In this fast paced and fun weekend workshop we discuss the importance of composition and design in our work and then apply what we’ve learned to a variety of subjects in the process exploring the magical qualities of watercolor.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mick McAndrews
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Create your own collage from painted paper in the online Zoom class with Katie Knoeringer! Learn how to plan and complete an original work of art from pencil sketch to finished collage. This class covers processes for generating ideas, spatial drawing techniques, basic color theory and collage techniques.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Katie Knoeringer
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

This course is designed for beginners who want to explore drawing and painting, as well as for more experienced students looking to enhance their college portfolio. Gain confidence experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolor, and acrylic paints. This student-centered class will help build essential knowledge of drawing and painting fundamentals, working from observation, and using imagination to create successful and joyful images. Students will explore different approaches to art, working from unique still-life setups, portrait sessions, and nature in the garden. Photo references, personal experiences, or other sources will also be used. If you're ready to learn solid foundational skills in drawing and painting, join us Tuesdays after school to create art!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Annie Gardner
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Interested in learning or improving your watercolor skills? All materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life subjects and/or their own source material. All levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Inspired by painters like Cezanne such as John Marin, this class will inspire your process to loosen up and reveal what is important in a scene. If you have ever enjoyed sketchbook studies of scenes that are not fully painted, this workshop will give you the opportunity to practice working quickly but thoughtfully to create smaller studies (under 8 x 10) of several images of your own, using rich color but leaving the white of the paper to enhance the light in a scene. There will be short demonstration and discussion as the instructor shares master painters demonstrating this style of painting to inspire your process.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Our interest is whether two distinct pictorial genres, the portrait and the nude figure, can challenge each other and make each more interesting. The expressive overlap in portraiture and figure painting has been a central concern in my work for over forty years. To explore this experience the workshop will consist of two all day poses. Participants may use any painting medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, opaque watercolor), but the emphasis will be in pushing the participants’ efforts through changes and revision which may include the model’s change of state from nude to clothed or vice versa. My interest is in “likeness” which is as much involved with gesture, proportion, and spatial context as the disposition of features, complexion, and light.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Scott Noel
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. You'll have the opportunity to explore and paint to your heart's content. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor!
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $125 ($100 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Learn the fundamentals of painting with gouache, the opaque watercolor paint. Painters of all levels will fall in love with it as a portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternative to oils – great for travel or limited working time and space. Explore color and painting techniques through still life subjects and personal photo references. Students will gain familiarity with gouache’s unique characteristics to work on a variety of surfaces, master paint fluidity and control, accurately mix color and predict its effects, and promote its layering capabilities and surface qualities. Open to all levels; prior drawing experience is helpful for any painting course.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Shushana Rucker
Cost: $395
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Mastering shadows, reflections, light, and contrast is one of the keys to creating paintings that feel believable, dimensional, and full of life. In this workshop, instructor Mary Ann Browning Ford will break down the principles behind accurate light and values and give you practical guidelines. Through demonstrations, discussion, and personalized one-on-one instruction, you’ll explore how to observe and interpret light, strengthen your value relationships, and create more convincing shadows and reflections in your work. Bring your own painting ideas and spend the workshop developing your skills with guidance tailored to your individual work. While the workshop is designed with oil and acrylic painters in mind, artists working in watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, or other mediums are welcome to participate.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Mary Ann Browning Ford
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces to refine. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus inspiring mini demos, technique tips, and helpful critiques to elevate your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow. This class is appropriate for beginner painters, intermediate painters and advanced painters of any medium. The main purpose of this course is one-on-one assistance from the instructor with whatever you need help with.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

