USkTO 10x10: Workshop 09 - Suzanne Aboushakra

July 15-16, 2023

Fleeting Moments Captured With Vibrant Watercolours

Workshop Description

I will share my own experience of painting spontaneous vibrant sketches using pen and watercolours, without overthinking subject matter. Learning goals: to introduce participants of all skill levels to watercolour techniques and how to apply them to urban sketching.

Learning Goals

1. Watercolour techniques: a. Wet on dry, b. Wet in wet, c. Graded wash.
2. How to fix mistakes with watercolours (streaks, lifting)
3. Vibrant colours- complementary colours, blended wash (mixing colours on paper, wet in wet)

Workshop Schedule

Introduction: Sharing my process

Quick Sketch (demo 20 min)

Participants will sketch 2 sketches (max. size 5 x 7 inches) for five minutes each, using a pen or pencil. The goal is to draw loose and let go of expectations (10-15 minutes)

Watercolour techniques – four techniques: wet on dry, wet in wet, graded, wash, lifting (50 min)

Participants practise techniques (20 minutes)

Feedback (10 min)

Vibrant colours: How to get Vibrant colours? Complementary colours. Blended wash (mix colours on paper instead of mixing on palette). (35 minutes) 

Participants practise on one of their sketches done in step 2 (30 minute)

Participants sketch a scene, add watercolour techniques and vibrant colours as discussed and practised earlier. I will circulate and give feedback as needed (50 minutes)

Sharing finished sketches as a group, and group photo (10 minutes)

Supply List

1. Pencil
2. Waterproof fine liner pen/fountain pen (with waterproof ink) , 
3. Watercolours 
4. Watercolour papers (sketchbook or pad) 
5. Watercolour brushes
6. Container for water
7. Paper towel 

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Meet Your Instructor

Suzanne is an artist and an Ontario College of Teacher certified teacher, with over 20 years of experience teaching Art. 

Suzanne is a member of the Richmond Hill Group of Artists, and has participated in juried and group shows. She completed an AiR at Mill Pond Gallery in August 2022. She participated in the Richmond Hill Art Walk 2022- exhibiting paintings in acrylic and watercolour. Her artwork was featured in a solo exhibition overseas, as well as in various group exhibitions throughout the years. Her paintings are in private collections.

For over 10 years, Suzanne has been using pen and watercolours to put down on paper her impressions of the world around her. Her vibrant, semi-abstract urban sketches capture fleeting moments of people and places.

Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/yalla_suzanni/

https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.aboushakra

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In partnership with the St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood BIA in Old Town Toronto