Acadia Workshop Center
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This is a 4 day workshop
Nicholas Simmons
Watercolor
July 30 - Aug. 2, 2012 - 4 Day Workshop
Studio Workshop
"Nicholas Simmons paints in watermedia on a scale that rivals oil painting. The subject matter is a dazzling mix of figures juxtaposed with printed lettering, graffiti, Japanese block prints, neon lights, reflections, and lavish corners of nature. The effect can be disorienting, as though a camera has taken a picture by accident, revealing an image that is both exciting and mysterious. The paint itself swirls, floods, drips, and spatters, driven on by the general excitement of the imagery and giving the work a sense that it was done in a rush in a matter of minutes." John Parks, Watercolor , Winter 2009
Mr. Simmons’ paintings have been featured in a variety of publications, and on Maryland Public Television. In 2008 his DVD Innovative Watermedia was a best-seller for Creative Catalyst Productions, and he will produce a new one in 2012. He is sponsored by Da Vinci Paint, and recently joined Charles Reid and Joseph Zbukvic as one of only three artists sponsored by Escoda of Barcelona, which will introduce a line of Nicholas Simmons signature brushes.
Awards include top prize at the 2007 National Watercolor Society, consecutive gold medals at the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, 2008-2009, and the gold medal at the Texas Watercolor Society in 2010.
The artist exhibits internationally with major watermedia stars, and was the only judge representing the Americas at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition in 2010, the world‘s largest watercolor exhibition. He will again judge the 2012 Shanghai biennial. Nicholas is one of six painters in the newly-formed North American Watercolor Artists group, representing the United States in various international exhibitions -- upcoming are Madrid in September, and St. Petersburg, Russia in December. In January 2012, the group will put on a special exhibition in Washington, D.C., the only one of its kind in American watercolor.
He is sought after as a workshop instructor, lecturer, and judge, known for his fresh, unorthodox, and often irreverent approach.
All Levels Welcome
Artist website: www.nicholassimmons.com
Student Fee: $ 595
SUPPLY LIST:
I use regular watercolor paint and fluid acrylic paint (as transparent watercolor), separately and in combination. Acrylic artists should have at least a limited palette of watercolors. Watercolorists should have at least a limited palette of acrylics. I use and recommend fluid acrylic, but other types of acrylic paint can be thinned with water for the same effect.
Note: It is very important to keep acrylic paint out of your watercolor palette. I use a metal butcher's tray (available at many art stores) as an acrylic palette. I use watercolor brushes, not acrylic brushes. They must not be allowed to dry with acrylic paint in them, and should be thoroughly washed after each painting session.
I use DaVinci Paint for all watercolor and fluid acrylic. Other brands can be used, but I prefer DaVinci and they beat everybody on price for artist grade paint.
http://www.davincipaints.com/
I use Escoda Artist Brushes exclusively, the world's best.
http://www.escoda.com/
Following is a list of colors I use often, but is not mandatory:
Phthalo Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Dioxazine Purple
Payne's Grey
Quinacridone Red
Cadmium Red
Alizarin Crimson Hue
Quinacridone Burnt Orange
Quinacridone Gold
Gamboge
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Orange
Hansa Yellow Light
Phthalo green
Sap Green
Green Gold
Sepia
Raw Umber
Raw Sienna
Titanium White
Lamp Black
Acrylic gesso (used to occasionally coat paper - optional)
Full sheets of 140 lb. hot press or cold press paper
(I usually purchase paper in rolls for greater flexibility in size/shape)
Removable masking fluid (Da Vinci,W/N, Shiva, Pebeo, Incredible White Mask, etc.)
Spray bottle with adjustable nozzle
Assorted brushes from #4-36 round, flat up to at least 1 ½" - I have mostly synthetic sable, but also some very cheap housepainter brushes
Toothbrush
