The Positive Power of Negative Space in Watercolor Sketching

INSTRUCTOR

John A. Hancock

DESCRIPTION

Discover the positive power of using negative space to energize your watercolor sketches in this workshop led by teacher John A. Hancock.  The workshop begins with a quick exercise in negative space design.  Students will then use the concepts presented to do a sketch of the environment, using a limited color palette in order to really focus on design.  After gathering for a brief critique, students will expand on the skills learned with a second sketch in a broader color palette. As the class wraps up, students will share their work and discuss the process and results.

LEARNING GOALS

In this workshop, participants will:

• learn to choose and edit a view from the location
• plan and incorporate the use of a negative space design into a sketch
• learn basic techniques for using a limited color palette while achieving visual richness
• learn basic techniques for using a less limited color palette while retaining simplicity
• learn to find strategies that balance visual richness with simplicity in our sketches of the urban environment 

SUPPLY LIST

• a plump, well pointed round (#7 – #10, even a #12 if it has a good synthetic or natural tip) watercolor brush, travel watercolor brush, or a large round-tip water-brush
• a small cup(s) of water 
• a sketchbook or 2-3 sheets loose paper (i.e. watercolor/multimedia) that can handle applications of water (110#-140# or 200-300 gsm)
• pan or tube watercolors:  two earthy neutrals (Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, or an Ochre) and three bright pure primaries (Ultramarine, Prussian, or Indanthrone blue; any red; and any yellow)
• OPTIONAL:  pencil and eraser
• OPTIONAL:  ink pen:  a Pitt pen, a Micron, or a fountain pen with permanent ink

WALKING DISTANCE

This location is approximately 5 minutes’ walking distance from Palette & Chisel.