Z Workshop! Part 1

In June I had the amazing opportunity to take a week-long workshop given by Joseph Zbukvic in Fallbrook, CA.  It's still hard to believe I was there with the world's best watercolor artist, in my opinion of course.  Not only is Joseph an amazing watercolorist but he's such a charming person and excellent teacher.  

Joseph was so generous, telling and showing us everything about his specific techniques.  He painted at least two demos a day after which we tried to paint the same scenes.  We painted outside on location twice with Joseph, getting to see what choices he made for the view he was painting.  The weather was very warm or we may have had another paint-out or two with him.     

The week started off with some basics of Joseph's techniques, then morning and afternoon paintings.  His demos for us to try started off "easy" with landscapes, a few farm buildings, and cows, mostly "free shapes" as he calls them.  My cows need more practice!  As the week progressed, Joseph's demos got more involved.  We tried beautiful street scenes in Paris, in Melbourne, and a canal in Venice.  I did nine paintings.  Our last painting after his demo was of a beach and pier in Australia.  He said he saves the "easier" beach scene for the final day.  We all did better with it and felt more accomplished by Friday.  I'll post my Australian beach and my try at the Melbourne street below.  Part 2 next, Z Workshop! Part2!

My watercolor of an Australian beach after Joseph's demo.

Joseph just spoke generally about our progress.

My watercolor of Melbourne after Joseph's demo.

Joseph is setting up his demo for us to follow.

Some of his basics, always stressed, Mr Bead is No. 1.

What a nice group of artists we had!