* This workshop is only available to GCWS members *

Overview

Intuitive painting refers to a creative process that emphasizes spontaneous expression and personal exploration rather than adherence to traditional techniques or predetermined outcomes. It encourages artists to tap into their emotions and instincts, allowing the artwork to evolve organically without the constraints of conventional artistic rules. The instructor will showcase a method for initiating a painting, emphasizing the importance of following your intuition throughout the process of developing and finalizing the composition.

Materials

Watercolor Paper

140 lb. Arches cold press watercolor paper. You can bring full or half sheets. I will demonstrate how to tear the paper to size. We’ll be painting on 15” x 22” or 11” x 15” paper, your choice. Arches is not required, but it is my go-to choice. There are other good watercolor papers. If you have another brand that you like, that is fine.

Just make sure you are using good-quality watercolor paper with no blemishes. 140 lb. paper is less likely than a lighter weight to buckle when wet.  

Brushes

I’ll be using the following brushes for the majority of the painting.  

• Flat: 1″
• Flat: 1/2”
• Flat inexpensive brush: 2”
• Round: #8 or #12
• Other brushes you have could be used.

Paint

Basic tube watercolors. Your favorite colors will work. I recommend having a blue, a red, and a yellow. I use a limited palette, which includes the following colors:

• Payne’s Gray
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• Cerulean Blue
• Phthalo Blue
• Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Rose
• Cadmium Red (or similar)
• Lemon Yellow or Aureolin Yellow (or similar)

Hard-surface board

The board (plywood, masonite, etc.) will be used to tape your paper to.

Tape

1″ width or more, for taping the paper to the board. I use 1″ white artist tape.

Masking tape is okay.

Ink pens

Permanent, nonbleeding, black ink similar to a Micron.

Miscellaneous

• Paint palette to hold watercolor paint and to mix puddles of paint.
• Pencil
• Paper Towels
• Containers to hold water
• Small bowls, cups, or containers to mix and hold wash mixtures.
• Ink pens: permanent, nonbleeding ink. Example: Micron or similar.
• Any of your painting tools that you usually use

Other miscellaneous materials you may want to try

White gouache

White acrylic

Paraffin wax, or candle wax

A variety of miscellaneous tools: sponge, putty knife, plastic bag, saran wrap, colored pencils or watercolor pencils, etc. The purpose here is to have a variety of different tools to use for applying paint, scraping, smudging, and otherwise creatively producing texture and interest. There are no set rules as to what tools you have available. It’s a matter of using your imagination and trying new things.