"The Architecture of Light" Watercolor Workshop with Artist Thomas Schaller, AWS, NWS, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. August 6 - 8, 2025. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch. 3-day Workshop Price: $465 for WSI Members. $525 for Non-Members. Skill Level Required: Intermediate to Advanced.
Day-to-Day Class Outline:
Daily, I will introduce a topic and complete a demonstration painting to open each day of the class. And we will build on what we have learned each day
Day One: The Built Environment vs. The Natural World.
The focus will the built environment in the context of the natural world. So we will emphasize design, composition, values, color theory the use of perspective, and the editing of unnecessary detail.
Day Two: The Natural World vs. The Built Environment
The emphasis this day will be elements of landscape, and atmosphere. We’ll build on the lessons of Day One and introduce ways to paint trees, skies, water, reflections, and pure atmosphere.
Day Three: Looking vs Seeing
Building on the practical lessons of Days One and Two, we will move into the areas, of interpretation and observation. We’ll look at ways of channeling our unique perceptions of the world into a clear and personal artistic point of view. By incorporating elements of dreams, memories, and pure invention into the act of strict real-world observation, we can watch as our artistic voices make themselves known.
Each day will begin with my introducing a topic and then producing a painted demonstration based upon that topic. Participants may certainly paint what it is I paint, but I encourage everyone to bring their own photo reference – something that resonated with them more personally.
Among the topics to be introduced:
+ Intent / Inspiration
+Composition / Design
+Value Design – Establishing Depth by using Three Basic Values
+Painting with Light – Negative Shape Painting
+Perspective Construction
+Color Theory – Working with Complements
+The Man-Made Environment / The Natural Environment
+Architecture – How to Simplify the Paintings of the Built Environment
+Atmospheres – Skies / Water / Reflections / Landscape Elements
+The Human Figure
+How to Know when You are Finished
Materials
I’ve listed in detail all I will be using throughout the course. But no one should feel that I recommend acquiring all these specific materials. You should feel free to use whatever supplies make your painting experience the most comfortable and enjoyable. In general, it’s a good idea to bring fewer rather than more things. This list is for reference only.
While I am a Brand Ambassador for the following companies, I have no exclusivity arrangements and do not discourage anyone from using alternatives:
Daniel Smith Artists Materials / Escoda Brushes / NEEF – Watercolor Brushes / Baohong :Masters Choice Watercolor Paper / House of Hoffman: Hand-Crafted Artists’ Palettes / Stillman & Birn - Sketchbooks
+ Sketch Pencil: Any with a soft lead – and a soft white vinyl or kneaded eraser. I use Blackwing Palomino and Faber Castell E-Motion sketch pencils and MONO by Tombow Erasers.
+ Sketchbook: I use Beta Series hard and softbound books by Stillman&Birn
+ Watercolor Paper: Good quality cotton surface – I recommend Baohong Masters Choice, Saunders Waterford, Fabriano Artistico, or Arches 140 lb. (300gsm). I always use the rough surface choice.
+ Easel: For studio work, I use a simple adjusted slant-board style table top easel by Reeves. I affix my watercolor paper to light weight boards (masonite, thin plywood veneer, corrugated pvc, etc) with simple Scotch brand masking tape
+Watercolor Palette: Use any type with which you are most comfortable, but it must allow for at least three good-sized mixing wells and perhaps 10 to 14 paint wells. I use the large German Silver Palette by House of Hoffman and a smaller travel palette by House of Hoffman. Another option is a folding aluminum model by Holbein.
+ Pigments: I always use tube-based pigments chosen for their quality, transparency, and light-fastness. I favor natural over dye-based colors. Primarily I use Daniel Smith and Holbein. My current palette is: Daniel Smith: French Ochre / Perm. Orange / Cad Red Light (or Mayan Orange)/ Van Dyke Brown / Alizarin Crimson / Burnt Sienna Light/ Burnt Sienna / Serpentine Green / Jadeite Green / Cobalt Teal Blue / Manganese Blue Hue / Cobalt Blue / French Ultramarine / Imperial Purple / Neutral Tint – Plus: Lavender / Naples Yellow / Light Red by Holbein
It’s not necessary to own each of these pigments, but I’d recommend basic primaries and complements – Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna are staples.
+ Brushes: I use a number of mops (NEEF118 Series, Escoda Aquario Series, Raphael Soft Aqua Series ) and several rounds (Escoda Perla and Versatil Series) Escoda Flats (Versatil and Perla Series). I also use a couple of liner brushes by DaVinci (Caseneo Series) and a few hake style flat brushes by Paul Rubens and Black Mice.
+ Misc:, I use Scotch brand masking tape, a small Holbein water mister (essential), simple water containers, and paper towels.
Bio 2025. Thomas Wells Schaller, AWS NWS TWSA IMWA CAC CWA SCNY SDWS ASAI AIA. Thomas Schaller is an acclaimed artist, architect, and author based in New York City. Learn more at: https://www.thomasschaller.com/
*Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!
