Fearless Watercolor with Peter Ferber

About the class:

Discover a simple technique that can bring new life to watercolor.  By adding a wash over a conventional–or even failed–painting and then lifting out highlights, you will discover a way to add richness and depth to your painting, and become more fearless in your work! Whatever subject you paint, this technique will work for you. Participants with some experience working with watercolors will benefit most from this class. 

The class will be taught in two parts. In the morning, there will be a demonstration followed by a break for lunch, then a combination of demonstration and individual instruction. Please plan to pack a lunch or visit a local venue. Some materials will be provided but you will also want to bring your own.

Materials:

• Winsor & Newton Professional watercolor paper (not “Classic” watercolor paper) 140lb or 300lb cold press surface. Lanaquarelle and Fabriano can also work, but to a lesser degree with this technique.  Arches, Saunders, or  Strathmore will not work.
• Basic watercolor supplies: paint, pallet, brushes.
• Wash brush, at least 1” wide, 1 1/2” or 2” is better, depending of the size of paper you are using.
• Dish to mix wash in, separate from pallet (unless you have a very large pallet!).

About the instructor, Peter Ferber:

Peter Ferber has become known for his depiction of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  His inspiration comes from a love for the area that grew out of a lifetime of summers spent at his family’s “camp” on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro.  “Paint what you love” was his college professor’s advice, and that in turn created a connection with people who share the same family memories and love for the area.  This has proven to be a successful approach in carving out a full-time career as a painter for the last 30 years.  Moving year round to his home in Alton in 1994 coincided with the first of his Antique and Classic Boat Show posters, which he has been commissioned to do annually since then.  Tapping in to this interest has been a key part of the niche he’s found for  himself as an artist.

Peter has worked as a self-employed artist since graduating from Principia College with a studio art major.  He did graphic design and commercial illustrations, as well as having at least one showing of paintings each year.  Doing highly detailed architectural renderings for historic restoration projects honed his watercolor skills.  He has since added oil, acrylic, mono prints, and cut paper mediums, largely through self-instruction.  Well over 100 posters and limited edition prints have been made of his work, all of which is featured at The Art Place in Wolfeboro, NH where they host 2 one-man shows of his originals each year.  Having his work used to benefit local organizations has also been very satisfying. He is tremendously grateful to be able to have a career doing what he loves, and connecting with others who find that these New England landscapes warm their hearts like they do his.