DAN MONDLOCH
Dan is an award winning third-generation painter. His first interest in painting was in the 9th grade; while driving with his dad he mentioned he’d like to try painting. The next morning he woke to the kitchen table covered with everything he could ever possibly need to paint a picture. He’s been featured in Plein Air Magazine, Watercolor Artist, and Southwest Art Magazine. Honors include the Jean Stern Legacy Award at Laguna Invitational and Best of show at Grand Marais Plein Air. He lives in Cold Spring, MN with his wife Mallory, sons Jack (9) and Drew (6), and daughter Emma (4).
Expressive Landscapes In Watercolor - the Damp Paper Method
In this workshop, we will be wetting the front and back of the paper before starting. This allows for longer “open time” to blend colors, get soft edges, and maximize the amazing textures inherent to watercolor.
We will complete a minimum of 1 painting per day. I will provide photos for students, and each lesson will be done in a step by step approach, making it easier for students to follow along.
As a teacher, my goal is to see the light bulbs come on when students realize that painting isn’t as mysterious as it seems. Of course, it’s still challenging—which is part of the fun—but the visual language is something that I believe we all can learn. In my workshops, I try to teach shortcuts that allow students to make leaps in theirunderstanding and how to avoid many of the common challenges of painting. There’s acharm to painting familiar aspects of our lives and subjects become much easier to paint when we learn tosimplify them into large shapes of value and color. With the big shapes planned and an accurate drawing established, it’s easier to loosen up and enjoy fluid washes, expressive brushwork, and bold color.
Each morning and afternoon, I begin with a demonstration to illustrate the day’s lesson, leaving a large majority of the time for students to work. If time allows, I will lead a late-afternoon critique, which are often very helpful and encouraging for students. Early in the week, we will focus on simplifying scenes into large shapes and value tones. These large value shapes help students understand the sequence and order of how a successful painting is created. I believe this system provides personal growth for students and—in the end— more satisfying results. Many helpful drawing and painting tips will be covered as they present themselves during the week. Students will be amazed at how fast they can grow when they stop trying to paint “things” and instead focus their energy on communicating in the visual language of painting.
Key Concepts:
Simplify Complex Subjects
Loosen Up
Elements of Painting: value, line, shape, color, direction, size, texture.
Confident Brushstrokes
Expressive Color
Utilize Large Shapes for Effective Designs
Order / Sequence of a Painting
More Accurate Drawing
Constructive Critiques
Materials List:
Dan-Mondloch-material-list.pdf
Date: September 18th, 19th , 20th, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily (the building may be entered at 8.30 a.m. for set up)
Location: Amazing Grace Church,
3325 S Federal Blvd
Englewood, CO, 80110
Lunch break: 12:00- 1:00 p.m.
*Bring your own lunch and a large garbage bag to protect the table underneath your painting
Workshop fees are $375.00 for CWS members and $425.00 for non-members (or members with lapsed membership dues). Board members $300.00 Remember dues are renewable June 1st, to qualify as a member.
How to Register:
You can register online @ https://www.coloradowatercolorsociety.org for your convenience.
Note:
If online registration is closed before the deadline, it is because the workshop is full, but please register for the waiting list. (The waiting list usually gets called, as there often are some cancellations by participants.)
A full refund will be given for cancellations up to 30 days prior to the start of the workshop. After that date no refunds can be issued.
