Wednesdays, 1- 3 pm. April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 (6 weeks)
$153 Members /$180 non-members + HST.
To learn more about Nancy and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/peng
Learn the basics of painting landscapes and botanicals with watercolours. Strengthen your composition and observation skills. Explore mixed media using ink and dry media with watercolours and explore a path towards self expression.
Watercolour Exploration Supply List – Spring 2026
Watercolour Paints
Start by using brand name "academic" or "student" grade watercolours until you can commit your resources to buying "artist" grade paints. Pre-packaged sets may be more economical. Watercolour tubes are preferred but pans can be used. If you already have watercolour paints, bring them and try them out. You can always add to your supplies later. If you are buying individual paint colours, at a minimum buy one cool blue, one cool red and one clear yellow. My favourite brands are Daniel Smith and QOR. Cotman by Winsor Newton is a good quality student brand.
Primary blue such as cobalt and/or ultramarine blue, primary red such as permanent rose or alizaren crimson, primary yellow such as aureolin yellow, lemon yellow or cadmium yellow.
You may wish to add the following colours to your palette: New Gamboge, Sap Green, Burnt Sienna or pick your favourite colours to try.
Watercolour Brushes
At a minimum you will need: one flat and one medium sized round watercolour brush. 1/2”, 1” flat synthetic brushes, the longer bristled brushes are preferred. I suggest Size 4, 8, 12 round synthetic watercolour brushes.
Optional brushes to add later: Rigger brush, size 1 round for fine lines, fan brush, wash brush for large areas
Watercolour Paper
140 pound cold press watercolour paper is recommended. Strathmore 300 series or other brands are suitable. The high rag content will tolerate scrubbing and washing. Full sheets 22"x30" can be bought and cut as required. For the lessons you will need two pieces of paper roughly 8x10 size (or 1/8 sheet) per class. I use a steel edged ruler for cutting sheets.
Palette
You need something to mix your paints on. A white plastic plate will work but you will need to wash your paints off
after each use. You can buy a round or rectangular palette with lid to transport and reuse your paints. Avoid coloured,
paper or Styrofoam plates.
Backboard
A hard surface waterproof board to place your paper on when painting. This will be propped up on a slight angle. A
corrugated plastic core sign board slightly bigger than your paper is light weight and reasonably priced. A plain white
colour is best.
Water containers & cleanup
Bring 2 old margarine tubs or containers to hold clean water. Tissues, paper towels or rags are needed to catch puddles, lift paint and for clean up.
I use a medium spray water spray bottle as a tool for applying water to paper. Mine was from Dollarama.
A sketch pad and pencil will be useful for planning your painting and taking notes. You are welcome to bring a camera to take photos of my demos.
Mixed Media supplies: India Ink, optional acrylic inks, permanent ink markers.
Sundays 10:30 to - 1 pm. May 10, 24, May 31, 7, 14, 21 (6 sessions)
$191.25 member / $225 non-member + $30 materials + HST
This printmaking sampler course will allow you to try your hand at 3 different printmaking processes: collagraph, drypoint, and lino-cutting. Instructors will demonstrate techniques and assist in operating the press. Beginners and those with printmaking experience are welcome. This course will help you learn the skills you'll need to participate in our Print Open Studio!
May 10 & 24 - LINO with Baz Kanold
May 31 & June 7- DRYPOINT with Justin LaGuff
June 14, 21 - COLLAGRAPH with Nancy Peng
To learn more about these instructors and their work, please visit:
Baz Kanold: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/kanold
Nancy Peng: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/peng
IVISIT the BUTTON FACTORY ARTS HOMEPAGE
LOCATION: 25 Regina Street South
Waterloo ON N2L1R8
SUMMER HOURS:
Tuesday to Friday 10 to 7
Saturday 10 to 5
Closed Sunday
CONTACT US:
519-886-4577
Membership and rentals:
operations@buttonfactoryarts.ca
Program inquiries:
programs@buttonfactoryarts.ca
