ONLINE Contrasting Dark and Light in Watercolor
Adult Class | Registration opens 11/3/2026 10:00 AM MDT
Strategically placed light and dark values in a composition quickly shape how we see things and are what make a painting mesmerizing. Discover how simplified shapes, size and scale, cropping, and the play of light give a strong sense of structure to your landscape. Whether depicting warm sunlight on a narrow alleyway or cool shadows on an abandoned barn, work with lightening light areas and darkening dark areas to create compelling contrasts. Experiment with color mixing and color temperature to add visual interest in shaded areas. Learn the value of values so remarkable darks will show off the striking light elements in your paintings! Reference material provided. Introductory watercolor experience needed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to developing skills using color/value relationships and brushwork, students will gain an understanding of composition and lighting effects.
WEEK 1: Narrow Alleyway with Ancient Stone Buildings
WEEK 2: Abandoned Barn with Old Tree Trunk
WEEK 3: Whitewashed Facade with Weathered Blue Shutters
WEEK 4: House with Porch in Warm Sunlight with Shadows
- Introductory watercolor experience needed.
- WATERCOLOR PALETTE WITH LID
- WATERCOLOR PAPER OR WATERCOLOR BLOCK (9” x 12” OR LARGER) 140LB COLD PRESS
- WATERCOLOR BRUSHES (#6 AND #8 ROUND, 1”- 1 1/2” FLAT)
- CADMIUM RED
- ALIZARIN CRIMSON
- CADMIUM YELLOW
- LEMON YELLOW
- YELLOW OCHRE
- BURNT SIENNA
- RAW UMBER
- OLIVE GREEN
- CERULEAN BLUE
- ULTRAMARINE BLUE
- COBALT VIOLET
- MINERAL VIOLET
- WATER CONTAINER
- SPRAY BOTTLE
- TISSUES WITHOUT LOTION OR PAPER TOWEL
Dennis Pendleton
BFA, Ohio State University Pendleton has been published in The Artist's Magazine, Southwest Art and Contemporary Artists of the American West, 5280 Magazine and Watercolor Magazine. He lectures nationally on watercolor history, watercolor techniques and cave paintings, and teaches workshops at various locations. Dennis has gallery representation through Elements 5280 Gallery in Denver and The Fechin Museum in Taos New Mexico. His work is in select collections such as the People's Republic of China, American Embassy in France, Kaiser Permanente in Louisville, Kaiser Permanente in Lone Tree, The Petroleum Club, Cherry Creek Bank, Norwest Bank, and First Bank. As well, his work is the collections of the Columbus Museum of Fine Art, A R Mitchell Museum, and Fine Art Museum at The Ohio State University. Dennis has taught at ASLD for 22 years and teaches workshops in the United States and Europe.