This class is for those who would like to work in art but do not know where to start and/or with what mediums! We will start with pencils, charcoal and work our way through watercolor, acrylic, pastels and oil and any others that students may be interested in. Barb will explain the pros and cons of each of the mediums including prices points and other materials you'll need for that medium, including, brushes, surfaces and framing. At the end of the session, students will have time to try them all on a small scale. Students should bring $20 cash to pay the instructor for materials, all of which she will provide to you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Barb Snow
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Discover the freedom and spontaneity of loose watercolor painting in this fun, relaxed class! This course focuses on letting go of perfection and embracing the unpredictable beauty of watercolor. You'll learn techniques for painting with soft edges, vibrant color blends, and expressive brushwork—without getting caught up in too many details. Working from your own photo references, we’ll explore subjects like florals, landscapes, and everyday scenes, while gaining confidence in your own unique style. If you’d like to break out of a tight, controlled approach, this class will help you loosen up and enjoy the process.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anne Whalon
Cost: $490
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Instead of getting caught up in tiny details, we focus on making big, bold strokes with large, juicy brushes. By loading our brushes with a generous amount of water and pigment, we can let the colors mingle and flow across the paper in exciting and unpredictable ways. It’s a messy, joyful experience that helps students overcome the fear of a blank page and discover the unique magic of watercolor as a medium. This approach encourages a playful mindset and results in vibrant, expressive paintings that are full of life and movement.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Paulette Staley
Cost: $340
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor! All levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies or rent a Lender's Kit from the instructor for $15.00.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $42 ($35 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Ages: 15+. In this 4-hour workshop, we will practice a variety of different techniques for painting trees. We will look at how to paint clumps of trees far away, how to paint medium detailed trees a bit closer, and how to paint bark up close. We will also look at painting different types of trees including hardwoods, birch, and pine trees. This class will be a workshop model- we will learn and practice these techniques so that you can test them out in your landscape paintings at home. I do suggest having a basic understanding of watercolors before taking this class.
 
Location: Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Instructor: Emily Marie Schroeder
Cost: $160
Sponsor: River Arts, Inc.
Website, email, 608-643-5215

This class focuses on understanding the many expressive ways of starting and finishing a painting in wet paint. Students will learn the excitement of starting with washes of bright transparent colors and building towards opaque color passages. Throughout the course, we will address several fundamental challenges that painters commonly encounter. These include the exploration of composition and the relationship between light and dark areas. Additionally, the course will delve into essential color concepts, providing a foundation for making informed color choices in your paintings. I would like everyone to find within themselves the joy and fearless ability that comes with painting. It is less about the exactness of the subject and more about how you chose to express your subject in paint.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Cost: $440
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Geometry has been a source of interest, beauty and creative inspiration for the artist through the ages. Geometric forms, lines and shapes are all around us and can be seen in everything from architecture to plant life to seashells. Learn non-mathematical strategies inspired by geometry designed to enhance your ongoing body of work or be the starting point for a new one with focus on simplifying subject matter, building a unified composition and creating or enhancing a color palette. Work in the medium of your choice: acrylic, gouache or watercolor while working from your own reference photographs, drawings, books or digital imagery. Designed for both beginners and experienced art makers.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Smith
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Puzzled by your art? Feeling lost? Know something's "off" but can't figure it out? This is a terrific opportunity to receive individual attention from one of the Lowcountry's masters, Art Cornell. In this intimate 2-hour session, Art will offer a limited number of one-on-one consultations for all media and subjects—helping you troubleshoot problem areas, refine your vision, and get your work presentation-ready. Whether you're stuck on a piece in progress or starting fresh with a blank canvas and an idea, Art will provide personalized recommendations, tips, and critiques to move your work forward with confidence. 100% of proceeds support ongoing Capital Improvement efforts at Art League Academy.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Art Cornell
Cost: $20
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Watercolor is the perfect medium for capturing the jewel-like tones and gradients of color in autumn’s changing leaves and abundant harvests. Learn to preserve the season’s rich textures and tapestries of color by exploring a variety of paint mixing and application techniques while working from natural forms. This workshop will include demonstrations of wet-into-wet and dry-brush techniques and one-on-one instruction. All experience levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Linda Gist
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This two-day workshop explores how artists can use limited palettes, dominant color relationships, and value structure to create landscape paintings with greater mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact. Through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on painting exercises, students will learn how simplifying color choices can create stronger design, clearer visual statements, and more expressive paintings. Student Level: Open to painters with prior experience (beginner through advanced). This workshop is not intended for absolute beginners with no painting experience. Medium: Oil is preferred; however, painters working in other media are welcome provided they have prior experience in their chosen medium.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Mark Vander Vinne
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Take the plunge to learn the fundamentals of watercolor through this beginner-friendly class designed for those with little or no painting experience! Acquire a thorough grounding in basic watercolor materials and techniques, including papers, brushes and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Gain the confidence to further your skills and enjoyment in the medium, in future studies or personal expression.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Tony Rosati
Cost: $295
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Watercolor is a versatile medium, which can be both transparent and opaque. Using a variety of subject matter, some techniques explored will be drawing for watercolor, painting without drawing, wet-in-wet watercolor, glazing with watercolor washes, the use of gouache and other aqueous media with watercolor. The instructor will start each class with a demonstration or an explanation of the technique for the day. Students will be encouraged to work in their own personal style. Each class will end with a group critique with the emphasis on constructive criticism.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Wendy Scheirer
Cost: $210
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Nocturnes: Painting the Moonlight invites artists to explore the quiet drama and mystery of nocturnal landscapes through watercolor with renowned artist, Alan Shuptrine. In this immersive workshop, students will learn how to paint by contrast—capturing the subtle glow of moonlight against deep shadows, and discovering how darkness can heighten emotion, atmosphere, and depth. Guided by Goethe’s words, “Where there is much light, the shadow is deep,” Alan will demonstrate how to juxtapose light and dark to create luminous night scenes filled with mood and movement. Come explore moonlit paths and shadowed tree lines and experience the night through watercolor! For more information, visit alanshuptrine.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Alan Shuptrine
Cost: $285 Museum members/ $335 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

