Some of the greatest works of art in history have been rendered in watercolour and guache.
The simplicity, clarity and translucence of watercolour is unmatchable, so why do we see so few of them in the important galleries and art catalogues of the past and present?
One reason is that watercolours have long been perceived as a medium of the "quick study," a way of sketching and recording impressions.
They are viewed as less time-consuming and therefore, less valuable than say, oils or acrylics. Another perception problem is permanence.
Indeed, watercolours, due to their delicate nature, must be protected in some way, usually behind costly matts and glass, which in turn need frames. The frugal artist, historical or contemporary, often opts for mediums that are less expensive to display and more likely to fetch better prices.
But what if we could have our cake and eat it, too? What if we could create effects with the freedom and luminosity of watercolour and the permanence of acrylics?
Well, to all those frustrated paper-stretchers out there, the solution is nigh.
Sandra Lamb, who has been working with just such effects in acrylics, is offering a five-afternoon workshop on the magic of vibrant, translucent imagery on a stable and frameless surface. If you have a good foundation in watercolour painting, you can learn how to tweak your techniques and explore new options all according to your own personal style.
Sandra will introduce new surfaces in addition to the traditional papers and also cover the various viscosities of acrylics and how they can affect process. Students will have access to Sandra's supplies for experimentation in addition to their own paints. There will be an emphasis on making progress on a personal project with individualized help.
Acrylics for Watercolour Artists starts this coming Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 11) from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sports Centre Aquarium Room on Vanier Drive.
Call Sandra at 250-337-5487 or e-mail sandra@twolambs.ca for further info, or visit her website (www.twolambs.ca) and click Workshops and Events.
— Sandra Lamb