Unit 1 - Watercolor Composition

For this unit students will explore techniques for water color application, composition and design.  Then you will create your own original expressive water color composition

Formative Assignments

PART I
Water Color Practice Grid
Steps for Preparation
  1. Get a 9x12" piece of water color paper.
  2. Tape all sides of paper to a board
  3. Grid off your paper with 3 columns and 7 rows for a total of 21 different techniques
  4. Follow along with Manders or watch the Watercolor Techniques for Beginners video below.
PART II
Master Artist Inspiration
rubric_-_watercolor_composition.docx
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Summative Project 

How do artist decide on subject matter and turn a blank white sheet of paper into a brilliant masterpiece?  


Choice #1 - Photocopier Inspiration
Process for Creation:  
  1. For this composition you are challenged to create an expressive water color painting by capturing your portrait, body part (keep it appropriate - ie: arms, hands, leg, foot, etc) as the subject matter with a xerox copy machine.  
  2. With your photocopy, redraw/render the image onto a larger piece of water color.  You may draw it free hand or use the grid method of transfer.  
  3. Then, with a variety of water color techniques, paint in your subject matter in an expressive, contemporary way.  
  4. Mask out the whitest areas of the photocopy either with masking tape or masking fluid.  


Choice #2 - Gridded Enlarged Subject
Process for Creation:
  1. For this composition you are challenged to create an expressive water color painting by choosing an image of your liking (preferably one you shot) with good balance in mind. 
  2. Find or print out your chosen 8 x 10" image.  Grid the image with a 1 inch square grid.  Then, draw a proportionate grid on your water color paper.
  3. Paint the subject matter with a variety of water color techniques.