Paint from a clothed model to advance your skills in portraiture and figure painting. Explore the proportions and anatomy of the head and neck structures, the definition of features, and how to capture expression and likeness, as well as conveying the gesture and construction of the figure with the incorporation of drapery/clothing. Instruction will cover a variety of topics including glazing, broken color, surface texture, composition and design, the relationship of the figure to the environment, the creation of atmosphere and color harmony, and open- versus closed-form painting. All levels welcome. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students are welcome to draw-only, or use other appropriate media, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $40 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Anthony Ciambella
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Every strong painting begins with a thoughtful foundation. In this one-day workshop, students will first explore applying transparent patches of vibrant color to the painting surface, creating an energetic underpainting that adds excitement and provides color relationships to build upon throughout the process. From there, we'll establish transparent darks to define the value structure, composition, and overall color harmony. You'll learn to mix a variety of rich, colorful darks while connecting dark shapes to dark shapes and light shapes to light shapes, creating visual pathways that guide the viewer's eye through the painting. Once the design is established, we'll transition to thicker, opaque light passages, bringing the painting to life with clarity, unity, and luminous color.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Students may elect to draw or paint, using a variety of mediums. Open to all levels, from beginner to experienced.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Doyle
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Explore new techniques and further develop your personal style along with fellow artists and friends in Wayne Art Center's bright and spacious art studios. This professional-style open studio offers a self-directed environment where artists of all levels can hone their skills and explore their creativity. Designed for those seeking a dedicated time and place to create without the constraints of formal instruction, the space fosters independence and artistic growth. These sessions are open to everyone—from absolute beginners to advanced artists—providing a supportive community for anyone looking to focus on their craft.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor! All levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies or rent a Lender's Kit from the instructor for $15.00.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $42 ($35 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Workshop participants will begin by learning to handle watercolor materials: papers, paints, brushes, palettes, and more. From the bold application of washes to fine detail, we’ll explore specifics: how to begin a watercolor and how to conclude a work, wet-in-wet to dry-brush, what to put in and what to leave out. The skillful use of the elements of composition and the simplification of form will provide a means to achieving dynamic results. We’ll also explore ways of creating a sense of light and mood in a watercolor, through the use of structured tone. The class will be looking at the watercolors by J. S. Sargent, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth critically. Students will work from still-life, and photos to start.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Watercolor is a wonderful painting medium due to its vibrant and translucent nature, quick drying time, and easy set-up and clean-up. Explore this versatile medium a supportive and immersive environment! Focus will be color theory and brush work demonstrations as we explore the basics of color mixing, layering washes and a sense of touch. Painting from natural subject matter including still life, botanical studies and landscape. Drawing experience is helpful but not required.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $250
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Paint loose and intuitive in a workshop where color, shape and line come together to make impactful designs inspired by your color palette and your style of brushwork. Students will work on various small color studies (4 x 6 or 6 x 8) at first to determine color palette and choose a favorite composition to paint larger the second half of the day (11x 14 or 16 x 20). This is a day for those who move away from painting objects or landscapes to emphasize feeling and movement.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. You'll have the opportunity to explore and paint to your heart's content. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor!
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $125 ($100 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Fabulous skies inspire awe and are often the reason we choose to paint a particular scene. The sky is constantly changing from dawn to dusk, in rain or sunshine, and its colors and cloud formations are what create so much drama. When a spectacular sky becomes the focus of a painting, it serves as the visual anchor of the composition—essentially, a skyscape. Alex will demonstrate the watercolor brush techniques she uses to capture the drama and movement of skies and clouds in their many forms—from rain and wind-swept clouds to towering cumulonimbus formations, glowing skies reflecting the setting sun, beautiful sunrises, and the atmospheric changes in sky color. Students will experiment with wet-into-wet and dry-brush techniques, as well as color mixing.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Alex Sharma
Cost: $150
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Water: It’s all around us -- streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, atmospheric effects, and more. It's a key ingredient in watercolor painting, regardless of the subject matter. But how does the artist create the illusion of water in a painting, regardless of the medium? This two-day workshop will present key tactics an artist can employ when painting bodies of water. Examine the nature of reflections, water movement, how water appears under various weather and lighting conditions, and more. Instruction includes demonstrations of how to incorporate various water effects in your own work and a review of the ways master artists historically have portrayed water in their paintings over the years. Open to all levels.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Beginner Gouache: From Still Life to Plein Air introduces students to the versatility of gouache in a supportive, hands-on two-day workshop with artist Monica Meerwarth Fernsell. Students will explore paint consistency, color mixing, value, layering, opacity, and brushwork before applying these skills to a guided still life painting. On Day Two, the workshop moves outdoors, weather permitting, for a plein air demonstration and guided painting session focused on observing, simplifying, and painting from life. Individual guidance and feedback are provided throughout. No previous experience with gouache or plein air painting is required. Students should bring their own supplies; a materials list will be provided.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Monica Meerwarth Fernsell
Cost: $350
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Experience the joy of watercolor painting in combination with gouache and ink to create a range of effects! Learn techniques for layering ink and watercolor to develop a deep, rich surface as well as direct, alla prima methods while you work from your own photographs. Add gouache and drawing media for contrast and definition. All tools and techniques will be explained and demonstrated including preparatory drawing, brushes, types of paper, use of color and painting methods. Designed to be instructional and fun for students of all levels of experience from beginner to advanced.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Kowbuz
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor! All levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies or rent a Lender's Kit from the instructor for $15.00.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $42 ($35 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Come join us and explore the fascinating qualities of watercolor! At the beginning of the class, I’ll begin with a demonstration that showcases the various techniques used in watercolor painting. Don't worry if you're new to this, as I’ll provide personalized lessons on different tips and techniques to enhance your painting skills. You'll have the opportunity to explore and paint to your heart's content. Not only will you learn and improve your artistic abilities, but you'll also have the chance to meet new people and create lasting memories. So come and join us for a delightful and enriching experience in the world of watercolor!
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Gerilyn Gaskill
Cost: $125 ($100 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

