The first time I saw Valerie Chua's work was in an episode in ETC's show, Etcetera: Capsules for the Stylish Youth. Instantly, I was smitten by her works (I mean, who wouldn't be?) and my interest in dabbling watercolor as a medium grew after that. I got lucky that I was able to snag a cozy spot in one of her workshops this July and yes, the price is worth it! Really!
I got the early morning schedule for the workshop which took place in Valle Verde, Pasig. The Intensive Watercolor Workshop is a 4-hour crash course on watercolor. There are other workshops available with longer sessions so if you have the extra time, I suggest you take it.
The tables were already set up and each chair had one of these plastic envelopes with the materials that were used for the class. These are included in the package as well as the snacks.
The inner fan girl in me squealed with delight when I examined and saw the contents inside the envelope. It contained two postcards from Valerie's work!
*internally jumps for joy*
It also contained the artist's Watercolor Starter Manual which is just as pretty.
The rest of the materials in the envelope were two round brushes, one wash brush, and Prang's semi moist watercolor.
I wouldn't go into detail about everything that took place in the workshop but to give you an idea, it consisted of Valerie teaching the different basic techniques of watercolor and where it is usually applied.
She also had us practice applying watercolor where the light was hitting different areas.
The last task we did before the workshop wrapped up was to paint a still life image. She provided the reference as well as the paper with the trace of the image. What we had to do was to apply what she taught us in the session, and give it a go.
After correcting and altering the colors for the 214th time. Ta-da!
Valerie made sure to assist each and every one of us throughout the session as she made the rounds in the room. You can really tell that this amazing artist is doing what she loves, and loves sharing what she knows. She even took time to sign our postcards while answering our queries! I would definitely book myself in another session in a heartbeat!
You can follow her at her facebook page to see her artworks and workshops.
