Classes from 2023
I was sitting at my desk reflecting on what I had accomplished this year. I could have started making a list of the artwork I created, the processes I improved upon, or the markets I sold at. But my mind drifted to the classes I taught. In particular to conversations that I had with students. During this time they might have told me: how they have a new understanding of a process, how they will improve upon a piece for next time, or how their outside life is ingrained into their artwork. I find it enriching to see joy that comes from students.
Here is a snippet of some of the classes I taught this year to adults and youth.
Watercolor Paint: Let’s Create and Use
For nine weeks students got to learn how to make watercolor paint from plants, earth, and synthetic pigments. They made up nine paints during this time and then painted with them. One of the stories that stuck with me was a student told me that their kid is an artist. Taking this class gave them a new way to connect with them on a different level. They would call their kid after each class to tell them what they had learned.
Watercoloring Urban Critters
Students learned and practiced how to paint smooth, hair, and feather textures. They then painted an animal of their own choice. It was heart warming to see how many students decided to paint their cat.
“Robin's input on my works, it helped to improve them significantly.”
Watercoloring Spring Florals
Practice makes improvement. This is a belief that I have as an artist and a teacher. Students got to first practice flowers individually. They then learned how to construct a pleasing composition and painted those flowers again.
“The instructor, Robin Bundi, was great. She created a class in which each lesson built on the previous one and led us to a really cool final project. She taught us elements of art in a way that was accessible and immediately applicable. She did a great job demonstrating techniques and offering clear actionable feedback on our work.”
Creative Cartography
During this course students learned about historical maps and the anatomy of a map. They then came up with their own theme to create a map. Some were memories from a trip, special restaurants, an imaginary island, or family history. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the thought process and creative thinking each student brought to their pieces.
Understanding Color Theory Thru Watercolor
My watercolor paintings improved so much once I really started to understand color theory. This makes this course really near and dear to my heart to teach. Students create different triads, learn about color schemes, and color context. Some of the students that I had in this class took a class took another with me later in the year. I saw them referencing their color charts and loved how this was a tool they continued to use.
“[Robin] was knowledgeable and kind. I learned so much in just two classes. I am very thankful.”
Watercoloring Fall Botanicals
I love to work from live specimens and consistently have my students do the same in class. When first looking at the specimen I always encourage students to really look at it. They might think the leaf is red but on further inspection see the bits of purple or orange that are present. One student said they can’t look at leafs now without really analyzing them. The week that we did mushrooms a students drought in nine aminita mushrooms; it was an impressive forage!
“There was a great balance of demonstration, individual work time and personal feedback. I feel like Robin really shows care in her interactions with students, gives great encouragement as well as generative feedback.”
Intermediate Watercoloring Fall Botanicals
For this course students spent most of the time focusing on one painting of a hydrangea. This complex flower can seem very daunting but if you break it down the steps it can feel so much more manageable. On the last night a student said this class was their favorite night of the week (I might have cried on the inside hearing this).
“Focusing on one painting for the course allowed me to tackle a complex specimen I wouldn't have attempted otherwise. I felt pushed in a good way and am thrilled with the results.”
Watercoloring the Puget Sound
This kiddo class focused on painting animals found in Seattle’s greater backyard. There was an emphasis on painting different animals that make up the ecosystem while learning watercolor technique. I was amazed by how fearless these kids were!
“[My daughter] has been enjoying the class and I’ve seen her trying new things, which is great! I’m very glad that she hasn’t gone to her perfectionism/negative place in class. Thank you for a creating a safe space for the kids to explore!”
Natural Ink: Let’s Create and Use
During this week long art camp, kids learned how to create natural ink. They created five inks. A favorite to make is blackberry ink as they get to squeeze berries with their hands. I loved watching a student figure out how to make green with our limited color palette (modify the blackberry ink and then mix it with marigold).
The Art of Botanical Drawing
In this week long summer camp, teens created botanical artwork with pencils, pens, and watercolor. It was a fun one where we painted from photographs, live specimens, and visited the conservatory. One student loved to paint foxes. I was totally here for that and it was really great to see them combine foxes with botanical artwork.
