create several samples of effects using the ideas shown
• Paint finished images using blotting paper as an integral part of the creative process.

What do you need to bring ?

You will need to bring your watercolour painting kit that you use at home to class. In addition to this you will need to bring several sheets of kitchen roll and a number of sheets of Gold Medal 140lb blotting paper.

Reference material can be found for this course at www.studio.jasonskill.com in the library section under courses. You will first need to join studio. This is free and only takes a few moments. You will also need to bring drawing paper, a pen and pencil, eraser and sharpener, some drawing paper, watercolour, or acrylic paper to the first lesson as well as your painting kit.

If you are unable to purchase the course online then please send a cheque for £70 –

– made payable to; Painting with Skill to:

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To avoid disappointment – book early.