The Colors of Mexico (Online Workshop) Summer 2025 w/ Mike Kowalski
July 7 to July 21 (Mondays) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/wee11n4F488
Workshop Description
Each lesson will feature a view from San Miguel de Allende. Each assignment will have it’s own problems we will discuss and address. Will will explore simplifying of a scene with sketches and value studies. Areas covered will be materials, color mixing, harmony in a painting, shadows and light, a few techniques like scratching, and a bit of simple figure work. Wet in wet and painting on dry paper will be discussed. Color mixing will play a large part in the course. We will produce a full watercolor with each lesson.
Workshop Outline
Week 1 - Focus on sketching, composition and values
Week 2 - Focus on strong color mixing
Week 3 - Focus on capturing effects of light.
Workshop Materials List
A note on buying supplies. Art supplies are not cheap, but trying to save money by buying “student” colors and paper is not advisable. Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama or Cheap Joe’s Art Supply are good sources for art materials. Many cities have quality art stores where you can get good advice and supplies. Please contact me if you have any questions about materials.
Dick Blick http://www.dickblick.com
Cheap Joe’s http://www.cheapjoes.com
Jerry’s Artarama http://www.jerrysartarama.com
Watercolor paper ( Blocks, cut sheet paper, pads (140 pound to 300 lb. preferable )
Most students use Blocks size 11 x 14 to 12x16 . Cold pressed paper is the best choice overall. I recommend Saunders Waterford, Winsor Newton, and Fabriano.
Use a 100% cotton rag paper if possible ( Arches, Waterford/Saunders, Fabriano )
Fabriano Studio, Fabriano 1264, Canson Montval and other “studio” papers are 25-50% cotton. The more cotton the better!
Note on paper size:
All of these paintings will work on a quarter sheet ( 22 x 30 size full sheet cut to four x 11x15 ).
HOWEVER..... It is VERY IMPORTANT to have some room or an inch or two around your picture for things like checking color mixes, and moisture content of the brush, thickness of mix, etc. For a painting sized 9x12 think 11x14 sized paper. **See image below.
I suggest a 11x14 or 12 x 16 block of watercolor paper or full sheets ( 140 lb/300 g is suitable) torn into four pieces. Three full sheets for a 4 day class cut down should suffice.
Notes: Lighter weight paper can be used for studies and such. I use recycle old or “bad” paintings by using the back sides for studies and paintings.
Students will need a minimum of three ( 11 x 14 or similar size ) sheets per day, as well as some paper for studies and sketching.
Watercolor palette: I recommend the following:
-Mijello-Fusion-18-Well. No thumb hole. Plastic with a seal, inexpensive and great quality. Look for one with a removable additional tray!
-John Pike- Perfect for studio/table top use, lots of room for mixing. I have four of these! This is the best option for studio work.
-Holbein 350 or larger folding palette with paints only in wells on ONE SIDE if possible ( or only use one side of the palette ), Aluminum is better than plastic. I love using this
style for smallish paintings and sketches.
Note: In order to paint well you need plenty of good mixing space!!
Colors: Use ARTIST QUALITY paints if at all possible. Student colors which contain fillers and dyes and make your job harder BUT will work. The results will not be as pleasing in the end. I recommend Daniel Smith, M. Graham / W/N / Rowney. If you already have student colors we will make that work. Bring what paints you have.
Note: “Pan” colors are OK for small paintings. It is hard to get enough color up for large sky washes and such. The good thing about pan colors is that they travel well. Look for a good brand like Daniel Smith
MY Minimum Palette ( what I will be demonstrating with )
1.) Ultramarine Blue
2.) Cobalt Blue ( not a hue ) Expensive but it is a must
3.) Cerulean (not hue )
4.) Aureolin (or Nickel Azo Yellow or Hansa Yellow Light )
5.) Quinacridone Rose ( must have ) ( Alizarin Permanent is an option )
6.) Cadmium Red scarlet ( or Napthol or Cadmium Red ( light or medium ) HUE )
7.) Yellow Ochre
8.) Raw Sienna
9.) Raw Umber and/or Burnt Umber
10.)Viridian
**Bring whatever paints you like working with
WATERCOLOR MATERIALS LIST MIKE KOWALSKI WORKSHOPS
Brushes: Bring what you have. I use a minimum Round sizes 8/12/16/20 plus a rigger or small detail brush.
