"Sketching Techniques with Watercolor (Indoors and Out)" with Brenda Swenson
Icebreaker: 5 p.m. August 29, 2027
Workshop: August 30 - September 2, 2027
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4-Day Workshop Studio and Plein Air Workshop
$875 + 6.88% NM Sales Tax
About the Workshop
Skill level: Beginner and Up
Materials used: Watercolor
Have you wanted to paint outdoors but aren't sure where to start? Or are you a seasoned sketcher looking to hone your skills and spark a fresh jolt of inspiration? Join me in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a hybrid workshop that seamlessly bridges studio practice with outdoor sketching on location. We’ll begin inside, building essential foundations and sketching techniques in a comfortable setting, before stepping outdoors to capture Santa Fe's iconic light, architectural character, and high-desert charm.
During the workshop you’ll sharpen your observation skills, learn simple design principles that make your sketches well-balanced. Develop deeper awareness of light and color. Discover practical methods for sketching on location without feeling overwhelmed by the surroundings.
Step-by-step sketching and painting demonstrations. Balanced Studio & Field Time. One-on-one guidance. A warm, supportive environment with helpful feedback and positive critiques.
Workshop requirements/supplies
I haven’t found the magic sketchbook, pen, palette or paint. What you’re comfortable with is often the best tool, to use. Pack light.
Palette: With so many options available it's hard to recommend just one. I have many palettes: Heritage Folding Palette, Folio by Art Tool Kit, Lintner… Bring your favorite.
Paints: My paints are Daniel Smith Watercolors, unless noted with WN for Winsor Newton. I add and subtract paint colors from time to time.
Yellows - Oranges: Hansa Yellow Medium, Raw Sienna (WN), Quinacridone Gold, Permanent Yellow Deep, Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Reds: Quinacridone Coral, Quinacridone Rose, Burnt Sienna (WN) Violets: Imperial Purple
Blues: French Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue, Manganese Blue Hue, Phthalo Blue (GS)
Greens: Green Gold, Phthalo Green (BS), Cobalt Teal Blue
Lunar Black
Opaques: Lavender, Buff Titanium , White Gouache (I keep these colors separate)
Watercolor Sketchbooks: I recommend sketchbooks with 100% cotton paper, archival and cold press. Hahnemühle and Etchr are very good. Use the largest sketchbook you are comfortable with. If you have a favorite use it.
Pens: I like them all: cheap disposable to pricey fountain pens. I equally like water-soluble and water-proof ink. No black Sharpies (discolors over time).
Below are a few suggestions:
Waterproof: Pitt by Faber-Castell, Micron, or any brand you like (one is enough).
White: Gelly Roll, Martacolor, Posca or any brand you like (one is enough).
Brushes: Round: sizes 6 to 12 (I use natural and synthetic)
Flat: Da Vinci, 5080 series, size: 20mm
Stiff Brush: ¼” for lifting.
Mechanical Pencil & Eraser
Miscellaneous Items: Clips, paper towels, water and container, small spray bottle.
Stool or Chair: I use the Roll-a-Chair. Light weight, four legs, back support and
comfortable. Three heights available; 17", 19", 21”. https://www.camptime.com/collections/chair
Backpack or bag to carry supplies outdoors
Easel: I don’t use a easel. Bring one if you do.
About Brenda
Brenda Swenson is the artist author of two books, Keeping a Watercolor Sketchbook (Finalist, Award of Excellence) and Steps to Success in Watercolor. An active participant in the arts community she has served on the board of directors for the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and California Art Club. Achieved Signature membership in NWS, TWSA, AWA, WW’M, NWWS, SDWS and CWA.
Her artwork has been featured in several volumes of Splash: Best of Watercolor, An Illustrated Journey, Creative Freedom, Complete Guide to Watercolor, Watercolor Artist, Watercolor Magazine, Watercolor Highlights, Plein Air Magazine and numerous other publications.
She frequently participates as a juror and demonstrator, and offers workshops both nationally and abroad. www.swensonsart.net
SIGNATURE MEMBER
NWS - National Watercolor Society
TWSA - Transparent Watercolor Society of America
AWA - American Women Artists
WW’M - Watercolor West, Master
NWWS - NorthWest Watercolor Society
SDWS - San Diego Watercolor Society
CWA - California Watercolor Association
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
California Art Club, 1st Vice-President 2021- 2024
National Watercolor Society, Exhibitions 2002-04, Publicity 2007-09
Watercolor West, Programs 2001-04
What’s included
This workshop includes a mix of complimentary food and beverages. Included are the following:
Complimentary continental breakfast: Yogurt, fruit, coffee, teas, juices, hard-boiled eggs, and pastries
Coffee, hot and/or iced tea, lemonade, soft drinks, sparkling waters, and fruit-infused still water are available all day
Catered lunch brought into the studio or painting location for $20 (optional)
