Watercolor Zoetrope

In this workshop we will be creating several small watercolor series to be animated on a Zoetrope, from the organic abstract to the blind-contoured self-portrait. The Zoetrope is a device of simplicity and wonder for me, created in 1834 it was one of the first forms of creating animation from static pictures. Watercolors makes the perfect vehicle for us to explore making organic and spontaneous animations. In addition to exploring sequential animated art you will learn basic watercolor technique, color theory, drawing and we will be constructing our own Zoetropes.

Kit Fee: $5

Supply List:

• Pencil & Pen
• Watercolor Brushes:
  (look for the softest feeling brushes you can find)
  • Round, size 8 (suggested size).
  • 1in or larger Flat.
  • Round, size 1 or 2 (optional).
  • OR I highly recommend a size 4 or 6 squirrel hair quill brush in place of all three of the previous brushes. If you do buy a squirrel hair make sure it is the "quill" variety and around the $30 range. There are cheaper squirrel hair brushes out there ($3-8) but they are much poorer quality. Please do not feel obligated to buy one unless you are serious about continuing with the medium, but they are well worth the extra money.
  
  
  
• Watercolors:
  • The difference between the cheap brands vs. the expensive brands is the amount of pigment in the paint. Cotman watercolors are among the cheapest and work well, if you want paints with as much vibrancy as possible Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith and pretty much any brand in the higher price range are great. Must be tube watercolors, do not get cake or pan watercolors.
  • Pick one Red, one Blue and one Yellow. (my palette contains one in each category but it is not necessary)
  • Warm Reds: Alizarim Crimson, Rose Madder Genuine, Quinadrone Red (recommended).
  • Cool Reds: Cadmium Red Hue (its cheaper than real cadmium red) (recommended), Flame Red.
  • Warm Blues: Ultramarine (recommended), Prussian, Cobalt.
  • Cool Blues: Cerulean (recommended), Pthalo.
  • Warm Yellows: Cadmium Yellow hue (recommended)
  • Cool Yellow: Aureolin Yellow, Lemon Yellow.



• Watercolor Palette
  • Highly recommend the largest one you can find (the small 8in rounds are much too tiny).
  • This is a good example but it isn't required.
• Oatmeal container (size of the standard Quaker Oats box)
  
  Kit Fee Includes:
• Watercolor paper
• Cups and paper towels
• dowels and remaining components for the zoetrope