Quoting Iain Stewart “Here is a description of how I approach workshops. I will supply photo references but the students need not work from my reference only. If they would like to work from their own I highly suggest it.
I will be doing group demos daily covering all aspects of what I believe the students need to work on cityscapes, seascapes / water scenes, and landscapes / skies. There will be daily warm up designed to demonstrate techniques that are more challenging in a way that is fast and has very low consequence for failed attempts. The main thing is not to let the painting get too precious too quickly and I try hard to make this point clearly. The more time spent in exploratory painting the more techniques the students will gain. These tie directly into my demos.
The warm ups require no initial drawing in most cases which I find frees the student up to explore. From there I show them how to make little paintings from these “studies.”
I will also address populating a street scene and touch on the main points in beginning to understand perspective.
All students do not have to paint what I do. I will send photos for printing to you so everyone will have a copy. I typically suggest the students paint with me on day one but if they wish to work from their photos later I can help them create a plan to solve design challenges and think about composition.
I find the less pressure I put on people the better the results and my workshops are designed to use that principle and build on it. I do suggest that the students begin drawing from life as much as they can in the 2 weeks leading up to the workshop. This doesn’t mean getting out with an easel. I just believe 30 minute sessions drawing objects whether they be something around the house or in the back yard. Vases, flowers, the view from a window. Their choice is the most important thing. Draw what you wish to paint and practice that as much as you can. The painting follows much easier that way. My book- En Plein Air Light and Color covers this in detail but they do not need to buy it to start a good sketching habit.
I hope that answers your questions. Let me know if you need more information. My materials list can be found here. “
Mark your Calendars for the UWS Spring Workshop with Iain Stewart workshop
May 6–10 (Mon-Fri), 2024, 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sons of Utah Pioneers
3301 E. Louise Avenue, Millcreek, UT 84109
Cost is $550.00 for non-member, $450 for UWS members.
Utah residents can join Utah Watercolor Society and save!
If you’re not a current member and as a Utah resident you join, please comment to be sent a members-only coupon code. Annual membership dues are currently $40.
