Join us for Open Studio this weekend (Saturday, April 13th from 10am-noon & 1:30-2:30pm, or on Sunday, April 14th from 1-4pm) as two artists from the California Watercolor Association perform demonstrations and provide helpful tips on the use of water media. Open Studio is a great opportunity to test out a new type of skill in a very low pressure environment. No experience is necessary to come and experiment with the activities offered here. We welcome learners of all ages and abilities, and participation is free with museum admission!
What is “water media?”
“Water media” refers to the types of art materials that are diluted with water before use. Water media include watercolors, gouache, and acrylic, or a mix of these media and other types of art materials.
What is the California Watercolor Association?
The California Watercolor Association, or the CWA, was founded in 1967 to promote interest in and support for water media painting and its broad community of artists. Based out of Walnut Creek, the CWA is the largest regional water media organization in California.
What is the connection between the CWA and Walt Disney?
When The Walt Disney Studios began producing feature animated films in the 1930s and 1940s, a number of highly skilled artists were hired to produce background illustrations for feature animated films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and Fantasia. Some of these artists were trained at the Chouinard Art Institute and were members of the organization the California Water Color Society.
At that time, artists at the CWCS were developing a style known as the California Style of watercolor painting. This style had great impact on the artwork produced for many early Disney features. Notable members of the CWCS included Lee and Mary Blair.
The California Watercolor Association is a similar regional group with an interest in propagating the use water media. Having artists from the CWA producing and demonstrating throughout The Walt Disney Family Museum and in our Open Studio reminds us of the brilliant work done by artists in our community as well as throughout the history of Disney animation.
What else will be happening in The Walt Disney Family Museum this weekend?
On Saturday, April 13, artists from the CWA will appear throughout The Walt Disney Family Museum, creating artwork at various stages using water media. Artists will be at work and available for questions from 10am-noon and 1:30pm-2:30pm.
In addition, historian Donald Crafton will be leading an inspiring talk on the fine art traditions that contributed to the look and feel of Disney’s first feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with a special emphasis on the artists associated with the California Water Color Society.
If you are interested in more in-depth instruction, sign up for the Learn from the Masters workshop with award-winning professional artist and instructor Myrna Wacknov. Participants will explore the use of water media on a gesso-treated surface, and will benefit from Wacknov’s expert instruction. Check our calendar for details and to purchase tickets.
For more details, check out our full calendar of events. See you there!
Alyssa Carnahan
Open Studio Coordinator
at The Walt Disney Family Museum