Cross Curricular Workshops
Bringing watercolour workshops into the classroom
For more than 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching watercolour workshops in numerous elementary schools around Ottawa. When I arrive in the classroom, I bring everything needed for students to create their own one-of-a-kind watercolour. I use only professional quality material, which enables children to experience watercolour at its best. My step-by-step workshops are often designed with seasonal themes in mind.
I love using watercolour, particularly with children, because their free-flowing nature allows for a completely open, creative process. Since you cannot always control the paint and water, children experience the magic of their art as they see their creation unfold before their eyes. Each watercolour creation is unique and beautiful in its own way. Children feel proud to take home their own painting.
The following description briefly outlines my approach in each workshop:
1. The Watercolour Medium
Explanation of pigment (colour), interaction of paint and water, description of materials (i.e. specific paper needed)
2. The Materials
Discuss preparation of materials (i.e. stretching paper)
Demonstrate loading a brush with paint and how to hold a brush
Demonstrate techniques of paint interacting with water (i.e. wet on
wet, scraping, dry brush)
3. The Creation!
Walk children through their composition (i.e. draw leaves, flowers)
Break painting method into steps:
Drop paint in
Show methods of allowing paint to dry between steps
Demonstrate each step - the children follow along step-by-step on
their creation
I walk around and assist each child as needed and repeat
demonstrations as needed while the children paint
The method and process in working with watercolours is broken down into a specific order to ensure that different parts of the composition do not bleed into one another.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a workshop in your school or classroom.
I am eager to share the passion I have for doing what I love to do.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Nicol
Owner, Flyingcolours