Dive into the vibrant world beneath the waves and discover the magic of watercolor like never before! Join acclaimed Minnesota-based artist Julie Schroeder for an immersive three-session workshop that will transform the way you approach watercolor painting. Working on half sheets of Arches 140lb cold press paper, you'll explore exciting mixed media techniques to create a stunning undersea coral reef scene bursting with life and color. This isn't your traditional watercolor class—prepare to splash, fling, drip, and splatter paint in gloriously loose, wet-into-wet applications that capture the fluid beauty of ocean life. Through step-by-step demonstrations and personalized instruction, Julie will guide you in developing a more spontaneous and confident painting style.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $180 + $30 supply fee
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Get into the holiday spirit while creating beautiful, handmade mixed media cards perfect for the season! In this festive workshop, you'll explore charming winter and Christmas landscapes using a delightful combination of traditional watercolors, watercolor pencils, glitter, stamps, and stencils. Through live demonstrations and hands-on practice, you'll learn techniques for painting enchanting seasonal scenes—from snowy landscapes to cozy holiday imagery. Whether you choose to work with classic watercolors alone or embrace the full mixed media experience with watercolor pencils, sparkle, and decorative stamps, you'll have the creative freedom to follow your inspiration. Students should bring $20 cash to pay instructor for materials, which will all be provided for you to use during the workshop.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $50
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Discover the beauty of Tonalism in a dynamic 1-day workshop with instructor Robert Wortmann! Explore this evocative American art style, known for its atmospheric landscapes and poetic use of color. Dive into inspiring examples from masters like Whistler and Innes, enjoy a live demonstration, and create your own artwork with personalized guidance. All mediums are welcome, and the day wraps up with a supportive group critique. This course is open to all levels of students.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Robert Wortmann
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

