Including a hands-on deep dive into watercolor paper and stretching paper.

Class Content: WATERCOLOR: Know Before You Buy! Including a hands-on deep dive into watercolor paper and stretching paper

Are you staring at art store shelves feeling completely overwhelmed? Don’t buy the whole store yet! I’m here to help you stop the overwhelm in this hands-on class. With over 30 years of watercolor experience, let me guide you through the supplies you need—and what you can skip—so you can start your painting journey with confidence.

The class will be broken into two sections. First, we will learn about the supplies and have time to answer all the watercolor questions you’re eager to ask. In the second part, we will emphasize watercolor paper. There are so many types; where do you start? I will help clarify the supplies and paper, giving you time to get hands-on experience to learn the differences (all supplies are included). Furthermore, we will be creating paintings (no fear, this will be step-by-step) on different types of paper to get a real understanding of what different surfaces can and cannot do.

In the morning, we will deep dive into learning about brushes (synthetic vs. natural, short vs. long handles, flat vs. round shapes, and inexpensive vs. expensive options), paints (tube vs. pan, and professional vs. inexpensive brands), and vital supplies, including many helpful tools and tips. There will be plenty of time for questions. After lunch, we will learn how to stretch paper, explore many different types of painting surfaces, and learn about student-grade vs. professional-grade paper—including rough, semi-rough, smooth, hot press, and cold press varieties. As we learn about watercolor paper and create our paintings, we will begin gaining a solid understanding of the differences between them. All supplies are included, but you’re welcome to bring your own to use and ask questions about.

I am taking away the guesswork and teaching you exactly what you need to get started (or to help if you have already started and are confused with a lot of questions). Come, relax, and have fun while experimenting and learning about this wonderful medium!

Supply List: All supplies are included, but you’re welcome to bring your own to use and ask questions about.

Biography: Glenda Bowles is a professional artist and dedicated educator whose career spans over three decades of creative practice and instruction. Her lifelong affinity for visual arts naturally guided her academic pursuits, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, followed by a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. This dual foundation in fine art and teaching fueled a deep-seated passion for helping others unlock their own creative potential.

I truly believe that everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered. My goal as an educator is to provide the skills, tools, and encouragement my students need to express themselves to the absolute best of their ability. Today, I am fortunate to work as a full-time artist from my studio and gallery at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville. Whether I’m at the easel or working with a student, I am dedicated to capturing beauty and helping others do the same.

Instructor Website: https://www.glendabowles.com/

Class Content: Do you seek a way to relax and have fun with a tangible outcome? Tangles & Dangles may be just the thing! This workshop focuses on one project developed from two distinct processes: crafting a 3-dimensional form and drawing Zentangle® compositions. Both are very satisfying! The tangled designs we draw will be adhered to the hexahedral form, which can be enhanced with beads, bells, tassels, etc. and hung to display. The hexahedron created through a clever origami fold can be scaled up or down for future endeavors. During our time together we will explore many tangle options (patterns) so you can select the ones to feature in your project.

Your instructor will provide all necessary materials, but as a creative, you might choose to bring a few to supplement the basics. We will tangle in black and white, in keeping with the Zentangle Method, but you are free to go rogue and incorporate color into your creation.

The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. “Zentangle” is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.

Supply List: All necessary supplies are included in the price.

However participants are welcome to bring their own pens (Micron Pens, Sakura Belly Roll pens, Metallic pens) if they wish to work with a wider range of nibs and colors. Participants may also wish to bring beads, bells, or charms to add to their creation. A score board and/or bone folder would be helpful, but the instructor has several that can be shared. Finally, reading glasses are encouraged if the participant would have trouble seeing and drawing small details.

Biography: Amy Broady, M.Ed., is a Certified Zentangle Teacher™ and a Veriditas-trained Labyrinth Facilitator. She began her career as a professional art educator in 1995. She has spent most of her school career teaching at the elementary level, but loves teaching adults just as much as she loves teaching children. She started practicing and teaching the Zentangle Method in 2010 to children in the school setting and adults in various community venues as well as at retreats and conferences; she has provided professional development to countless art educators at the local, state, and national levels. Amy is delighted that Zentangle permeates her personal and professional life, creatively, philosophically, and socially as she has made dear friends through her involvement with Zentangle. In 2022 she established her own tiny little art studio, Pen & Path, for helping others begin or progress on their creative journeys through mixed media adventures in Zentangle, labyrinths, and more. Amy doesn’t sell her artwork and rarely displays it in public venues, but derives great joy and satisfaction from her personal practice as well as teaching others.

Instructor Website: tanglefish.blogspot.com