WELCOME TO THE CLASS!

WELCOME TOUR VIDEO

Have questions??? No Problem!!!

Email me at info@octopusconnection.com with anything you need!

START THE CLASS

2) TOOLS & MATERIALS

Overview of all the tools and materials you will need for the course. (1:09)

Tools and Materials List

1). Watercolor paints

I will be using Winsor Newton Cotman 12 tube watercolor set, with the basic colors, but you can use whatever you have, or wish to purchase. Other good watercolor paint brands are Daniel Smith, Paperfasion, and Sakura, just to name a few.

2). Watercolor Paper

Normally art paper or sketchbooks are labeled as watercolor paper. If not, you will need a 140 lb. cold pressed paper, which is a paper that is absorbant to water. A multi-media, or acrylic paper will work too. Each type of paper will have a slightly different texture, which can add interest to your work. Experiment to see what you like.

3). Brushes

I gather a large and small flat brushes and large and small round brushes to have the option of a variety of strokes. Any brush you have at home will work as well. You could even do these projects by painting with a foam brush or even with paper towels since there is no detail involved.

4). Extra Supplies

Special Effects- You can find some table salt from your kitchen for Video #6.

Your project(s) in this course will be to create your own abstract painting in any style, color, or size you would like. Learning by doing is the best way to uplevel your skills! After watching the demo videos, get inspired for your own project.

PROJECT TIPS

Please feel the freedom to combine techniques or do them as I have shown. Remember that this is your time to relax and just let your paint flow. Don’t worry about your project looking like mine or anyone else’s. Yours will be unique as it should be!

The Facebook Group is the perfect place to share your project and get my feedback. No silly questions here! My private community is filled with kind and helpful art students just like you who are happy to welcome you in. If you decide to use your project(s) for something special, I’d love to hear about that too. You might inspire me or another student with your ideas!

If you‘re shy, email your project and your questions directly to me at info@octopusconnection.com and I will be happy to respond to you within 1-2 days.

I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy painting! :-)

3) BONUS VIDEO: SETTING UP YOUR WORKSPACE 

See how I set up my watercolor workspace in just a few seconds. If different, I’d love to hear how you set up your workspace in the comments, or share in the Facebook group and include photos. (1:02)

4) ROUGH STROKES

Paint in layers to make rough brushstrokes in graduating tones. (4:31)

5) BLENDED STROKES

Learn how to soften the paint with your brush to create a blended look. (5:16)

6) CROSSED STROKES

Create a criss crossed look with your brush(es). (2:38)

7) EASY SPECIAL EFFECTS

Add a bit of flare to your background paintings with easy special effects. (5:25)

8) BRUSH ROLLING

Learn how rolling your brush can be just as much fun as creating strokes. (8:34)

9) CROSS HATCHING

Cross hatching is an age old technique that gets a new spin. (5:40)

10) BLOBS #1

In this lesson, I start a painting with blob shapes in a few different colors. (5:35)

11) BLOBS #2

This is the continuation of my blob painting where I add more intense color, depth, and texture. (7:10)

13) CLOSING THOUGHTS

Some final thoughts about the course and where it can take you on your journey. (1:21)