The purpose of this class is to study and learn the techniques of the masters. Like the copyists at the National Gallery of Art (NGA), students will literally copy a masterpiece and each work will then “be available beyond museum walls.” Students are encouraged to attend the December bus trip to NGA, learn about the copyist program and research an image. Or, research can be done online. There are thousands of master images free to download and print. The instructor will share her knowledge to help decode a painting and reconstruct it with satisfaction. Students are expected to bring their own images to work from including drawing/painting supplies. Acrylics or watercolors are preferred. Some master reproductions will be provided.
 
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Instructor: Joanne Guilfoil
Cost: $120 ($100 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Ocean City
Website, email, (410) 524-9433

In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of watercolor and delve into its many techniques! Chris will have 2 paintings prepared (floral & island landscape) to demonstrate the basics and more advanced techniques. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! Learn this intricate medium with this step-by-step approach. With just a few simple tools – water, pigments, brushes, and paper. For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. Students should bring $20 cash to pay for materials, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

If you’ve always wanted to paint with watercolors but were afraid to try, this very beginning class will introduce you to the joys of creating beautiful, glowing watercolor paintings. Using the elements and principles of design and composition, you’ll learn the following techniques: color mixing, wet-on-wet wash, wet-on-dry techniques, glazing, color charging, tricks with salt, oozles, scaping and much more. This class is designed for those with no watercolor experience, or those who have tried watercolor painting but need a refresher. There will be a printed handout with each class.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Carney
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Chris will demonstrate multiple paintings (seascape, floral, & island theme) from beginning to completion. Areas of demonstrations and techniques will include, design, drawing, color, value, washes, glazing, wet in wet, masking, dry brush, lifting out and more. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful watercolor paintings. He will not only tell you how but also show you! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Discover the beauty of loose, expressive watercolor painting inspired by fresh flowers in the studio. Janet Rogers will guide students through playful exercises, live demonstrations, and personalized instruction while exploring vibrant color, intuitive composition, and techniques that preserve the freshness of watercolor. Learn to capture the essence of each bloom with confidence, avoid muddy colors, and let the medium lead the creative process. A supportive Show & Tell session concludes the workshop, offering the opportunity to share and celebrate your work. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike, this inspiring workshop welcomes artists of all skill levels. Plein Air inspiration—indoors!
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Janet Rogers
Cost: $475
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Explore a fresh, expressive approach to painting portraits and figures in watercolor with Janet Rogers. Through engaging demonstrations, creative exercises, and individualized instruction, students will learn to create luminous flesh tones, expressive facial features, dynamic shadow shapes, and convincing three-dimensional form. Work from your own photographs or Janet's reference collection while developing confidence in seeing and interpreting your subject with greater spontaneity and energy. Drawing aids are available for beginners, making this workshop welcoming to artists of every experience level. Discover how to paint people with personality, authenticity, and confidence—no fear, just paint!
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Janet Rogers
Cost: $475
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Join Sue Archer, NWS, AWS, TWSA, for Textures for Watercolor and Watermedia Painters, a technique-focused workshop exploring creative ways to achieve texture. Through demonstrations, lectures, projects, and critiques, participants will explore pigment qualities, masking, lifting, stamping, underpainting, imprinting, painted patterns, alternative surfaces, and more. Part 1: February 27–28, 2027 | 9:30 AM–4:00 PM | $375. Part 2: March 6–7, 2027 | 9:30 AM–4:00 PM | $375. Lessons are progressive, and Part 1 is required to participate in Part 2. One year of watercolor experience is recommended. Finished paintings are not the objective; the focus is on learning techniques and processes that artists can incorporate into their own work.
 
