Quotes & Testimonials
...on a book manuscript and on class experiences
On the book manuscript (as yet, unpublished) ... Working Title: 'The Secret Life of Watercolor'
Tom Lynch, AWS, top American watercolorist – "A great read ... most comprehensive"
David Taylor, A.W.IF.V.A.S, premier Australian watercolorist – "... reading through your manuscript, I found it absorbing and also a good explanation to all those who wish to understand some of the finer points of detail connected with the beautiful medium of watercolor."
Martin Caulkin, RI, UK – When invited to comment on the manuscript "...my heart sank, and I thought does the world need yet another watercolour manual? The world is full of them, I thought; enough to bewilder any beginner! But, reading through it, I found myself nodding and agreeing with what was said, and remembering those frustrating gaps in my knowledge of materials. By understanding the materials and techniques at our disposal, the artist can avoid some of the frustrations and pitfalls and get on with enjoying the journey. We never actually get to the end of the road, the learning, but I can
recommend this book to start you on the adventure."
Anne Cherry, MA, SWA, UK – "[The] book is fab' and so detailed. Who could go wrong after reading it? David leaves no stone unturned! There is sheer poetry in David's descriptions of 'the water gathering up the not yet adhered pigment on the paper and pushing it in front of it "like a wave on the beach carrying foam before it!"' If only I could have been disciplined enough to plan ahead with all my colour mixes ready and to hand - how different life would have been. I have learnt so much in the short time it has taken to read this superb book, [despite] 25
years of painting professionally!! It has filled all the gaps in my knowledge and is always several steps ahead of guessing my next question, supplying the answer immediately.
www.fineartuk.net/acatalog/Anne_Cherry
Jo Coudert, artist, writer and illustrator of "Seven Cats and the Art of Living," as well as the author of seven other non-fiction books. – "... my appraisal of the whole is that you have done an excellent job. It is a clear and useful book. I might not have abandoned watercolor for oils if I'd had it sooner because this is the first time I have gotten an understandable explanation of when and how to use water in watercolor despite any number of teachers and books read."
On Classes ...
Carolyn Alexander: E-mail to Linda Mellor, Director of Education & Marketing, Center for the Arts Evergreen: "I meant to tell you that David Cuin 'tried out' his foliage workshop on me and it is absolutely wonderful!!! Packed with information and wonderful ideas and 'tricks of the trade.' In fact, if he ever offers a regular class again, I would like to take it!" Carolyn
Liz Hamilton: It was with some trepidation that I took David's watercolor class. I had tried to take a class once before and was told by the teacher that I really did not have an eye for such things and should try something else. One of the first things David told us was that watercolor painting was more to do with understanding the way the paint works with the paper and how to use certain tools to get the effect than it was about an "eye" or a special talent. Those that seemed to have "talent" obviously did much better and created some really amazing paintings, but even those of us who did not have "talent" came out of the first few classes with some work we were proud to show family
and friends. David was able to break down the process and explain in easy terms how it all came together. The early steps of learning, how to mix colors without making mud, made all the difference.
Today, three years later, when I start to forget and just dab paint on the paper and my paintings look like I forgot to wash my brushes, I go back to the basics that David taught us in the first classes and low and behold I end up with vibrant colors and a painting I am proud of. I never thought I would actually paint something I wanted to frame, but thanks to David I showed a friend a poppy I painted recently and she told me I should have them made into cards! I wish I knew where that past teacher I once had lives, I could show her a thing or two now ñ it is the teacher that brings out the painter in us!
Karen Morris: Writing is not a strong suit of mine but I feel very strongly about voicing the benefits I gained from your method of teaching. I had taken a watercolor class before which was more of the watch and learn method. Then I found I lacked the confidence to paint without the watchful eye of the instructor because quite honestly I didn't know what I was doing. My progression was slow. Now that I have an understanding of the relationship of the paint, water and paper I can figure out for myself what needs to be done. I also have a better understanding of color and how to mix it correctly. You said to me once: "You're painting should make sense." You explained such things as dimension, shadows,
reflections and so much more that I now feel I have the tools to make the painting work. Your method of teaching is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in watercolor! I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to study with you.
