May 6th-8th, 2023 | 10am-4pm
$300 | nonrefundable

Learn a new painting technique using the batik method with watercolor. Watercolor batik is the process of using traditional watercolor paint and wax to create unique and beautiful batik-style paintings on Japanese rice paper. This process is similar to the age old technique where melted wax is applied to fabric as a resist and then the fabric is dipped in dye. Students will begin the process with a drawing and then learn to create highlights and shadows, as well as how to mask areas of the project with wax. This class is suitable for both beginner and experienced painters with little or no watercolor experience.  Artists will create several 12×16” batik paintings in the workshop. Irons, rice paper, electric skillets, newspapers, wax, and brushes for applying wax will be provided.  Artists will need to bring watercolor paints, brushes, and suitable clothing (wax does drip and sometimes ends up on clothing). Artists can use reference photographs provided for their drawings or are welcome to bring a high contrast photograph or line drawing to transfer to rice paper.

Ryan is a member of the American Watercolor Society and teaches workshops and classes all around NC. This is his first workshop with us. You will be learning and creating your own unique watercolor batiks. This workshop is limited to nine participants. For information, call the gallery at 910.575.5999.

WATERCOLOR BATIK SUPPLY LIST (you bring)

Normal Watercolor Supplies:
Recommended Colors- I create 90% of my paintings with Yellow Ochre, Dioxazine Purple (or Imperial Purple (DS), Sap Green, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Aureolin, Winsor Yellow, Cerulean Blue (Winsor Newton), Rose Madder, and Perinone Orange. Any colors will work on batik though

Watercolor Brushes- Big and small brushes to cover large areas and details. I highly recommend a squirrel mop brush (#8 or #6) to cover rice paper

Watercolor Palette- I prefer the Sterling Edwards Big Brush palette but I also own several Richeson Covered Palettes. Make sure your palette is big enough to mix up lots of paint with water so you have big puddles of color.

Paper towels- I use Viva paper towels that have no texture.

Water container- Anything that holds water. I use two water containers at once- I’ll explain later.

Spray bottle- Small SOHO or Holbein spray bottle. I also use use a $4 larger spray bottle from Hobby Lobby. I use both for different reasons.

Board to put painting on- This could be wood, plexiglass, or gatorboard. Needs to be waterproof. The board needs to be several inches larger than your paper.

Drawing Supplies/Erasers- I will provide brushes to apply wax (do not stick your good watercolor brushes into hot wax) as well as Japanese rice paper.

These are examples of Ryan Fox’s work. You will be creating your own unique Batiks.