Art by Laura G. Dicus
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Classes and Workshops with Laura Dicus

Classes and workshops are listed under headings in order of their start date. There are multiple sessions of certain classes and workshops.
You will find all the dates for those under the class/workshop title.
The sub-headings are directly below. For detailed descriptions simply click on the title.
To register for a class click on the Poulsbo Parks & Recreation links

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WATERCOLOR
BOTANICAL
COLOR PENCIL
SUBJECTS IN WATERCOLOR

Watercolor Class Descriptions

 

 

 
 

Plan Your Painting class

 
 

Every artist is familiar with the temptation to just get the “paint on the canvas”.  While this can be a successful approach many times something seems off and can be difficult to pinpoint or correct.  Taking the time to establish a basic plan can solve some of these potential problems before they occur.   

Laura will focus on helping you develop an understanding of these principles that will enable you to both increase your confidence level as well as produce stronger paintings, no matter what subject or medium you choose. 

We have all heard the axiom that “rules were made to be broken”.  Laura believes that having an innate understanding of the rules will help you break them with intent, and success.

The following principles will be covered in this 4 week course.
General Principles of Composition                           
Drawing Basics                                              
Values and Color                                
Perspective Simplified                       

Class size is limited to 10 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura @ lauradicus.com. Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
April 9th – April 30th
Thursdays,  1 pm – 4 pm
12 hours of instruction: $136
A $14 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.


Register: search words - watercolor, plan

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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The Whys and Wherefores of Watercolor - Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner Class

 
 

Watercolor is a very fresh intriguing medium but can be quite challenging.  Laura’s beginner watercolor class provides a comfortable environment for artists just starting out with watercolor.

During short demonstrations and mini-lectures Laura will be teaching fundamental techniques that apply to any subject or style, leaving plenty of time for you to paint.  We will be focusing on basic methods that give you the understanding of how to successfully work in this medium.  Development of good habits is an important part of the agenda. 

Laura will also provide information about choosing materials from the sometimes bewildering array of those available.  General supplies will be provided for use in class.  Materials used in several of Laura’s demonstrations are included in the cost of the course.  Laura’s “Watercolor Materials Overview” booklet will be available to students at a discount: $5 off list ($15)

Class format: alternating demonstrations and brief lectures with time working on your painting, plus (gentle) critique sessions. 

Class size is limited to 6 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura @ lauradicus.com. Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
Tuesdays         April 14th – May 26th   1 pm – 4          No class on May 12
18 hours of instruction:: $199.00
A $39.25 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Register: search words - watercolor, whys

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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Watercolor Materials Overview - 3 hour workshop

 
 

Art supply stores are our playground yet we can become so overwhelmed when it comes to purchasing our materials and supplies.  What kind of brush should I get?  I like this color of paint, why does it act funny?  What’s the best paper for me?  Can I skimp and buy the “cheap stuff”?

Take advantage of Laura’s trial-and-error!  She will take you through options for paper, brushes, paint, palettes and miscellaneous supplies for the watercolor artist.  This information will help you to spend your money on purchase materials that are just right for you and avoid drawers and shelves full of things you might never use more than once.

Each student will receive Laura’s “Watercolor Materials Overview”, a $15 value!

Class format: alternating demonstrations and brief lectures with time working on your painting, plus (gentle) critique sessions. 

Class size is limited to 6 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura @ lauradicus.com. Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
Fridays
April 10th  1:00p-4:00p
May 29th   1:00p-4:00p
July 17th 1:00p-4:00p
3 hour workshop: $35

Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.   laura@lauradicus.com

Register: watercolor, materials

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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Intermediate Watercolor Classes - 6 week class

 
 

Watercolor is a very fresh intriguing medium but can be challenging even for those with some experience.  This class is perfect for artists with experience with watercolor as well the advanced beginner ready to move up.

Laura will be doing short demonstrations each week. She will also guide each student as their paintings progress, suggesting alternative techniques, tools, materials and/or color in gentle critiques. 

This is a more informal class with a focus on helping individual students with their own projects. There are no limitations to a particular subject or style. 

