Coastal Light in Gouache: Seascape Painting with Jem Atwater-Morris

Coastal Light in Gouache: Seascape Painting
with Jem Atwater-Morris

This class explores the versatility and vibrancy of gouache as a medium for capturing expressive seascapes. Often described as a bridge between watercolor and acrylic, gouache is ideal for quick studies and finished works alike — making it perfect for coastal scenes that shift with the light and tide. Students will learn how to use gouache to render ocean waves, rocky shorelines, misty atmospheres, and glowing skies in the form of small studies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding light, color, and shape to convey the energy of the sea in a compact, portable medium.

This class is perfect for artists of all levels interested in exploring gouache as a medium for expressive seascapes. Ideal for painters, illustrators, and sketchbook enthusiasts who enjoy coastal subject matter or want a portable, fast-drying medium. No prior experience with gouache is necessary, though some familiarity with painting or drawing is helpful. Ages 16+ welcome.

FEE:
$150 for the five-class series - materials included
OR
$40 drop-in fee for each individual class - please bring your own materials based on this materials list. Learn from many quick studies during each class.

Only with the entire series will you:

● Understand the unique properties and handling of gouache paint.

● Develop skills in layering, blending, and using gouache opaquely and transparently.

● Learn to simplify complex seascape forms using shape, value, and color temperature.

● Complete a series of small finished seascapes and color studies.

● Gain confidence in working quickly from reference and direct observation.

NOTE NEW PARKING RULES:
The Ventura Harbor Village will be imposing new parking fees on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays starting July 11. That means anyone signing up for this class as of this notification should be aware that parking in the lot outside of Buenaventura Art Center will cost an additional $1 per hour up to 4 hours. Since this is a 2-hour class, you might wish to play it safe and pay for 3 hours in advance so as not to incur any penalties.

To avoid paying parking fees for this or any of your future excursions to the Village on weekends, you can park on the street on Spinnaker Dr. where there will be no charge, or in the "Dolphin Lot" which is toward the entrance to the Harbor area at Spinnaker Dr. and Harbor Blvd. You'll see a couple of big signs for Safe Harbor Ventura Isle and other dolphin signs. Park in that parking lot for free and enjoy a 5 - 10 minute stroll down the promenade and through the Village.