Oddball Approaches to Watercolor

What is meant by “oddball”? In this three-session watercolor workshop, oddball refers to working with materials and surfaces that fall outside traditional watercolor practice, each offering surprising, expressive, and exciting results.

Participants will explore three unconventional approaches to watercolor:

• Crackle paste
• Black watercolor paper
• Yupo paper

None of these supports behaves like standard watercolor paper, and that’s exactly the point! Each one opens the door to new textures, contrasts, and painterly possibilities. What could go wrong?

Throughout the workshop, Alex will show examples of finished paintings using each approach and guide participants through hands-on experimentation. All levels are welcome, from curious beginners to experienced watercolorists looking to enreach their practice.

Crackle paste adds dramatic surface texture and dimensional complexity to watercolor paintings. Applied with a palette knife, the paste takes time (about 24 hours) to fully crack and develop—but the results are well worth the wait.

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply crackle paste directly to watercolor paper and paint over it
• Apply paste onto an existing painting to create soft, misty effects
• Transform older or unsuccessful paintings into something new

Note: Crackle paste will be applied during the session and fully worked into paintings once dry, in the following session.

Black watercolor paper creates a bold, ready-made background that allows simple subjects and line work to shine. Using white gouache, bleed-proof white, and metallic powders, you’ll explore dramatic contrast and luminous highlights.

Optional iridescent paints can add even more visual impact.

Yupo is a slick, non-absorbent surface that keeps watercolor paint floating on top rather than soaking in. Paint moves, pools, and lifts easily, making this an ideal surface for loose, impressionistic, and experimental work.

This approach rewards openness and flexibility, perfect for artists ready to go with the flow.

• Golden’s White Crackle Paste
• Palette knife
• Watercolor paper (any type you prefer)
• Watercolor paints & brushes
• A few old or unsuccessful paintings you’re willing to experiment on

• Black watercolor paper (Stonehenge recommended)
• White watercolor gouache
• Martin’s Bleed-Proof White
• Metallic powder (gold, silver, or bronze—e.g., Schmincke)
• Iridescent paints (optional)
• Watercolor brushes

• Yupo paper
• Watercolor paints & brushes

• Water container
• Painting board, easel, or other surface support
• Paper towels
• Q-tips (optional)

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher McLean Art Society