Charging and glazing are two watercolor techniques used for mixing, blending (unifying), diffusing, lightening, adding value, and even making subtle color changes (balancing, adjusting, fixing, etc.)

Have you tried these techniques but ended up with something muddy or dull or opaque? I have a few simple exercises to share that will help you understand the ins and outs of these two techniques and how to apply them to your paintings.

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

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Supplies:

Round paintbrush (anything that is not thirsty - avoid Neptunes)

Flat / One stroke brush (1/2" - 1")

Transparent watercolors (Any paint that does not cover a black sharpie line will work. If the black line shows more or less, then it is semi-transparent. If the black line...

Watercolor painting is beautiful in and of itself, but let's explore a way we can enhance it with another lovely technique, cross-hatching. Cross-hatch illustration also stands on its own in its beauty when done right, but I like to use it as a way to make my paintings pop off the page. Incorporate these two styles and mediums into one for a work that is detailed, colorful and immensely satisfying. 

Topics Covered

• Cross-hatching technique
• Watercolor pencil usage
• Learning to see and recreate light & shadow
• Combining crosshatch and watercolor to form a unique composition

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

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Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Materials Needed

• Watercolor paper or thick mixed media paper
• 3-4 purple, green, blue, Watercolor pencils or traditional...

Today, we will create lovely carnations that will never wilt. You can use any color of your choice. You can use a wedge paintbrush or a paintbrush with an angled edge. A wedge paintbrush is a must-have in your collection of paintbrushes. I have some suggestions under "Watercolor" (Community) for where to get these brushes. They are often on sale so shop around!

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Supplies:

 Paintbrush:

 - Wedge brush or Triangle brush (ex: Beste or Silver Ruby) 

 - Round brush (size 6 or smaller)

 Paint:

 - Any color that you would like your carnations to be will work (pinks and greens)

 - Paint used in the video: Quinacridone Rose, Hansa Yellow, Serpentine Genuine and if you want to get...

We are learning all about monograms. A monogram has overlapping letters that connect to each other. You'll learn which letters to put in each spot for different occasions, ways you can change up the look of your monogram, and how to use the different types of monograms.

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Materials List:

• Pencil
• Paper
• Graph Paper

Homework Challenge:

Want to see our students homework? Search the hashtag #kcamonograms on Instagram to see samples from this week's homework. Our students who participate in this challenge get entered into a drawing to win prizes.

Instructor:

Melissa Baker

Instagram: @melissabakercalligraphy

In this class, you’ll learn:

• Types of Kraft paper and a few purposes for using them,
• Tips for lettering Kraft paper with paint pens, gel pens, brush pens, or pointed pens

After joining in on this class, you’ll be equipped to confidently handle projects on Kraft paper large or small! 

Materials Needed:

• Kraft paper (envelopes, paper, gift tags, journals, anything made from Kraft paper) 
• Posca Paint Pen (any will do, but this is my preferred paint pen)
• Brush pens
• Pointed pen and nib
• Gel pen

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Homework Challenge

Want to see our students' homework? Search the hashtag #kcagetkrafty on Instagram to see samples from this week's homework. Our students who participate in this challenge get...

Copperplate calligraphy is a beautiful script, but for a beginner it can be quite challenging. In this class you will learn how to micro-critique two foundational strokes and begin improving your skills and calligrapher's eye. 

Topics Covered

• Micro-critiquing two copperplate foundational strokes
• Self-awareness tips

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

 Materials Needed

• Your choice of nib and nib holder
• Ink of your choice
• Pen to critique (different color than your calligraphy ink) 
• Your preferred set of guidelines (or Kalli Camp Academy calligraphy guidelines)--Visit Lanquach.com/guidesheet to create custom guidelines
• Homework handout

Homework Challenge

Want to see our students' homework? Search the hashtag...

The acanthus leaf is an artistic motif going back as far as Ancient Greek architecture. Once you learn to recognize it, you will see it everywhere and start to understand how to approach creating your own. In this class, you'll learn to create the Roman period acanthus style and we'll apply it to a stunning stationery suite design with drawing, painting, and wax seals. 

Topics Covered

• History of the Acanthus Motif
• Anatomy of the stylized plant
• Drawing from simplified to complex
• Stationery suite design
• Acrylic paint embellishments
• Wax seal stamp tips

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Materials Needed

• Sketch paper 
• Pencil
• Fine liner
• Flexible tip black marker
• Ruler
• Vellum 
• Envelope
• Piece of cardstock 
• Acrylic or gouache...

In this jam packed class, you'll learn to use watercolors to paint pomegranate, fig, wheat, barley, dates, grapes and olive plants, all known as part of 'Seven Species' (Deuteronomy 8:8). We will run through watercolor basics, both in terms of recommended materials and techniques, and you will also learn my approach to sketching from a reference as well as finally painting a detailed piece. 

Topics Covered

• 'Seven species' background, context, and deeper meaning
• Wet on wet technique 
• Wet on Dry
• Sketching skills
• Detailed yet loose watercolor painting 

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Materials Needed

• Watercolor paper - I'm using Canson Aquarelle 300g
• 1 small round brush, 1 detail brush - I use Size 1 Princeton...

In this class, you’ll learn:

• How to create custom lettering on organizational products in your home,
• How to use faux calligraphy to letter with a paint pen,
• Tips for lettering on curved or flat surfaces,
• Tips for lettering on plastic and glass.

After joining in on this class, you’ll be ready to expand your creativity and show off your calligraphy skills on various surfaces to make your home more unique!

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

Materials Needed:

• Any organizational tubs, bins, jars, or boxes that are glass or plastic
• White China Marker (optional)
• Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Pen

Homework Challenge

Want to see our students' homework? Search the hashtag #kcaorganize on Instagram to see samples from this week's homework....

Copperplate calligraphy is a beautiful script but for a beginner it can be quite challenging. In this class you will learn how to critique the key stroke that is the foundation to the entire alphabet. 

Topics Covered

• Micro-critiquing one copperplate basic stroke
• Self-awareness tips

Want to join us for class? It's offered on-demand and available now for all Tier 2 students.  Some classes are also available to Tier 1 students. Click here to see the Tier 1 Class Listing.  

Members Only: Access the Class

Enroll in Tier 2 Now

 Materials Needed

• Your choice of nib and nib holder
• Ink of your choice
• Pen to critique (different color than your calligraphy ink) 
• Your preferred set of guidelines (or Kalli Camp Academy calligraphy guidelines)--Visit Lanquach.com/guidesheet to create custom guidelines
• Homework handout

Homework Challenge

Want to see our students' homework? Search the hashtag #kcaoforms on Instagram to see samples...