I like Escoda Perla round brushes ( Dick Blick ) Great brush, good value( 20 or larger is great size ). A squirrel mop or large flat wash is good. Synthetic is fine. I always carry a rigger size 2 or 3. and a smalI size 4 or 6 for details. I recommend Rosemary and Co.
brushes ( UK ) . They carry all types, best quality and great pricing. In their line I can suggest these series: 170, 401, 301, 304, 788 http://www.rosemaryandco.com
Other items:
-Old “credit card” for scraping
-2B or 4B pencil and white eraser ( I like a .9 or .7 mechanical pencil, 2B-4B leads )
-Sketchbook ( for pencil sketches ) size 8.5 x 11 minimum. It is a good idea to have a clip or two for sketchbook . My favorite is the Hahnehmuhle D+S line.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/hahnemuhle-d-s-sketchbook/
- Tape and/or clips if needed for watercolor paper
- Boards - large boards ( 26x23 with clips ) are provided in the studio. I like to use something smaller, so if you have a portable board you like, bring it along.
-Water bucket with handle if working with easel, otherwise an empty yogurt container
works. SAS studio has water containers available in the studio. A great option is the little Faber-Castell Collapsable rubber cup.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-clic-go-water-pot/
-Paper towels or bathroom tissue is useful for palette cleaning. Camera. and a cap or hat is useful for cutting glare outside.
A small kitchen sponge is also handy.
Optional -A View finder is really helpful for plein air work. I use the “Viewcatcher” many good art shops carry them.
July 7 to July 21 (Mondays) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/wee11n4F488
Workshop Description
Each lesson will feature a view from San Miguel de Allende. Each assignment will have it’s own problems we will discuss and address. Will will explore simplifying of a scene with sketches and value studies. Areas covered will be materials, color mixing, harmony in a painting, shadows and light, a few techniques like scratching, and a bit of simple figure work. Wet in wet and painting on dry paper will be discussed. Color mixing will play a large part in the course. We will produce a full watercolor with each lesson.
Workshop Outline
Week 1 - Focus on sketching, composition and values
Week 2 - Focus on strong color mixing
Week 3 - Focus on capturing effects of light.
Workshop Materials List
A note on buying supplies. Art supplies are not cheap, but trying to save money by buying “student” colors and paper is not advisable. Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama or Cheap Joe’s Art Supply are good sources for art materials. Many cities have quality art stores where you can get good advice and supplies. Please contact me if you have any questions about materials.
Dick Blick http://www.dickblick.com
Cheap Joe’s http://www.cheapjoes.com
Jerry’s Artarama http://www.jerrysartarama.com
Watercolor paper ( Blocks, cut sheet paper, pads (140 pound to 300 lb. preferable )
Most students use Blocks size 11 x 14 to 12x16 . Cold pressed paper is the best choice overall. I recommend Saunders Waterford, Winsor Newton, and Fabriano.
Use a 100% cotton rag paper if possible ( Arches, Waterford/Saunders, Fabriano )
Fabriano Studio, Fabriano 1264, Canson Montval and other “studio” papers are 25-50% cotton. The more cotton the better!
Note on paper size:
All of these paintings will work on a quarter sheet ( 22 x 30 size full sheet cut to four x 11x15 ).
HOWEVER..... It is VERY IMPORTANT to have some room or an inch or two around your picture for things like checking color mixes, and moisture content of the brush, thickness of mix, etc. For a painting sized 9x12 think 11x14 sized paper. **See image below.
I suggest a 11x14 or 12 x 16 block of watercolor paper or full sheets ( 140 lb/300 g is suitable) torn into four pieces. Three full sheets for a 4 day class cut down should suffice.
Notes: Lighter weight paper can be used for studies and such. I use recycle old or “bad” paintings by using the back sides for studies and paintings.
Students will need a minimum of three ( 11 x 14 or similar size ) sheets per day, as well as some paper for studies and sketching.
Watercolor palette: I recommend the following:
-Mijello-Fusion-18-Well. No thumb hole. Plastic with a seal, inexpensive and great quality. Look for one with a removable additional tray!
-John Pike- Perfect for studio/table top use, lots of room for mixing. I have four of these! This is the best option for studio work.
-Holbein 350 or larger folding palette with paints only in wells on ONE SIDE if possible ( or only use one side of the palette ), Aluminum is better than plastic. I love using this
style for smallish paintings and sketches.
