The goal of this workshop is to learn to stop following the reference photo and create your own watercolor, only taking inspiration from the original image. That process is called loose style. So, you will absolutely not try to paint houses or windows. Instead, you will try to recreate the feeling of the “jazz music” in watercolors.
During the workshop you will focus on:
- How to correctly select subjects and details from the original image – selection principles.
- Rules and basics for building a convincing composition, and using them to change the emotional feel of watercolor.
- Washout technique and working with mop brushes. Features of using mop brushes with loose style.
- The right strategy for building a project.
The division of each artwork into stages. You can expect personal attention from an instructor who will always provide the right advice based on your level and experience. During each lesson, you will not only analyze the theory and perform practical exercises, but also create a convincing watercolor step by step.
Student Feedback
“The workshop exceeded my expectations. Michael is an amazing artist, a brilliant instructor who can reduce the most difficult assignment to something doable, and very generous with individual attention.”
“Michael is a fabulous instructor. The exercises were well paced. He unselfishly imparted pearls distilled from years of training.”
“Michael was amazing!!!! His skills/ talent are world class. The breadth and depth of his knowledge was impressive. He is an excellent teacher.”
“The workshop exceeded my expectations. Through Michael’s instruction, things clicked with me that formerly had been isolated concepts. His mastery of watercolor is amazing and impressive. I learned so much! Michael constantly reminded us that we were practicing and not making finished masterpieces to hang on the wall!”
“Yes, I was about to give up on working with watercolors until Michael showed me what I was doing wrong.”
About Michael Solovyev
Born in Russia in 1972, Michael has chosen Montréal as his home since 2011. From there, his works continue to add to the beauty and value of both public and private collections around the world, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Canada, the U.S., France, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and Ukraine. He is a participant of 16 personal exhibitions, and more than 50 group exhibitions in different countries, multiple awards. Teaching art in the SynStudio, a prestigious art school in Montreal, where he teaches more than five author’s courses. As well as private lessons in his own studio and a lot of masterclasses around the world.
Joy and reverence are evident in everything this artist produces, perhaps especially in the deep play of light and shadow. He experiments continuously, challenging himself with a wide range of styles, techniques and media. “Every day,” he says, “I look, I hear, I feel my immediate environment. When painting, I relive these sensations. And I believe that if we pay close attention, each object and every moment contains the Universe within it.”
In recent years, he represented Canada at many famous watercolor festivals including in Hong Kong, Slovenia, India, Italy, France and Portugal. Michael is an official Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador and IWS Canada International Director.
Rates & Enrollment
Day Student Tuition: $800.00
Full 5-Day Package*: $2,311.14-$2,532.10
*5-Day Workshop Package includes: Tuition for 5 full class days, 6 nights of dinner, lodging, breakfast, daily cookie and fruit breaks, unlimited coffee and tea, and welcoming wine and cheese reception. Your choice between a room to yourself (single occupancy) or bring a friend and split a room (double occupancy).
Get more information about your options to enroll here.