Watercolor and Abstraction

Watercolor and Abstraction Class with Josette Urso

Watercolor and Abstraction with Josette Urso

Cost: $315.00

Instructor: Josette Urso

4 in-person sessions

Mondays, November 11 to December 9, (skipping December 2)

6:15 PM to 9:15 PM

Location: 41 Cooper Square

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Discover the history and various motivations for abstract image making. For the beginner, it serves as a superb introduction to the often elusive medium of watercolor. For the more advanced student, abstraction provides a special means to explore technique and concept. In a freeform fashion, students will explore the layering of washes and the exploration of form and color. Students will be encouraged to work from observation, memory and invention; and to push the limits of the medium.

WATERCOLOR

Paint

Required:
Choose professional quality watercolors in tubes. Recommended brands are Windsor Newton/Schmincke/Sennelier/Old Holland  (If possible, avoid Winton and Cotman -- they are WN's student grade). 
-Alizarin Crimson
-Cadmium Red (light)
-Cadmium Yellow ( light or pale)
-Ultramarine Blue
-Neutral Tint (this is a very dark -- dark color)
-Yellow Ochre

Optional:
-Windsor Blue (green shade) or Phthalo Turquoise
-Prussian Blue or Indigo
-White Gouache

Brushes

Watercolor brushes (large round brush that comes to a point):
daVinci Spin-Synthetics (Series 488 #6 or larger)
size26 or similar in Cosmotop Spin (SERIES 5580) or Robert Simmons: round synthetic
flat brush 1 to 1 1/2"

Note: Watercolor brush selections vary from store to store.  If you can’t find the large round brush recommended on my list, choose one that seems the largest that also comes to a really sharp point. Measure the neck (where the metal meets the brush) and try for 3/8” or larger. White synthetic holds up well and is a practical alternative to natural brushes.

Palette

John Pike/other large, white watercolor palette

Paper

18"x24" watercolor pad/block, (Arches 140 lb./cold press is recommended)
optional: assorted large sheets and/or blocks (Blick/Canson/Fabriano/other)

Other Materials

two large containers (for water - large plastic yogurt containers work well)
several saucers/bowls/tuna cans/etc. (for mixing pools of color)
paper towels/kleenex
drafting or masking tape
clear push pins (after first class meeting depending on classroom location)
#2 HB pencil / gum eraser
straightedge or ruler

 

Course Code: 117592

Instructor(s): Josette Urso

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.