Watercolor Syllabus and Materials List

Introduction to Watercolor , A class for beginners
Achieve results  and skills you can  put to use immediately!
Day 1:  We cover watercolor brushes, palettes, brand qualities and best practices.
Brushstrokes-Understanding what your brush can do- how to load the brush, tricks to gauge water and pigment loads,how to get rich sumptuous applications of color.
Day 2:  Color mixing made easy. How to achieve the mix you want using both glazing and mix process. 
Understanding values and neutrals.
Day 3:  Special effects techniques - scraping, salt, plastic pressing, sponge,wet into wet etc. Creative uses for masking fluid , when and how, best practices.
Day 4, 5 and 6: : How to use photo based reference , avoiding pitfalls of photos, to achieve optimal results.  Composition and planning a picture successfully
 How to achieve clouds, water and sea effects, trees, vibrant flower colors.
I will demo each lesson, so you achieve maximum results in the shortest time.
Materials List:
1st day -tool check, we will make sure you have all the right stuff, so you can refine all of this with your questions,
No worries, we can walk through and buy them at the opening class, I will help you if you are not confident buying ahead of time.
PAPER:  (BEST): ARCHES Watercolor paper in Arches block form. (10”x14” or bigger)
OR : Single sheets that can be modified in size and taped to a rigid base such as Masonite.
Other brands like Fabriano and others are good- NOTE: NOT Strathmore pads- No!)


Paint - Windsor & Newton PRO GRADE  or Holbein paints (do not buy Cotmans -NO!) :
Colors - Cadmium Red, Opera rose, Cerulean Blue, Horizon Blue, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine blue, Olive Green, Sap Green, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow, Indigo
Plastic folding Palette
Brushes - #12 and #16 Sable (Princeton (best) or Simmons brand ) ,a 1”hake’ brush
Low tack masking tape 1”
Masking fluid -Windsor Newton is best, and a rubber cement eraser (ask about this)
#2 pencil
1 KNEADED eraser
Semi-coarse med grain Kosher salt in a small shaker
Flat 3” X 5” kitchen sponge
WIDE BASE Water Cup such as tupperware for cleaning brushes and water source
Paper towels
butter knife
whales tale palette knife small made of metal- buy at Reddi Arts day of class

The Materials List for Acrylic class

Introduction to Acrylic ,  A Class for beginners
Achieve results  and skills you can  put to use immediately!
Day 1:  Why acrylic?- We cover acrylic strengths and weaknesses, how to overcome the weaknesses, what brushes are best for acrylics. Other tools  such as palettes, brand qualities, special mediums and paint enhancers, and best practices.
Brushstrokes- Understanding what your brush can do- how to load  and use the brush, tricks to gauge water and pigment loads, how to get rich sumptuous applications of color.
Day 1 & 2:  Color mixing made easy. How to achieve the mix you want using both glazing and mix process.  Understanding values and value of neutrals.
Day 3: How to set yourself up for success every time.  How to begin a picture successfully every time, grounds, sketches, photo reference and pitfalls to avoid.
Day 4, 5 and 6: Composition and planning a picture successfully. How to achieve clouds, water and sea effects, trees, vibrant flower colors using values and glazing , brushmanship for best results.
I will demo each lesson, so you achieve maximum results in the shortest time.
Materials List:
1st day -tool check, we will make sure you have all the right stuff, so you can refine all of this with your questions,
No worries, we can walk through and buy them at the opening class, I will help you if you are not confident buying ahead of time.
Materials
Stretched canvases is best but canvas boards are alright (16”x 20”or your choice)
Paint - Goldens BEST! or Liquitex (NO Poor Quality paint like Basic and No Galleria!)
Colors - Large tube of Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine blue, Sap Green, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Cadmium Yellow, black optional
Golden's glaze medium, and extender
“Stays Wet “ resealable palette, a shammy and disposable palette paper are usually included in a new set.
Brushes - bright white small 4,6,8 filbert and 4,6,8, square flat tips (I can help choose those day 1)
charcoal pack, 1 KNEADED eraser
Flat 3” X 5” kitchen sponges
2 WIDE BASE Water Cups such as tupperware
Paper towels
whales tale palette knife small made of metal

An interview of me at my studio from Art Sales and Stories

here is the you tube link:
https://www.facebook.com/artsales.stories/videos/654591874904439/?v=654591874904439

New Schedules for Art Classes at The Barn Studio

“To be an artist is to believe in life.” – Henry Moore

UPDATE:New Options for

Art Classes at

Reddi Arts or My Barn Studio!

UPDATE:New Options!

for Art Classes at

Reddi Arts or My Barn Studio!
@ 3920 Sierra Madre Dr S. Jax Fl.32217

Reddi Arts will still be conducting classes for a while at the same old location! So I have amended my class schedules to include mornings teaching there as before, and afternoons at my studio if you prefer to have classes in my active studio environment. (See the NEW scheduling details on your Reddi Arts or Studio schedule options below)

Reddi Arts is in negotiations with potential buyers at the current location. They will continue to operate at that location for perhaps three more months. When they change locations, they asked me to continue teaching there when they relocate! SO, while things are in flux, it gives you MORE OPTIONS!

As for my schedules, I will offer continuing art education to dedicated students who want to improve their skills in drawing, watercolor, acrylic, and oil at my very own studio location.   The classes at my studio location will be limited to 6 student capacity. You are free to come by to see my studio (by appointment).