Note: In order to paint well you need plenty of good mixing space!!
Colors: Use ARTIST QUALITY paints if at all possible. Student colors which contain fillers and dyes and make your job harder BUT will work. The results will not be as pleasing in the end. I recommend Daniel Smith, M. Graham / W/N / Rowney. If you already have student colors we will make that work. Bring what paints you have.
Note: “Pan” colors are OK for small paintings. It is hard to get enough color up for large sky washes and such. The good thing about pan colors is that they travel well. Look for a good brand like Daniel Smith
MY Minimum Palette ( what I will be demonstrating with )
1.) Ultramarine Blue
2.) Cobalt Blue ( not a hue ) Expensive but it is a must
3.) Cerulean (not hue )
4.) Aureolin (or Nickel Azo Yellow or Hansa Yellow Light )
5.) Quinacridone Rose ( must have ) ( Alizarin Permanent is an option )
6.) Cadmium Red scarlet ( or Napthol or Cadmium Red ( light or medium ) HUE )
7.) Yellow Ochre
8.) Raw Sienna
9.) Raw Umber and/or Burnt Umber
10.)Viridian
**Bring whatever paints you like working with
WATERCOLOR MATERIALS LIST MIKE KOWALSKI WORKSHOPS
Brushes: Bring what you have. I use a minimum Round sizes 8/12/16/20 plus a rigger or small detail brush.
I like Escoda Perla round brushes ( Dick Blick ) Great brush, good value( 20 or larger is great size ). A squirrel mop or large flat wash is good. Synthetic is fine. I always carry a rigger size 2 or 3. and a smalI size 4 or 6 for details. I recommend Rosemary and Co.
brushes ( UK ) . They carry all types, best quality and great pricing. In their line I can suggest these series: 170, 401, 301, 304, 788 http://www.rosemaryandco.com
Other items:
-Old “credit card” for scraping
-2B or 4B pencil and white eraser ( I like a .9 or .7 mechanical pencil, 2B-4B leads )
-Sketchbook ( for pencil sketches ) size 8.5 x 11 minimum. It is a good idea to have a clip or two for sketchbook . My favorite is the Hahnehmuhle D+S line.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/hahnemuhle-d-s-sketchbook/
- Tape and/or clips if needed for watercolor paper
- Boards - large boards ( 26x23 with clips ) are provided in the studio. I like to use something smaller, so if you have a portable board you like, bring it along.
-Water bucket with handle if working with easel, otherwise an empty yogurt container
works. SAS studio has water containers available in the studio. A great option is the little Faber-Castell Collapsable rubber cup.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-clic-go-water-pot/
-Paper towels or bathroom tissue is useful for palette cleaning. Camera. and a cap or hat is useful for cutting glare outside.
A small kitchen sponge is also handy.
Optional -A View finder is really helpful for plein air work. I use the “Viewcatcher” many good art shops carry them.
July 7 to July 21 (Mondays) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/wee11n4F488
Workshop Description
Each lesson will feature a view from San Miguel de Allende. Each assignment will have it’s own problems we will discuss and address. Will will explore simplifying of a scene with sketches and value studies. Areas covered will be materials, color mixing, harmony in a painting, shadows and light, a few techniques like scratching, and a bit of simple figure work. Wet in wet and painting on dry paper will be discussed. Color mixing will play a large part in the course. We will produce a full watercolor with each lesson.
Workshop Outline
Week 1 - Focus on sketching, composition and values
Week 2 - Focus on strong color mixing
Week 3 - Focus on capturing effects of light.
Workshop Materials List
A note on buying supplies. Art supplies are not cheap, but trying to save money by buying “student” colors and paper is not advisable. Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama or Cheap Joe’s Art Supply are good sources for art materials. Many cities have quality art stores where you can get good advice and supplies. Please contact me if you have any questions about materials.
Dick Blick http://www.dickblick.com
Cheap Joe’s http://www.cheapjoes.com
Jerry’s Artarama http://www.jerrysartarama.com
Watercolor paper ( Blocks, cut sheet paper, pads (140 pound to 300 lb. preferable )
Most students use Blocks size 11 x 14 to 12x16 . Cold pressed paper is the best choice overall. I recommend Saunders Waterford, Winsor Newton, and Fabriano.
