VIEW-Iain Stewart

``Venice Canals- Rustic Textures and Reflective Water`` with Iain Stewart, AWS

Class Information

The class is live and interactive on ZOOM

Dates: June 25 & 26 from 9am-noon PDT 

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Participants: Max 20

Price: $198 for 6 hours.

Class Description

In this course I will show you how to paint the seemingly complex textures and reflections we all associate with Venice. At the heart of all good paintings there is the narrative of what you specifically want to say about your subject. For this painting that subject is time and its effects on buildings and how water can be used to combine these effects illuminate them in unique ways. 

Confidence in your brush strokes and mark making is the most important tool in a watercolorist’s arsenal. Instead of painting and reacting to what is happening on the page my goal is to teach you to anticipate what will take place and plan at least one step ahead so you are not left guessing at what to do next. 

This sounds like a lofty goal and it’s not an easy one to master but even beginning the journey of anticipated results will teach you more about painting than anything I can give you. My goal is not to show you how well I paint. My goal is to show you a way to achieve yours. 

Along the way I will show quick techniques that are easily practiced which will give you a chance to test yourselves in a way that has no consequences or fear of failure. In essence we all must paint for ourselves. Finding our unique voice and how to speak in what we call a visual vocabulary will pay dividends you will not expect. 

The final drawing will be supplied for this workshop.

Class Format

  • A host from the VIEW Academy will facilitate the meeting, admitting you if you connect late, helping you with technical problems, etc…
  • The V.I.E.W. workshop is live, interactive and hands-on.
  • Iain will demonstrate step by step,  breaking up the process in manageable steps, giving you time to paint during the live session.
  • You will be able to ask questions directly to Iain
  • You will be able to show your work to Iain to get personal feedback and critique.
  • You will enjoy interactivity with fellow participants.
  • You can keep the recordings of the class forever.

What you will learn in this Class

“I believe that a workshop without the worry of success typically leads just there.”

  1. Value and it’s importance in creating light
  2. Graphite study sketches
  3. Speed Painting and the Morning Stretch- discovery for the sake of it.
  4. Learning not to put pressure on a painting or yourself to be successful before it is time.
  5. Using gestural brushstrokes to convey a sense of power and movement.
  6. Compositional techniques for breaking a painting down into understandable parts.
  7. Understanding that each wash builds on the last as we create depth of field. 
  8. Light and its ever changing possibilities for inventive compositions. 
  9. Painting reflections with power. 
  10. Learning to enjoy the process and not get stuck in bad habits.
  11. Creating a road map for each work that can be used over and over on any subject.
  12. You can practice what you learn over and over since you can keep the recordings of the class forever.

Biography-Iain Stewart, AWS

Iain Stewart is Scots born watercolor artist and a signature member of the American and National Watercolor Societies among other state and international entities. His work has received numerous awards in international competition and he is a sought after juror and instructor. 

He has been published in Watercolor Artist, The Art of Watercolour, Plein Air Magazine, Southern Living, Cottage Living, Better Homes and Gardens, The Robb Report, Watercolor Artist Magazine, Splash 15 16 18, 20 and the French publication Pratique des Arts. He has also contributed to the Urban Sketchers book series. 

His first book En Plein Air- Light and Color published by Walter Foster will be published April of 2021. 

Most recently his painting “Oh to be Back in the Land of Coca~Cola” won the Marge Saroka Memorial Award in the 152nd American Watercolor Society International Exhibition in New York- 2019 

His work “Swedish Trains” was exhibited in the Fabriano Aquarello International Exhibition in Fabriano, Italy. 

His article “Etching in Memories” was published in the June issue of Watercolor Artist.

In addition to gallery work, Iain is an Architectural Illustrator with an international clientele and teaches watercolor and design drawing at Auburn University. 

Artist’s Statement 

I rely on instinct a great deal and endeavor not to imbue any false grandeur to the choices I make when working. The lion’s share of my work is done alla prima as my real struggle in painting is to capture the initial vision for any given piece. I am most often motivated by capturing a definitive lighting condition and how it influences shape and value rather than faithfully representing the subject as witnessed. Watercolor is uniquely suited for this task as “light” is reserved from the first brush strokes and must be protected throughout the painting process. 

The underlying narrative in my work is not based on any theme in particular but but quite simply how “place” is inhabited and used daily. 

I often use remembered atmospheric and lighting conditions in my work and would say that I paint from life and memory simultaneously. My watercolors are not only a translation of what I see, but more importantly, an expression of how I choose to view the world. 

More info about Iain Stewart on his website.

Samples of Iain Stewart's Art

Testimonials from our VIEWers

“Love, love love your online classes! I’ve done two so far and have really enjoyed both. I feel my work has improved a lot thanks to your online workshops.
You do the BEST job of these workshops. I love the pace, and the instructors are all so willing to stop and help students! ”

Arlette T.

“Jackie, kudos to you for moving back and forth between screens and our artwork, as we asked a myriad of questions. It was fun and informative seeing everyone’s work along the way. Your gentle encouragement for us all to show what we were working on was much appreciated. Your calm manner and clear command of the vagaries of zoom made it a wonderful experience.
I will absolutely take more classes.”

Linda T.

“Jackie, the courses and quality of instructors you have cultivated through French Escapade V.I.E.W. is world-class. Jackie, you do such a great job hosting the program — you are on top of your game with production quality, responsiveness with quick replay links, and also announcing upcoming events to students. A side benefit is your fun, wickedly sharp and entertaining sense of humor. Keep up the great work. I’m not surprised that V.I.E.W. is expanding and doing so well.”

Sandy G.

The Price of US $198 for 6 hours includes:

  • The supply list and drawing from Iain ahead of time
  • Personal feedback during the class
  • The recording of all sessions for you to keep forever
  • The access to our VIEW Facebook page so you can share and communciate with the VIEW Academy community of artists and teachers.
French Escapade LLC | 2389 Blackpool Place | San Leandro, CA 94577 | 510-483-5713 | contact@frenchescapade.com
California Seller of Travel Licence-CST #: 2091909-40
Follow us on:  
.