For this workshop we used 'Auto type Plus 7000' emulsion. It was coated on the screen print mesh, twice. The artwork was copied onto transperant film and then exposed to ultravoilet light for just over 2 minutes, hardening the emulsion in areas where light hit the emulsion. The screens were cleaned ready for the screen print transfer.

Ian talked extensively about the three types of watercolour paints – Transparent, opaque and stains. He stressed the importance of understanding the paint qualities of each in order to achieve particular painting effects. Transparents are best used for evening scenes where the scene is flooded with light. Opaques, for dawn or when painting heavier architectural subjects. Stains are gritty and textural and can not be removed once applied to the paper.

As a basic rule Ian develops his artwork using a five scale tonal range — light, light/medium, medium, medium/dark and dark. Breaking the image into five values gives his compositions structure and his painting approach, discipline. Approaching his work methodically and sticking to a tried-and-true formula ensures his painting results are successful, every time.

Ian demonstrated how to work with two brushes to create a series of different lines and stressed the importance of drawing as a fundamental skill. 'I practice drawing every day and attend life drawing classes every week.' Drawing is the essential foundation of a good painting. Being able to draw from life, interpret the scene and translate it into paint on paper is the ultimate goal of the watercolour artist. 

Ian talked about how his work has developed over the last 30 years. When starting to use watercolours his works attempted to capture the subject, as realistically as possible. Over the years, as his knowledge and confidence with the medium has increased, his works have become more concerned with the interpretation of scenes, 'that space between me and the subject'. The feeling of light, atmosphere and mood interpreted through spontaneous marks, interplay of shapes and contrasts are his key considerations.

Ian stressed how important it is not to fear the watercolour medium itself. 'You need to be direct with the medium and never, ever work over the marks you have laid down. Working confidently is half the battle.' 

Using reference materials, up-side-down, Ian showed us how to interpret tones, lay washes and isolate shapes to indicate areas of light and dark. Keeping the focal point central to the composition, framing the image in mid tones and identifying contrasts gave each participant the secret tools to approach their own work with confidence.

In just three hours we had achieved some fresh works and walked away with the basic to understanding the watercolour medium.

The Visual Arts resource books for students studying the new Western Australian senior secondary course are now available through Impact Publishing. Full of practical ideas and artmaking activities, critical analysis and reflection question, the books are packed with inspiration from Australian and international artists. Over forty artists are featured with all artworks presented in full colour.

This resource provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of media and techniques across a range of art forms.