Class size is limited to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura@lauradicus.com.
Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Class Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
April 15th –May 27th        (No class on May 12)
Wednesdays  1:00 am – 4:00 pm
June 3rd – July 8th
Wednesdays  1:00 am – 4:00 pm
12 hours of instruction: $199.00

Register: watercolor, intermediate

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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Shadows and Light - 4 week class

 
 

Recognizing values and contrast is an integral part of successful rendering any subject.  Learning to see value shapes within any drawing or painting will help you to strengthen your compositions; whether they be landscapes, still life, portraits or abstracts.  Including a wide range of values will lend excitement and vibrancy to your artwork.

Laura will also touch on recognizing shadow shapes and highlights to enable helping you to paint what you see rather than what you know the object to be. Class format: alternating demonstrations and brief lectures with time working on your painting, plus (gentle) critiques.

Class size is limited to 8 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura@lauradicus.com.

Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
Thursdays        May 7th – June 4th        1 pm – 4          No class on May 14
8 hours of instruction: $136.00

Register: watercolor, shadows

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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Florals Watercolor Workshop - 2 day workshop

 
 

Join Laura as she reveals how to bring luminosity and clear color to your favorite floral subjects.  Learn how applying simple techniques and processes will produce exciting floral portraits whether you chose delicate blossoms, those with rich texture or vibrant exotics.

This workshop is geared to the watercolorist who has some knowledge of the medium and is eager to push her/his limits.  The main emphasis is on compelling composition, luminous colors and exciting light effects to create inspired watercolor renderings.

Laura will help you to translate what you actually see to create compositions with a strong focal point.   Understanding close-up flower shapes and structure, leaf and petal textures will help you to simplify your subject accurately.  Awareness of color and value relationships, textures, negative space, form, emotion and atmosphere will add impact to your watercolor paintings. 

We will be using techniques such as:

- wet-into-wet
- wet-on-dry
- glazing
- lifting
- feathering
- embossing
- masking


You may work from photographs of flowers or concentrate on painting from life.  If you wish to work from your own reference photos please contact the instructor prior to class.  More advanced students may wish to combine photo references to design challenging natural compositions.

Class size is limited to 8 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura@lauradicus.com.  Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
July 11th and 12th
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am - 6 pm
Bring a lunch!
12 hours of advanced instruction: $225.00

Register: watercolor, floral

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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Watercolor Pencil Painting Workshop

 
 

Watercolor pencils can offer you quite a bit of freedom when you are travelling, working en plein aire or producing quick sketches when you have limited time.

This workshop focuses on techniques for successfully using artist’s grade watercolor pencils, giving you the means to produce quick sketches and even finished paintings with this versatile medium.

Laura will also touch on the brands of color pencils available, plus the pros and cons of buying sets or individual pencils from open stock. Short demonstrations and lectures will accompany plenty of painting time. Laura will be available to give individual attention while you are working.

Class size is limited to 8 students to be certain that everyone receives attention.  Once you have completed your registration you will be provided with materials lists and templates.  Be certain to register early so you can reserve your space and come to class prepared.  

Contact the instructor prior to class for more session information and a materials list.   laura@lauradicus.com.

Please be sure to add Laura’s email address to your address book to ensure you receive class materials in a timely fashion.  Thank you.

Location:
Pouslbo Parks & Recreation
Recreation Center Kitchen.
July 28th and 30th
Tuesday and Thursday Noon - 3 pm
6 hours of instruction: $85.00

Register: watercolor, pencil

Laura Dicus
Poulsbo, WA
laura @ lauradicus.com

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To register for class please contact:

Poulsbo Parks and Recreation
19540 Front Street Poulsbo, WA
(360) 779-9898
Monday – Thursday 8:00am - 6:30pm ~ Fridays 8:00am – 5:00 pm

Online Catalog: Poulsbo Parks & Recreation

 
  Poulsbo Parks & Recreation's "How to Register" page  
  Poulsbo Parks & Recreation"s Printable registration form  
  Laura's Registrations tutorial: Find your class or workshop tutorial  
 

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