About the Instructor — David Becker:
David R. Becker studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and is the reason that a large majority of his subject matter comes from his life here in the city. After studying at The American Academy of Art in Chicago, Becker went into illustrating for a major advertising agency J. Walter Thompson and later for Foote Cone and Belding. He also started teaching around the country, right out of school, but always found time for his favorite ambition, creating fine art paintings. David is the author of Watercolor Composition Made Easy, and How to Sketch with Watercolor. He has had two different articles published in International Artist Magazine and in Watercolor Magic. Has reached signature status to the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and has won numerous awards for his work from watercolor societies around the country. Becker works in many mediums, including watercolors, oils, and acrylics, he is mostly recognized for his watercolor scenes of Chicago. You can find many of his works hanging in homes and businesses throughout Chicago. David’s favorite painting was commissioned by Starbucks to do a scene for their Macy’s Starbucks store that was to include a scene looking out of that store's window, unto Wabash, that included the “L” platform. This painting had at one time hung in the Macy’s Starbucks store on Randolph and Wabash but has been removed as they remodeled the store.
About the Workshop:
David will be teaching you watercolor from beginning to end; starting with teaching you how to take total control of the watercolor medium, leading to using that control of the medium to create well-composed watercolors. Subject matter will be changing daily with photo references supplied to you weeks before the workshop. David’s teaching method takes all students on a paint-a-long style of teaching. This class is designed to benefit all levels of painters. Teaching students to conquer the medium of watercolor is David’s goal and he takes great pride in making sure every student leaves with the ability to control the paint.
Cost
$150 for TRA Members, $175 for Non-Members, if paid by cash or check. If paid online, a convenience change has been added to the price. If you are paying by cash or check, please mail your check to TRA and email Judy Milsaps.
Supply List:
I don't recommend student grade supplies
Watercolor Paints: I recommend Holbein Watercolor paint because one can squeeze the whole tube into your palette and it won't dry to a big rock clump. When left to dry they become instantly workable with a spray of water.
The Holbein colors I use are listed in Parentheses. You don't have to get these exact colors; colors close to them are just fine. Just look for a good range of colors.
• Burnt Sienna (Holbein Light Red)
• Quin Gold (Holbein Quin gold, Yellow ochre)
• Orange (Holbein Permanent Yellow Orange)
• Burnt Umber (Holbein Imidazolone Brown)
• Cadmium Yellow Lt. (Holbein Permanent Yellow Light)
• Cadmium Red Lt. (Holbein Scarlet Lake)
• Alizarin Crimson (Holbein Crimson Lake)
• Cerulean Blue (Holbein Horizon Blue)
• Violet (Holbein Permanent Violet & Holbein Lavender)
• Cobalt Blue (Holbein Peacock Blue)
• Ultramarine Blue (Holbein Ultramarine Deep)
• Phthalo Blue (Holbein Prussian Blue)
Opaque colors like white, colors with white in them like pastel colors, pinks, greys and black are also used but not necessarily needed.
I will let you use mine if you want to try out using some opaque colors.
Nylon brushes are great for the price
• 1 1/4 Inch Flat Brush
• #16 Round Brush
• #4 Rigger Round Brush
• 1/2 Inch Flat Brush
• 1/4 Inch Flat Brush
• #8 Round Brush
• Get good paper, NO Spiral bound watercolor paper. I use Stonehenge Aqua Cold Press but 300lb Arches or
300lb Strathmore Gemini. Arches 140 & 300lb blocks of paper are also okay.
• White Plastic combo Palette & Tray
• White painters tape
• #2 pencil and a kneaded rubber eraser
Registration:
Click the button below to register for this workshop.
