Description
PAINTING YOUR PET IN WATERCOLORS
Susi Davis
Mondays, Dec. 1 & 8
Bring your pet to life in watercolors in this two-session class. We’ll begin with sharpening our
observation skills, by sketching in pencil a detailed drawing of our chosen animal. Working from
your own photo reference, you’ll focus on the unique features and the character of your pet. You’ll
then learn to play with watercolor, applying it to specific areas of your pet to capture details like
the glint in an eye, the texture of its fur, the shape of a wet nose. By the end of the workshop,
you’ll leave with a beautiful painting of your pet.
ARTIST BIO I always loved color and art. As a youngster in Germany, I often helped other
students with their art in exchange for help with writing assignments. Moving to France, as a tenyear-old, I took painting lessons in a small attic artist studio. After receiving my BFA I worked as a
graphic artist for years. Now I paint full time in watercolor, acrylics and mixed media. My favorite
subject matter is nature, animals and family. Ten years ago, I started painting watercolor pet
portraits. I’ve always loved animals and grew up with many, including dogs, rabbits, horses, and
turtles. In doing so, I get to meet my wonderful subjects, in order to understand their personality
and take photos. I have been teaching pet portrait classes for seven years.
SUPPLIES
o Photo Reference of the pet you want to paint.
o Watercolor Paper 2 sheets (11×16 and 8×10) of quality paper, 140 lb., Arches is my favorite.
Also a few scrap sheets to try out color and strokes
o Paint Artist grade is recommended (Winsor Newton or Daniel Smith)
Sepia, Payne’s gray, Transparent Gold Deep or Quinacridone Gold, Alizarin Crimson, Phthalo
Blue (red shade)
o Palette for paints
o Board to hold paper (I use foam board or heavy cardboard)
o Tape
o Brushes – a mixture of flat and round and large 1” to small.
o Masking Fluid if you have it.
- I will have masking fluid, extra brushes, scrap paper and boards to share, if needed
