Expressive Watercolor
Taught by Dan Mondloch
March 14 - 15, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Schmid ARTS Annex (105 Main Street, Fayetteville, TX 78940)
Registration Deadline: February 15th, 2025
About the Workshop
“As a teacher, my goal is to see the lightbulbs come on when students realize that painting isn’t as mysterious as it seems. Of course, it’s still challenging—which is part of the fun—but the visual language is something that I believe we all can learn. In my workshops, I try to teach shortcuts that allow students to make leaps in their understanding of this visual language and how to avoid many of the common challenges of painting. There’s a charm to painting familiar aspects of our lives and subjects become much easier to paint when we learn to simplify them into large shapes of value and color. With the big shapes planned and an accurate drawing established, it’s easier to loosen up and enjoy fluid washes, expressive brushwork, and bold color.
Each morning and afternoon, I begin with a quick demonstration to illustrate the day’s lesson, leaving a large majority of the time for students to work. If time allows, I will lead a late-afternoon critique, which are often very helpful and encouraging for students. Early in the week, we will focus on simplifying scenes into large shapes and value tones. These large value shapes help students understand the sequence and order of how a successful painting is created. I believe this system provides personal growth for students and—in the end— more satisfying results. Many helpful drawing and painting tips will be covered as they present themselves during the week. Students will be amazed at how fast they can grow when they stop trying to paint ‘things’ and instead focus their energy on communicating in the visual language of painting.”
Key Concepts
Simplify Complex Subjects
Loosen Up
Elements of Painting: value, line, shape, color, direction, size, texture.
Confident Brushstrokes
Expressive Color
Utilize Large Shapes for Effective Designs
Order / Sequence of a Painting
More Accurate Drawing
Constructive Critiques
About the Artist
Dan is an award winning third-generation painter. His first interest in painting was in the 9th grade; while driving with his dad he mentioned he’d like to try painting. The next morning, he woke to the kitchen table covered with everything he could ever possibly need to paint a picture. He’s been featured in Plein Air Magazine, Watercolor Artist, and Southwest Art Magazine. Recent honors include the Jean Stern Legacy Award at Laguna Invitational and Best of show at Grand Marais Plein Air. He lives in Cold Spring, MN with his wife Mallory, sons Jack and Drew, and daughter Emma.
Registration
Please click the ‘Add to Cart’ button and ‘Checkout’ to complete your registration. Spaces are limited. The deadline to register is February 15th, 2025.
Supply List
Click the button below to see Dan’s recommended supply list.