Explore the art of watercolor and discover your own style.

Explore watercolor techniques in a relaxed and encouraging environment while learning how to observe, sketch, and break down subjects for painting. Develop skills in blending, layering, color, value, and creating realistic textures while allowing watercolor’s natural flow to shine. Through demonstrations, individual guidance, and constructive feedback, you’ll build confidence and refine your skills while discovering and developing your own artistic style.

Each class will begin with a brief demonstration, where I will show you how I sketch the subject and approach the painting process. You will then create your own painting based on the subject while I walk around the class, offering individual guidance, suggestions, and encouragement.

Early in the course, there will be more instruction and demonstrations. As the weeks progress, the focus will shift toward individual feedback and critique, helping you refine your techniques, build confidence, and develop your own artistic voice.

Reference photos will be provided the week before each class (except the first class), giving you the opportunity to sketch and prepare before you arrive. We will explore a variety of subjects and watercolor techniques, including blending, wood grain, glass, clouds, and metal.

I look forward to seeing a wonderful variety of experience, talent, and artistic styles come together in the class!

What You'll Learn

• Week 1 – Blending: Learn how to create smooth blends, control water and pigment, and transition between colors while allowing the watercolor to flow naturally.

• Week 2 – Wood Grain: Explore techniques for creating the look and texture of wood, including grain patterns, color variation, shadows, and highlights.

• Week 3 – Glass: Learn how to paint transparent and reflective surfaces by focusing on highlights, shadows, edges, and the shapes and colors you see through glass.

• Week 4 – Clouds: Practice creating soft, natural-looking clouds by working with water, edges, layering, light, and shadow to create depth and atmosphere.

• Week 5 – Developing Your Style: Put the techniques you've learned together while working on a subject of your choice. Receive individual guidance and feedback to help you develop your own watercolor style.

• Week 6 – Metal: Learn how to capture the reflective qualities of metal using strong contrasts, highlights, shadows, and carefully observed shapes and colors.

What to Bring

Please bring your watercolor paints, brushes, watercolor paper, pencils, eraser, and any other supplies you regularly use for painting. A supply list provided. Students must also bring a table covering/drop cloth and water containers. For an additional fee, the BAC will provide the supplies for you.

Please Note:

This class welcomes a variety of skill levels and artistic styles. Beginners are welcome, and experienced watercolor artists are encouraged to use the class as an opportunity to refine their skills and explore new techniques.