John Hopper Demonstrates “Open Flow” Watercolor Painting at May 2 RAA Meeting

Watercolor painter and teacher, John Hopper, presents a demonstration of “Open Flow” watercolor on May 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in Art Studio One. All Rossmoor residents are welcome at this free event, sponsored by the Rossmoor Art Association.
 
“This is much different from your normal watercolor demo, “ Hopper says. Open Flow watercolor is good for “kick-starting’” an artist’s creativity.  “If you have ever sat before a piece of blank watercolor paper and wondered ‘what should I paint?’ this is the demo you need to attend.”
 
Hopper will take you from a blank sheet through to a finished painting.  He starts with a wet wash and then lets the initial abstract forms that develop from the wash suggest the concept and composition, and even whether the format is horizontal or vertical. John will explain how he makes these determinations as he progresses through the painting.
 
In addition, one of John Hopper’s numbered and signed prints from his inventory of watercolor paintings will be raffled off after the demonstration.  Each person who attends will be given a raffle ticket at no charge, and the winner will be drawn at the end of the session.
 
“Open Flow” watercolor is based on a technique developed by Guy Lipscomb and covered in his book, “Go With The Flow.” Lipscomb was a renowned and award-winning watercolorist from South Carolina. To see Lipscomb’s work and his book, search for Guy Lipscomb on the Web. You can also see several “Open Flow” watercolors among Hopper’s paintings at www.jw-hopper.com.

Born in Seattle, Hopper has won scholarships and awards for his painting and has been exhibited at Seattle Art Museum, Frederick & Nelson, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, and in numerous juried shows and private galleries.  His paintings are in many private collections nationally. 

Hopper is currently exhibiting watercolor paintings in the RAA shows at Creekside and Gateway.  He teaches “Watercolor Just for the FUN of It” for beginners and accomplished watercolorists Wednesday evenings at Rossmoor.

Doors to Studio One open at 12:30.  The demonstration will begin at 1:00, with a 20-minute break at 2:00, followed by the completion of the painting.  Refreshments will be served during the break.
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The RAA has sophisticated cameras that project the smallest image onto a large screen, and Hopper uses a thinking aloud protocol to assist the viewer in understanding his choices. You will be intimately involved in the “Open Flow” process from anywhere you sit in the studio.