Watercolor Painting

Important! If you are new to Bridgeview, you will begin with DRAWING.

Bridgeview is a classical atelier school, meaning it follows the traditional European studio model: a rigorous, sequential curriculum where students progress from still‑life drawing to plaster casts, then to portrait, figure, and finally painting from life, all under close, skill‑focused guidance from master instructors.

Watercolor is NOT intended for beginner students. In order to work with watercolor students need to know how to draw very well. As opposed to oils or acrylics, watercolors are hard to rework and make changes, wet paper can't take too many corrections. Therefore, one or two semesters of drawing is required. Students will work from observation. Subjects may include still life and possibly portrait or figure.

Supplies List

Set of watercolor paints in blocks, no tubes. We recommend these brands. Windsor Newton, Cotman or Russian-made Ladoga. 12 colors is enough, but please don’t buy the cheapest brands, they do not work.

2-3 watercolor brushes, a small pointy one and a larger flat one

Watercolor paper pad, 18 x 24 inches or a little smaller.