Contrasting Dark and Light in Watercolor

02/02/2027 - 02/23/2027 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Level: All

Registration opens on 11/03/2026

Price

$222

Member Price

$188.70

Material Fee: 8

Room: 106

200 Grant St Denver

Introductory watercolor experience needed.

Tickets go on sale on 11/03/2026

Strategically placed light and dark values in a composition quickly shape how we see things and are what make a painting mesmerizing. Discover how simplified shapes, size and scale, cropping, and the play of light give a strong sense of structure to your landscape. Whether depicting warm sunlight on a narrow alleyway or cool shadows on an abandoned barn, work with lightening light areas and darkening dark areas to create compelling contrasts. Experiment with color mixing and color temperature to add visual interest in shaded areas. Learn the value of values so remarkable darks will show off the striking light elements in your paintings! Reference material provided. Introductory watercolor experience needed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to developing skills using color/value relationships and brushwork, students will gain an understanding of composition and lighting effects.

WEEK 1: Narrow Alleyway with Ancient Stone Buildings

WEEK 2: Abandoned Barn with Old Tree Trunk

WEEK 3: Whitewashed Facade with Weathered Blue Shutters

WEEK 4: House with Porch in Warm Sunlight with Shadows

Dennis Pendleton

WATERCOLOR PALETTE WITH LID
WATERCOLOR PAPER OR WATERCOLOR BLOCK (9” x 12” OR LARGER) 140LB COLD PRESS
WATERCOLOR BRUSHES (#6 AND #8 ROUND, 1”- 1 1/2” FLAT)
CADMIUM RED
ALIZARIN CRIMSON
CADMIUM YELLOW
LEMON YELLOW
YELLOW OCHRE
BURNT SIENNA
RAW UMBER
OLIVE GREEN
CERULEAN BLUE
ULTRAMARINE BLUE
COBALT VIOLET
MINERAL VIOLET
WATER CONTAINER
SPRAY BOTTLE
TISSUES WITHOUT LOTION OR PAPER TOWEL