Watercolorist Andy Evansen to teach at The Homestead

From staff reports

Andy Evansen, renowned watercolorist from Minnesota, returns to Glen Arbor to teach a four-day workshop sponsored by the Glen Arbor Art Association at The Homestead resort, Oct. 13-16.

Born in Wisconsin in 1965, Evansen was educated at the University of Minnesota and has studied with watercolorists Skip Lawrence, Eric Weigardt and Alvaro Castagnet.

Of his class instructions, Evansen strives “for an impressionistic portrayal of the landscape in my watercolors. By concentrating on the large shapes and overall design, and leaving something to the imagination, the viewer is forced to interpret details. This makes them a participant in the painting, enhancing their enjoyment of it”.

“This method of painting demands a quick approach,” adds Evansen. “The paint must be applied boldly and confidently to avoid an overworked, “muddy” look. In order to achieve this, a great deal of planning needs to go into the painting before the brush even hits the paper. Once I get the design I like and an accurate sketch, I’m free to let loose with the paint and let the unique, spontaneous qualities of watercolor take over. The results are unpredictable at times, but when pigments start flowing into each other on the paper and Mother Nature takes over, the beauty of watercolors is most evident”.

The class includes at least one demonstration painting each day covering topics such as drawing, skies, trees, buildings, water and figures. Individual attention is provided to each student.

Evansen is signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of American, and past president of the Minnesota Watercolor Society. He lives in Vermillion, Minn., and teaches workshops across the country and in Europe and China. Visit his website, AndyEvansen.com for more information.

Register online at GlenArborArt.org or call 231-334-6112. Special Homestead room rates are available for a limited time for participating students.