Use a 100% cotton rag paper if possible ( Arches, Waterford/Saunders, Fabriano )
Fabriano Studio, Fabriano 1264, Canson Montval and other “studio” papers are 25-50% cotton. The more cotton the better!
Note on paper size:
All of these paintings will work on a quarter sheet ( 22 x 30 size full sheet cut to four x 11x15 ).
HOWEVER..... It is VERY IMPORTANT to have some room or an inch or two around your picture for things like checking color mixes, and moisture content of the brush, thickness of mix, etc. For a painting sized 9x12 think 11x14 sized paper. **See image below.
I suggest a 11x14 or 12 x 16 block of watercolor paper or full sheets ( 140 lb/300 g is suitable) torn into four pieces. Three full sheets for a 4 day class cut down should suffice.
Notes: Lighter weight paper can be used for studies and such. I use recycle old or “bad” paintings by using the back sides for studies and paintings.
Students will need a minimum of three ( 11 x 14 or similar size ) sheets per day, as well as some paper for studies and sketching.
Watercolor palette: I recommend the following:
-Mijello-Fusion-18-Well. No thumb hole. Plastic with a seal, inexpensive and great quality. Look for one with a removable additional tray!
-John Pike- Perfect for studio/table top use, lots of room for mixing. I have four of these! This is the best option for studio work.
-Holbein 350 or larger folding palette with paints only in wells on ONE SIDE if possible ( or only use one side of the palette ), Aluminum is better than plastic. I love using this
style for smallish paintings and sketches.
Note: In order to paint well you need plenty of good mixing space!!
Colors: Use ARTIST QUALITY paints if at all possible. Student colors which contain fillers and dyes and make your job harder BUT will work. The results will not be as pleasing in the end. I recommend Daniel Smith, M. Graham / W/N / Rowney. If you already have student colors we will make that work. Bring what paints you have.
Note: “Pan” colors are OK for small paintings. It is hard to get enough color up for large sky washes and such. The good thing about pan colors is that they travel well. Look for a good brand like Daniel Smith
MY Minimum Palette ( what I will be demonstrating with )
1.) Ultramarine Blue
2.) Cobalt Blue ( not a hue ) Expensive but it is a must
3.) Cerulean (not hue )
4.) Aureolin (or Nickel Azo Yellow or Hansa Yellow Light )
5.) Quinacridone Rose ( must have ) ( Alizarin Permanent is an option )
6.) Cadmium Red scarlet ( or Napthol or Cadmium Red ( light or medium ) HUE )
7.) Yellow Ochre
8.) Raw Sienna
9.) Raw Umber and/or Burnt Umber
10.)Viridian
**Bring whatever paints you like working with
WATERCOLOR MATERIALS LIST MIKE KOWALSKI WORKSHOPS
Brushes: Bring what you have. I use a minimum Round sizes 8/12/16/20 plus a rigger or small detail brush.
I like Escoda Perla round brushes ( Dick Blick ) Great brush, good value( 20 or larger is great size ). A squirrel mop or large flat wash is good. Synthetic is fine. I always carry a rigger size 2 or 3. and a smalI size 4 or 6 for details. I recommend Rosemary and Co.
brushes ( UK ) . They carry all types, best quality and great pricing. In their line I can suggest these series: 170, 401, 301, 304, 788 http://www.rosemaryandco.com
Other items:
-Old “credit card” for scraping
-2B or 4B pencil and white eraser ( I like a .9 or .7 mechanical pencil, 2B-4B leads )
-Sketchbook ( for pencil sketches ) size 8.5 x 11 minimum. It is a good idea to have a clip or two for sketchbook . My favorite is the Hahnehmuhle D+S line.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/hahnemuhle-d-s-sketchbook/
- Tape and/or clips if needed for watercolor paper
- Boards - large boards ( 26x23 with clips ) are provided in the studio. I like to use something smaller, so if you have a portable board you like, bring it along.
-Water bucket with handle if working with easel, otherwise an empty yogurt container
works. SAS studio has water containers available in the studio. A great option is the little Faber-Castell Collapsable rubber cup.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-clic-go-water-pot/
-Paper towels or bathroom tissue is useful for palette cleaning. Camera. and a cap or hat is useful for cutting glare outside.
A small kitchen sponge is also handy.
Optional -A View finder is really helpful for plein air work. I use the “Viewcatcher” many good art shops carry them.