Sketch Odyssey

Sketch Odyssey East Bay:
Join artist Maria Tuttle in this 2.5 hour workshop that introduces students to essential watercolor techniques through the practice of sketching and painting on-site at the historic Preservation Park.

Saturday, August 19 ($45-$65 fee)

FLAX/Preservation Park (Outdoor Workshop)
10:30 am - 1 pm
Meet @FLAX Oakland

About the Class:

Sketch Odyssey introduces fundamental concepts in drawing and painting, and you will learn how to capture what you see from direct observation. You can become an urban sketcher!

• Learn 4 essential watercolor techniques (flat wash, graded wash, wet-on-wet, and dry-brush).

• Learn basic linear and aerial perspective.

• Learn how to set up a basic color palette and color mixing.

• Learn how to choose a subject and start an outdoor sketch.

Workshop Structure:

The workshop begins with an introduction to tools and materials, including an instructor-led demonstration of basic color mixing. In the next portion of the workshop, students are led through a step-by-step, hands-on demonstration of drawing cityscape elements (e.g., sky, buildings, and ground), including an introduction to linear and aerial perspective (e.g., near and far). This portion of the workshop also includes a discussion on how to select a subject and basic composition ideas. In the final portion of the workshop, students are given the opportunity to practice concepts learned by beginning an outdoor sketch on their own. The workshop closes with a final ‘show and tell’ of work produced during the workshop. Through informal and friendly discussion, students are encouraged to share what they learned, what challenged them, and what they want to know more about to continue sketching and painting on their own. Throughout each phase of the workshop, students are given the opportunity to practice concepts learned, with time given to answer questions and build confidence to continue making art.

About the Instructor:

Maria Tuttle is an educator, artist and instructor who developed Sketch Odyssey East Bay as an invitation to go sketch outdoors and on location, capturing what you see from direct observation. Maria's experience in sketching and painting outdoors has shown her the importance of getting outside to learn the story of the community where she lives and work. Maria draws on her solid foundation in the arts and background in teaching to inspire, educate and transform through art.

Maria P. Tuttle

Workshop Kit

Included in the workshop fee is a nice beginning set for urban sketching. The class kit contains a custom 6-color travel palette of Holbein watercolors, a #8 Dynasty watercolor brush, two Faber Castell pencils (4B and 6B), a kneaded eraser, Pentel Aquash pigmented brush pen, and 5.5" x 8.5" Strathmore 400 Watercolor Pad.

This kit has a $42 retail value—only $20 with the workshop!

Logistics

Each class is limited to 15 particpants. Maria is fully vaccinated, but regardless of anyone's vaccination status please plan to wear a mask.

Students will meet at the FLAX Oakland store 20 minutes prior to the start of the workshop to check-in, grab extra materials, and to meet your instructor.

Location: The meeting location for each workshop is at the FLAX Oakland store, located in Downtown Oakland, one block west of the Elihu Harris State Building at MLK and 15th.

Public Transit: We are a 5 minute walk from BART, either the 12th or 19th street stations.
Driving: We have free parking in our back parking lot off of 15th, with super easy access just off hwy 980.

Arrive early to shop and meet your instructor.

Here are Maria's suggestions for additional materials to support your urban sketching practice:

Suggested Watercolor Notebooks