Teaching Watercolor Stipple to Teens
Someone I’m connected with knew that I had led a painting workshop at the museum and that I had an interest in finding similar opportunities. They put me in touch with folks at Luc’s Light - an organization that offers free classes to teens and young adults in southwest Michigan.
In preparation for day one I made art packs for the students.
I was invited to teach a two part class over the course of two weeks.
All the materials were provided to us. I spent about an hour in advance prepping the room: moving tables & chairs, opening up the new supplies, setting up the workspace, and finding the right music (we listened to hand pans and singing bowls). Before many of the painting students arrived, three film students and their teacher came to interview me as part of their project. It’s funny to say but I was a little nervous- mostly just excited about the newness of everything… not knowing how the night would go. I anticipated it would go very well, and it did.
There were 8 to 10 students. Some came late and some left early. We all zoned in and got focused on our individual projects. It’s important that people have creative freedom. Who wants to go into an art class and be told exactly what to do and how to do it? I suppose some people would prefer to leave little to their own interpretation, but this night I tried to leave things wide open for them to fall into their own process.
Some painted plants, animals, or characters from books and shows.
Every single one of these students impressed me with their willingness to try. I cannot speak for them but it seemed as if they were enjoying what we were doing. I didn’t hear one complaint. No one seemed bored.
As far as my role- I don’t think I taught them much. I was just there. They knew what to do. They saw a couple examples of the paintings that I’ve made and they inherently knew what do. I gave advice on how to make the right consistency of paint for rounder dots. I confirmed their theories about mixing colors, while encouraging them to try and learn through doing. We shared stories of things we’ve achieved and things we hope to accomplish. We talked about music and school and prayed together for a snow day to come the following day. Then we had to do the opposite, with reverse psychology, and will that school will be closed by saying that we “definitely don’t want there to be a snow day.”
Some students liked to layer their dots. I have an appreciation for anyone willing to play and experiment within any given style. There is no right way to stipple. I told them it’s all about slowing down. Mistakes only happen when you rush. We are here to be in the moment.
One students dots looked more like droplets. I offered her scissors to trim her brush, but she decided to continue on with the ‘odd’ shape for uniformity purposes. The outcome was wonderful.
Day two was just as fun as the first. We actually ended up having a blizzard on both days (a week apart) and it was fortunate that any of us showed up. We all made it there and home safely, though road conditions were in fact treacherous. This is not an exaggeration. The distance between my home and the location is one hour but it took over two hours on both occasions to go one way. But we had a warm room and great lighting, snacks, water, and art supplies. Everything was right.
During the original session we collectively agreed to make the subject of our big group project a tree. I had made leaf cut-outs for them to fill and sketched a trunk and branches for me to work on. We spent two focus-filled hours focused on dotting away. The end result will be framed in a couple months and up for auction at a gala that benefits Luc’s Light and ultimately benefits the students and their ability to have these opportunities. Community support allows the teachers and artists to be paid for our time while the students and their families only cost to come is transportation. It is such a good fit and I’m honored to have been invited back to have a regular position teaching these kids.
