Landscape Painting with Gouache and Plein-Air sketching

In this course, we learn to sketch and paint landscapes using gouache. Gouache is a vibrant, opaque, water-soluble medium that offers the fluidity of watercolor with the rich, matte finish of an oil painting. Unlike oils, it is incredibly versatile, portable, and convenient to use. Our sketching exercises focus on simplifying landscapes into bold, simple shapes to create balanced, engaging compositions. For the first four sessions, we work from photo references in the classroom. In the final two sessions, we head outdoors for plein-air sketching and painting at Holmby Park. Materials include a sketchbook (6”x8”), 4B Pencil, Winsor & Newton Designers gouache primary color 6-tube paint set, one gouache permanent white paint, palette, flat brush size 1” or ¾” and size 12 round brush, a cold-press watercolor block(6”x 8”), a cup for water, masing tape, dry cloth, and a small spray bottle. Details regarding these items will be sent to students one week before class begins. Students must sign a waiver before participating.