The student will be able to:

1. Examine Western and non-Western approaches to watercolor media.
2. Apply transparent watercolor paints and color theory.
3. Use color and design principles in developing basic compositions and subject matter.
4. Paint watercolors using a variety of glazing and spontaneous applications.
5. Paint different subject matter in watercolor media.
6. Share through discussion in student critiques the cultural and personal differences in their art work.

1. Watercolor approaches
   1. History of Western watercolor color
   2. History of non-Western watercolor painting
      1. Chinese brush painting
   3. Illustration watercolor approaches
      1. Children's book illustrations
2. Color theory
   1. Value
   2. Intensity
   3. Saturation
   4. Color wheel
   5. Color mixing charts
3. Watercolor paint, pigments, and colors
   1. Cool and warm colors
   2. Levels of opacity and transparency
   3. Staining colors and drying methods
4. Paper
   1. Watercolor blocks
   2. Pads and sketchbooks
   3. Watercolor panels and canvases
      1. Hot press and color press
5. Compositions and subject matter
   1. Landscape compositions
   2. Value compositions
   3. Still life compositions
   4. Portraiture and animal studies
   5. Sketchbook watercolor keeping
   6. Abstract and texture
6. Brush applications
   1. Types of watercolor brushes
   2. Spontaneous brush language
   3. Dry brush
   4. Wash
   5. Wet-on-wet technique
   6. Glazing and underpainting
   7. Resists and texture experiments
7. Critique
   1. Group discussions and critiques
   2. Self critiques

1. Assignments and watercolor exercises that explore a range of brush applications such as brush language, wash, wet-on-wet, or dry brush techniques.
2. Exercises that include illustration and children book watercolor techniques.
3. Exercises that explore Western and non-Western approaches to painting with watercolor.
4. Exercises related to value, staining colors, and watercolor underpainting.
5. Application of basic quick watercolor exercise and short landscape painting.
6. Watercolor exercises that approach a variety of different subject matter such as landscape, still life, portrait, or urban landscapes.
7. Exercises that use the drawing and transfer methods to start a watercolor painting.
8. Exercises understanding the limitations of the watercolor paint and the drying process.
9. Exercises that encourage experimenting with non-traditional materials to paint with watercolor to create texture and abstractions.

Portfolio review: each watercolor painting will be evaluated for technical ability, craftsmanship, and personal creative and conceptual approaches
Written watercolor class or self critiques
Written participation in lectures of historical and contemporary watercolors
Process watercolor students and paint mixing exercises

Lecture presentation using the vocabulary of watercolor tools and techniques
Discussion using the language of color theory and water based painting
Demonstration of a variety of watercolor techniques, such as wet-on-wet technique or color glazing
Critique and group presentation of weekly in-progress watercolor projects followed by in-class discussion and critique evaluation

Whyte, Mary. Watercolor for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter. 1997.

Although this text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it remains a seminal text in this area of study.

1. Copy of a master or historical or contemporary watercolor painting.
2. Research the artwork, the artist, the style, subject matter, content and context.
3. Write a self-critique describing the process of making an artist watercolor study from a great work of art.