Art Class "Plein Air / Urban Sketching in Watercolor" with Iain Stewart

"Plein Air / Urban Sketching in Watercolor" with Iain Stewart

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 22, 23 & 24, 2025.
10 AM to 4 PM.
$450, includes lunch on Saturday. Supplies needed.

Having taught for many years both at the University level and in the workshop environment I've been able to put together a formula that will show you my process in full detail. My first goal is to make you comfortable. This is your time and I am there to support that. For most people painting is a private process, doing so in a more public environment can create an anxious mind. I tend to try and keep things calm and will encourage you to let go of the fear of performance and embrace the act of creation in a relaxed environment.

When working from life or photography my goal in every scene is to ask myself why I chose the subject and how do I convey that idea on paper. I start by breaking a scene down into its major elements and then allow myself the freedom to reorganize and adjust for as strong a composition as possible. I build on this using thumbnail sketches where I "play" with different versions of the scene. Once I am settled on a workable idea I begin the process of building the scene. I am known for saying a couple of things. First- never let reality get in the way of a good painting. Second- do not let a pencil line tell you where to put your brush. Thinking this way takes a little pressure off of the need to perform well from the start. We are so very good at seeing the bad things in our paintings and terrible at noticing the good bits. I want to show you how to avoid that distraction and plan a painting so that you understand as much as you can before starting in with paint.

I cover as many different subjects as I can in each workshop. Skies, landform, water, reflections, the urban environment, all deserve attention so that I can give you a base of knowledge you can work from well after I have left the building. I don't want to create cadre of people that can paint in my style. I want to help you find your unique voice. You are the only one that can express the world in your way. I embrace that idea.

I will of course show you tips and helpful ideas I've learned in my 25 year career. I will demonstrate how I work from the first scribble of a pencil to the final piece. It's all about embracing your creative side and learning to letting go of the little voice that tells you that you can't do it.

My very best,

Iain

lain Stewart AWS / NWS is a Scots born watercolor artist and a signature member of the American and National Watercolor Societies among other state and international entities. He has also recently been inducted into the Whiskey Painters of America.

His work has received numerous awards in international competition and hangs in many corporate and private collections. lain is a sought after watercolor instructor and juror and has been published in numerous books and periodicals. He has just finished production of his 5th instructional DVD. In 2021 his first book on painting; En Plein Air- Light and Color, was published.

lain maintains a studio in Opelika, Alabama, and in addition to gallery work, is an Architectural Illustrator with an international clientele and has taught watercolor and design drawing at Auburn University where he received his degree. lain is an International Brand Ambassador for Escoda Brushes, Daniel Smith Watercolors, and Stillman & Birn Sketchbooks.

Materials List

Please note.

In regard to the materials list it is wise to try and use as much of your existing supplies as possible. The following are what I use for painting- and everyone’s taste is slightly different there. You will need the Stillman and Birn sketchbook in either alpha or beta series. Hardbound or wire bound. We cannot replicate a paper’s reaction in different sketchbooks. You will need a couple of mop brushes mid sized for larger washes, a good springy pointed round for detail #8-14, and something smaller for detailed work. I also use a couple of flats at times. In most cases I can suggest ways to use what you already have to get the same results as I do. It’s rare that the materials are in control of what is happening on the paper.

I use the following colors in artist’s grade tube paint. Whether you have these exact colors is of less importance than the way we think about mixing color and its strength. With a well rounded palette you can mix anything as long as you have decent primaries. My suggestion is not to go out and buy all the colors I have listed here with the exception of Winsor and Newton’s Burnt Siena or Daniel Smith’s Quinacridone Burnt Orange, Lavender, a decent dark like Neutral Tint and some Zinc White gouache. I mix many of my greens so some Quinacridone Gold is useful too. For me the first two colors are interchangeable- you just need a primary earth orange. My palette is based on earth tones and for each painting is fairly limited. If you have a well rounded palette we can mix colors that will work for you. Mixing colors with what you already have is a good exercise and I am rarely adamant about a certain pigment; value and temperature drives most of my decisions. Below is my full list of what I actually put to use. To go out and buy everything here is a significant investment and probably not necessary. I do suggest buying artist’s grade paint and the Escoda Perla is an excellent synthetic brush but, as with many materials, this is a personal choice and not exactly a must have.

? A sketchbook. I use a Stillman & Birn Alpha Series 9" x 11" hardbound sketchbook. If you already have a sketchbook it will be suitable as long as the paper can take watercolor.

? I use Arches or Saunders Waterford 140lb Cold Press or rough paper in addition to loose sheets of Stillman & Birn Beta series papers. Bring twice as much paper as you expect to use. We will typically work at 1/4 sheet and do at least one demo a day.

? A stretching board. I use masonite, or gator board and (Scotch brand) masking tape to affix the paper to the board.

? Drafting or masking tape 1” size

? A water holder and small spray bottle.

? A watercolor palette. I use a folding metal travel palette by Craig Young or the Holbein series flat palettes but the Mijello Fusion Airtight Watercolor Palette is a fine one (especially for Plein Air work) and inexpensive as are traditional round covered palettes.

? Paper towels- I use Viva, it’s extremely absorbent and works well. Do not use dyed or patterned towels

Paint and Brushes

? Brushes- you will need a small, medium, and large watercolor brush. I recommend the Escoda Perla, Versatil, Ultimo series short handled rounds No's 14 and a Versatil 3/4" flat. A squirrel or synthetic mop No 14 or close to it. A small No. 4 round for detail. I also use a small palette knife.

? a brush carrier. I use a Cheap Joe's folding carrier but anything that will protect your brushes and not bend the points will work.

? Paint- I use primarily Daniel Smith Artist's watercolors. I do not suggest using student grade paint. The only difference is the amount of pigment used and your work will look much more washed out than mine.There are many manufacturers out there and I have tried most of them. Daniel Smith, Winsor and Newton, Holbein, M. Graham, Rembrandt, are all suitable.

Full Palette (only as a suggestion- we can typically make your colors work. I do use the Quinacridone Orange and Cobalt blue quite a bit)

Daniel Smith Watercolor Paints

New Gamboge
Lemon Yellow
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna - Winsor and Newton
Light Red - Winsor and Newton
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Scarlet
Imperial Purple
Neutral Tint
Cobalt Blue
French Ultramarine
Undersea Green
Naples Yellow
Greenish Yellow - Holbein
Zinc White (gouache)
Naples Yellow (gouache)

additional colors-

cobalt turquoise
phthalo turquoise
raw umber
burnt umber
winsor orange
verditer blue
lavender

Skill Level:	Intermediate
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