ASBA 2025 - Denise Walser-Kolar - Painting Hazelnuts and Acorns on Vellum

Painting Hazelnuts and Acorns on Vellum with Denise Walser-Kolar

Sunday-Tuesday, October 19-21, 2025
9am – 4pm

Learn my approach to painting on vellum during this three-day workshop. We will begin by doing some exercises on small bits of vellum to learn technique and to get a feel for painting on this surface. We will discuss drawing and painting complicated subjects, drybrush techniques, mixing browns, and layering color to achieve rich luminous browns. This class is designed for students new to vellum (learn how to successfully paint on vellum) as well as for more experienced vellum painters (learn new tricks and techniques and bring your work to the next level).

Supplies:

• Vellum – 5” x 7” or larger (I will be working on 6” x 8” classic vellum) I usually buy classic vellum, but any vellum you like will work.
• Brush: My favorite brush is a Raphael 8408 Kolinsky Sable, #4 - I use it for everything and highly recommend it (make sure it’s the one with the cream colored handle tip – not the orange colored tip). These are currently very difficult to find. I have also used the #4 Dragon’s Tongue brush.
• Paint I only use paint that is rated transparent (i.e. not semi-transparent or opaque). I will share my paint in class so that you don’t need to buy paint, but please email me at mailto:denisewalserkolar@gmail.comif you would like a list of colors that I use.
• Palette We will be working in drybrush, so you will need a white porcelain or china plate (plastic does not work) to lay out your paint. If you use rinse agent in your dishwasher, your plate will repel paint. I always wash my plates by hand using Dawn.
• Mounting Board Something white to mount your vellum on – acid-free foam board or gessoed masonite work well
• Drafting tape
• 6H pencil and sharpener (for transferring drawing to vellum)
• 2B pencil and a plain sheet of copier paper (to make transfer paper)
• Tracing paper
• Brand new kneaded eraser
• Magnifying glass (optional)
• Ott light (optional) – lighting in conference meeting rooms can be less than ideal