GUILD OF ARTISTS
Wild Over Watercolor
2026 WOW! Workshop​s
​MEET DALE KURTZ
Dale Kurtz began an interest in art because he "had" to take an art appreciation class at Pacific University in the 1960s. By the early 1970's, a livelong interest and obsession with watercolor began. Art Education works.
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After college, Dale and his wife, Esther, moved to Douglas County to begin teaching careers and raising 4 kids in Days Creek and Riddle. After 31 years of teaching history and government, he is now retired and painting more than ever.
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Before retirement, Dale painted as time permitted. He does not have a formal art education, but "self taught" is certainly not accurate. The generous help of local instructors and artists were important to his early development. Esther played an active role as they went to galleries and talked about art and his paintings. During those early years he sold at local area festivals and shows. Just prior to retiring from teaching he bought a booth and began going to the Summer Circuit of art festivals including: Eugene, Roseburg, Salem, Albany, Bend, and Corvallis.​​
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Wandering in the farm country and hills of Klamath County as a kid was the beginning of Dale's interest in Oregon's scenery. The Boy Scouts taught the joy and skills of camping and hiking. Esther also grew up camping and boating. Dale and Esther's hikes have included the Rogue River Trail, six day loops around Three Finger Jack and the Three Sisters, multi-day hikes in the wilderness areas of Douglas County, and many, many day hikes.
Winter's Break Dale Kurtz
They have also bicycled from the California border to the Washington border just east of the Cascades. Then kayaks were added to the outdoor experiences, including overnight adventures on quiet waters. After retirement, travels in the Western States added new vistas for paintings.
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Esther passed away in 2021, but she remains at the heart of Dale's art. The material gathered during their travels and her artistic influence are still at the core of Dale's paintings.
​OREGON AND
THE WATERCOLORS of DALE KURTZ
​Both the Oregon landscape and watercolor painting provide unique joys to my life. Joining the two just seems to be a great way to double life’s pleasures. It is a good day when I get to be out in the Oregon landscape. And it is a good day when I get to paint with watercolors.
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The Oregon landscape varies from the coastal rain forest to the high desert, from farming valleys to wilderness mountains, from sparse vegetation to towering firs, from small lakes and streams to the vast ocean. Add to this the variety of sky conditions (often in the same day) and there is much to delight the eye and move the soul. As I drive, bike, hike, boat, or just stand around in Oregon I am amazed at the compositions that are available for the artist.
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Watercolor also has its own variety and joys. Watercolor has so many techniques, tricks, tools, and methods that the learning is a lifetime endeavor. Watercolor has the ability to have both a bold looseness contrasted with a controlled depiction of the subject. It is exciting to watch a watercolor evolve in each stage. Sometimes the artist is in control and ... sometimes not ... and the artist must adjust.
I want my paintings to show the delight of traveling in Oregon and the Northwest and the fun of painting in watercolor. Painting a picture allows me to revisit that scene, to see that scene in a new way, and to enjoy it again. But when I see that painting, I get to see both the day I was there and the day that I did the painting. Both were good days.
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More Dave Kurtz Art at:
End of Winter Dale Kurtz
Mountains Dale Kurtz
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Broken Top Dale Kurtz
MATERIALS LIST​
DALE KURTZ WORKSHOP
I don't want anyone to buy a number of new things just for this workshop. I tend to paint in a very standard way (except for a couple of odd quirks) with a generally standard set of materials and colors. So bring the items that you normally use for painting.
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Some things that you will want to have:
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PALETTE - Bring the color selection and palette that you use. The colors in your palette are not so important for this workshop. I will explain what and why I use the colors that I use. I will have a hand out for my personal palette. Small palettes can be hard to mix large amounts of colors.
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PAPER
I mostly use Arches in 140 and 300 pound weights. I usually use cold press, but if you have hot press, you may want to bring a couple of sheets.
Cheaper papers may be harder to work on. We will use a lot of paper. We won't do a finished painting on all of these but will practice the techniques on them. I will bring a few boards that you can use.
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Bring two - 1/2 or 1/4 sheets of paper that are stretched to a board and ready for painting.
They don't have to be stretched but it does help.
I soak the paper for about 10 minutes, then staple it to plywood boards or Gatorboard.​​
BRUSHES
What ever you like to use. I use a variety of rounds from #4 #14 with good points, and 1" - 2" flats.​​
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Miscellaneous Items
Spray Bottle
I used to provide my favorite small spray bottle but they no longer make them and I have not found a replacement. A mister is too fine for what I use it for. Adjustable spray bottles often work, so if you have any, bring them. I use spraying a lot for texture and hard/soft edges.
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Hair Dryer
The spray bottle makes the paper real wet so it makes things go faster. I will bring a couple to share for those who do not have one.
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Small Palette Knife
If you have one. I will have a couple.
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Old Tooth Brush or small bristle brush
Pencil, Eraser
Masking Fluid
Incredible Nib (if you have it)
Paper Towels
Water Container