Watercolor pansy class

Local artist Cherie Jacobson has recently taught two different classes at the Waseca Art Center (WAC) including one which gave class members tips on how to paint a pansy flower in watercolor, held the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 4. 

 

Jacobson had a gallery display at the WAC this past October; this year she’s decided to share her craft with local painters.

 

Six eager students were set up at two tables in the upper level of the art center, armed with paint brushes, drawing boards, masking tape, and a palette of paints. Their ages ranged from 15 to 65. Their work began with a pencil outline of their flower. From there Jacobson took tubes of paint and added 5 spots from her Daniel Smith tubes of paint, spots a little smaller than a dime and said, “You can make almost any picture with just the bare minimum of paints on your pallet.” She referenced a zebra watercolor painting she had done a while ago and said, “That zebra,” which was many shades of white, gray and black, “was done with only two colors.”

 

Jacobson revealed there are more than 50 different colors of pansy in the world, but this group was going to be using lighter and darker shades of blue and lavender alongside a green stem and leaves. Jacobson instructed the students to get their canvas wet before applying the paint because, “The water will take the blue wherever it wants to. Enjoy the personality of the watercolor and be sure to give it at least two coats.” There were gasps of amazement when a few of the students tried this for the first time, and the water did indeed take the paint and spread it out.  

 

Sue Hanson, former employee of Viking Woodcrafts said, “I used to do painting like this and I want to give it a try again. I think I’ll be good at it.” Alexis Olson and Joya Paczkowski were high school students also applying the paint to their canvases. Alexis said, “I’ve had my watercolor set from Walmart for the last three years, that’s how I usually paint, is with that. I just want to get better at it, and it’s fun.”

 

Jacobson told students she underwent surgery years ago and used her recovery time to build her skill as a painter.  “There’s a million different styles and a lot of stuff to learn online. One of my favorites is Jean Hanes, an excellent teacher, she does her paint pallets this way and I like that.”

 

For anyone interested, the Waseca Art Center offers numerous classes each month, anyone can sign up and Center members receive special pricing. To find a complete 

list of classes visit: https://www.wasecaartcenter.org/classes.