Colleen Norrgard: One of my frustrations with painting is that the books I have read and used do not address many questions I have, and most of my questions are probably thought to be common knowledge or so elementary by the author that they are not dealt with. Your classes, which deal with a lot of theory and "simple" technique, I really enjoyed. I guess it is my science background and training, but I really need to know the facts and why you use certain techniques. I don't easily accept "just because." All of the background history and theory helped a great deal.
Your classes were like opening a window for me on a whole new idea, the idea being that I could paint. I never thought about it in that way, that one could learn to paint and did not need innate talent. Interestingly, all three of our children took Suzuki violin lessons, and Dr. Suzukis theory is exactly that, that anyone can learn to play the violin, and this has proved very true with our youngest daughter, who is still playing at age 27. My experience before your classes was limited to art in elementary school, and one oil class in 1969! Painting has helped me to really see so much more detail in nature, and I even take better photographs!
Petra Mussell: David Cuin is a great teacher who inspires through his art and encouragement. He is able to communicate the aspects of watercolor in a clear and concise way. What I enjoyed most from his classes is that he taught the foundations of watercolor and encouraged you to find your own style instead of demanding you work in his style. He teaches the theory of watercolor and lets you discover what style appeals to you. There is always something new to learn in Davidís classes and that is why I have returned to them again and again.
Joan Arent: I thank David for offering me a new and meaty approach to painting. David provided me with knowledge that was easy to work with which aided me in creating artwork that I could feel good about. He provided theory and techniques that were easy to understand and apply. His approach offered each student guidelines that made it possible to create in one's own particular style. He embraced their work and their approach rather than expecting them to work in his style.
Pat Sliemers: As an almost phobic adult learner regarding any artistic endeavor, David put my fears to rest. He emphasized quality materials from the first class and thoroughly explained his rationale. David challenges his students to understand the theoretical explanations of the watercolor processes before launching into the creative path each student would soon take. I felt successful as a beginner; I began to look at the world differently and more thoroughly than ever before. When I paint now, I have a message in my mind reiterating over and over, "plan, plan, plan," ... and David taught me the tools I need for those plans.
Jane Love: Learning the theory behind watercolor really helped me have a foundation to begin watercolor and a goal to "master."
Denise Stoner: For the first and only time in art study, David's approach gave me the courage to actually apply paint to paper and explore watercolor as an expression of my eye rather than a medium I simply admired. It also refined my ability to see colors and forms, which has influenced my collage work as well.
Neil Quigley: David ... goes forward with a very comprehensive course giving great information and tips on how to paint in watercolors. One could not ask for a more solid foundation upon which to launch into the world of watercolor painting.
Mary Clark: At the age of almost 65, I happened across some beginner's classes in watercolor. The teacher was David Cuin who would become my watercolor teacher, mentor and friend in the next few years that I was lucky enough to join his classes. David starts from the beginning, technical but interesting and fun, and inspires the new student. I had never had any art training and, like most people, thought that watercolor was a "difficult" medium to master. I feel that I [now] have the skills, because of David's careful and thoughtful training, to paint any subject I care to tackle. One of the best gifts David has given to me, as his student, is the ability to see the mountains that surround me in terms of
watercolor, burnt sienna, umber, and all the colors that I learned to mix together using the color wheel.
During spring and fall I often teach at the Center for the Arts Evergreen (see also Current Events). Click on this link to visit their website, http://www.evergreenarts.org. Year round, I also teach a limited number of students privately. Adult lessons are $30 per hour and I recommend a lesson length of 1.5 hours. There is a
concessionary rate for Juniors aged 9-15 of $17 per hour and I recommend a 1 hour lesson. E-mail me at david@davidcuinart.com for more information.
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