Call me at (904)309-0151,

or email me at gordonmeggison@att.net

or gordonmeggison@gmail.com.

to book 2020 sessions at my studio 
@ 3920 Sierra Madre Dr S. Jax Fl.32217

Wed mornings and afternoons, Thursdays and Friday afternoons

or for continuing with mornings at Reddi Arts

contact Patti (904) 396-6385) ext 312 to attend at that location

If you have taken one of my classes before 
Please write a review, it will introduce me to new students in the future.
Use this link. (let me know if you have trouble)

https://lessons.com/providers/EJH5DB-3v/review

The New Years Art Class Schedule Below:

You can review my work at www.gordonmeggison.com

to help you decide what I can do for you!

Wednesdays Starting Jan 8 10am - 1pm, or at 2pm to 5pm Open to all mediums- Charcoal or Pencil Drawing, Oils, Acrylics Watercolor I guide you as you work on subjects of your choice, still life setups, or I can suggest subject matter, or try plein air in the garden (weather permitting) I may even demo projects that I am working on if that is more interesting to you at that time. This will put you in an active studio creative inspiring mind space. $45.per 3 hour set ala carte (your flexible rate) $195.in advance for six weeks of classes (a $75. savings)

  

My watercolor show in our sisters city of Nantes, France was a culmination of much planning and plein aire paintings during adventure travels throughout France, and the local Jacksonville area such as my favorite haunt, Talbot Island, State Park.

Thursdays

Watercolor Mornings

at Reddi Arts

10am - 1pm $195.

Starting Jan 16, 23, 30,

to Feb.6,13 ,20

or

Watercolor Afternoons

At My Studio

2pm to 5pm

My Studio Schedule is different

Jan 9,16,23,30 and Feb 6

$45.per 3 hour set ala carte

(your flexible rate day rate)

Bring someone new earn a free 3 hour set!

$195.for six week sets in advance

($75. savings)

I will help you work out strategies for beginning, breaking down the image into manageable parts, and time saving tips and help you spot the little things that keep your watercolors looking dull and overworked or too pale. I will cover techniques, secrets, pitfalls to prevent years of frustration. Use your own themes or follow my step by step demonstrations. I leverage the power of water to do the work, and harness the rich sediment of minerals to mimics the effects of light better than any other medium !

Fridays

ACRYLICS at Reddi Arts

Abstraction and Realism Covered

Mornings at Reddi Arts

or 10am to 1pm

Jan 17, 24, 31 and Feb 7, 14, 21

Open to Beginners and Intermediate Level

Acrylic & Oil Classes-

Friday Afternoons at My Studio
@ 3920 Sierra Madre Dr S. Jax Fl.32217

Abstraction and Realism 

2pm to 5pm

Open to Beginners and Intermediate Level

Jan 10,17,24,31 and Feb 7, 14

$45.per 3 hour set ala carte

(your flexible rate one day at a time)

Bring someone New, earn a free 3 hour set!

$195. in advance, good for six weeks of classes($75. savings)

Here's what we will cover below: "How to set yourself up for success" "Paint and mediums, Do's and Don'ts "How to take that first difficult step, a process that works every time" "Secrets, color values, glazes, special effects Easy composition, color mastery"! "How to get the most out of photo reference, and a photo's pitfalls" "How to approach the mysterious world of Abstract Art!" "Examine and clarify, refine and seize your own voice by adding energy to your strokes." We will explore both abstract and realistic disciplines and concepts to develop your strength and find your preferences. We will do class reviews of your progress, to help you improve your approach. I take step by step photos of the ongoing demonstrations for your continuing review at home. You own it! Call me at (904)309-0151, or email me at gordonmeggison@att.net or gordonmeggison@gmail.com. to book 2020 sessions at my studio @ 3920 Sierra Madre Dr S. Jax Fl.32217  Wed mornings and afternoons & Thurs. and Friday afternoons or  contact Reddi Arts  call Patti (904) 396-6385) ext 312 to attend at that location

“Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso Children's Art Classes 5 week sets $100. come either day Saturdays 10am to 12 noon, and Sundays 2pm to 4pm for Children ages 7 to 16

“Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

The materials list for my studio classes is: Bring what you have! On the first day we'll cover materials, and get you oriented as to exactly what you need so you don't waste money! I try to do the most with the least amount of tools so you can travel light and not spend a fortune. I will publish suggestions on my blog but come as you are first if there are questions, I have tools and many materials on hand for the first day www.gordonmeggison.com to review my work and explore my extensive background in murals and fine artworks for private collections. Call me at (904)309-0151,or email me at gordonmeggison@att.net or gordonmeggison@gmail.com.

“You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” – John Mason

I have been at this awhile, as you can see! I am photographed here in 1975 working on a surrealistic 48" X 48" oil canvas called "Marriage of the Sea And Sky" and can be viewed at the studio. I paid my dues during my starving artist days, made lots of mistakes and had successes too.

Call me at (904)309-0151, or email me at gordonmeggison@att.net or gordonmeggison@gmail.com. to book 2020 sessions limit six per class!

I also have extensive portfolios of large wall murals painted internationally, and wall finishes to review! I can share all of that with you best at this location! Class sizes are limited to six though, so book your spot in this first offering, while there is still room.