FAQ Pouring Workshop

What kind of references should I bring?

Bring some images that you are excited about painting. Look for, or sketch, large simple shapes with good value patterns. Your painting plan should have mostly mid to dark values; light subjects require a lot of masking. We'll cover this in the workshop so don't stress out about it, just bring a lot of references.


Can I transfer my drawing or photo to the watercolor paper before the pouring workshop?

No, the transfer process is part of the technique and can't be done in advance. It's OK to enlarge a photo to the size of the painting (on regular printer paper, not photo paper) but not necessary before hearing my spiel and making an informed decision about the most appropriate image to use for pouring. There is usually a quick-print shop nearby for getting enlargements at noon or after class. Of course there is also the old-fashioned drawing by hand method! A full-size drawing (not very detailed) could be made on lightweight paper or tracing paper. I do demo how to transfer to the WC paper.

I prefer that students not get too far ahead of the process, as there are fine points I need to communicate. Not everyone will be prepared in advance anyway, so I start at the beginning with my explanations and demonstration.


What is stretching paper? Should I stretch my paper in advance?

Stretching means soaking and closely stapling the wet paper to a rigid board. (NOT regular foam core; gatorboard is my favorite.) However I will usually bring a supply of rigid watercolor painting surfaces for sale. These are Arches 140# paper adhered to a Canson acid-free board. They still need to be taped to a larger support board, but eliminate the need for the stretching procedure. Students may use either; I'll probably be using the rigid surfaces myself. You can order for yourself at Jerry's Artarama. I have an Instructor's Cart on their site under K for Kris Parins, which contains some of the items on the supply list.

When using watercolor boards in your workshop, is it still necessary to have an additional backing board?

Yes, the support board is needed to keep the surface flat and rigid, as we pick it up and tilt as part of the process. The watercolor board is taped to the support, not stapled.


Is it alright to cut boards to half sheet size?

Pouring works best on a large surface. I prefer a full sheet myself; a half sheet (15 x 22) would be the minimum size. don't chop everything in half right away. You might wish you could try a full sheet.


Can we work on 300lb arches stapled on board?

No to the 300 lb in a workshop; takes too long to dry and soaks up too much pigment. Since we need to stretch paper for pouring anyway, the extra weight of the 300 # is wasted. Feel free to experiment with other surfaces outside the workshop.


How many paintings will we do in the workshop?

In a 3-day workshop, we should have time for starting at least two, maybe three paintings. There will be down time while work-in-progress is drying, so second or third sheets can be stretched then, if need be. Even if students decide to use the rigid surfaces (see above), they should have some watercolor paper scraps on hand for making color wheels and using as testers. I have a fun demo on Day 3 that uses a half sheet of traditional paper.


You mention Incredible White Mask. Can I use Pebeo or frisket tape instead?

NO. Pebeo is only good on unpainted white paper. When applied over a painted surface, as we will be doing, it can be very difficult to remove and often scuffs the painting. I have had the best luck with Incredible White Mask. As for the tape, I believe that the amount of water we use would cause it to leak.

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