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Instructor: Sue Archer
Cost: $375 for first 2 days - $750 for all 4 days
Sponsor: The New Studio For The Visual Arts
Website, email, 561-295-5712

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Life Drawing, or Figure Drawing, is a foundational practice for artists to study the human figure through observation. During Art League Life Drawing sessions, a model poses for a variety of lengths, from quick 2-minute gesture poses to longer 20–30-minute poses. Short poses help loosen up and build confidence, while longer poses allow for more attention to anatomy, proportion, and detail. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your preferred medium—charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, oils, or whatever you enjoy—and use the session as an opportunity to practice, experiment, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $50 ($25 for members)
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

In this workshop designed for intermediate level watercolor students, you’ll begin to see the world through a new lens—learning how to transform everyday reality into expressive, impressionistic paintings that evoke mood and atmosphere. The focus is not on replicating every detail, but on capturing the essence of your subject. Keiko will guide you from that first spark of inspiration through a process of simplification, leading to a compelling painting rich in composition and meaning. Key topics covered in this class include: • Creating a strong preliminary drawing and composition • Exploring a range of watercolor techniques and brush handling • Understanding what makes a strong design • Mastering the relationship between light and dark values • Balancing planning with intuition • Learning how to simplify and edit complex visual information
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: $650
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738

Join renowned watercolor artist Jeannie Vodden in the magical art world of Santa Fe. Students will enjoy an in-studio experience each day painting a portrait of their choice, or following along as Jeannie demonstrates… and then will explore a wonderful area of Santa Fe each afternoon. Jeannie’s watercolors are marked by the use of a limited palette of staining transparent primary colors. She works from large gentle washes of color to more specific detail (large to small/general to specific, a technique known as indirect painting). Her use of glazing layer over layer gives a translucent lifelike feeling to her paintings, while her interest in luminescence guides her choice of subject matter and the quality of light in her work.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Jeannie Vodden
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join us for 4 full days of sketching in beautiful Santa Fe! Sarah’s focus is primarily in travel sketching and plein air painting… her sketchbooks tell the story of her wanderlust. Painting and sketching on location is an incredible way to connect with the culture of a place, its architecture, even the food and music! Sarah will be demonstrating in gouache, though you could also use acrylic. Similar techniques apply to acrylics as gouache because it is opaque, so you are welcome to work in either medium. We will work in sketchbooks mostly. But if you prefer larger paper, that’s fine too. Whether you love watercolor, gouache or ink, the principle of travel sketching remains the same: joyful creation!
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Sarah Burns
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Join us in Santa Fe for this plein-air workshop designed to help artists break through hesitation and discover the power of bold painting! Rehann Vazid will be our painting instructor. He is a Melbourne-based (AUS) watercolour artist & educator known for his colorful, light-filled landscape paintings. Through gestural brushwork, strong composition and unapologetic color, participants will learn to trust their instincts and find their visual voice in watercolor. Open to artists at all levels who want to level-up their technique and confidence. Beginners will discover essential watercolor basics; advanced painters will push into greater boldness and expression.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Rehann Vazid
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919

Discover the beauty of painting landscapes that breathe with light, mood, and emotion. In this watercolor workshop, Keiko Tanabe guides artists on a journey from the foundation of structure to the expressive freedom of impression. Through clear instruction and intuitive insight, Keiko will demonstrate how to simplify complex scenes, design with purpose, and infuse your paintings with atmosphere and feeling. During her live demonstrations, she provides a running commentary, offering an inside look at her thought process – how she interprets the subject, makes compositional decisions, and chooses colors and brushstrokes to express mood and intention. For more information, visit ktanabefineart.com. Students will learn to balance control and spontaneity, creating paintings that are fresh, luminous, and deeply personal.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
Cost: $630 Museum members/ $680 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372

Michael is often called a “sunny watercolorist” – his airy, transparent artworks look as though they emit the sunlight. One of the most difficult and interesting tasks in watercolour is transferring moving figures onto paper. Using a combination of different techniques, we will learn to convey not only the movement, but also the emotional component of the dance. Even when working in several layers, we will keep the freshness and transparency of the watercolour.
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Michael Solovyev
Cost: $1,596
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389

Join Fabio Cembranelli for an intensive watercolor workshop focused on cultivating a loose, spontaneous, and deeply personal painting style. This course is designed to empower artists through intuitive techniques across various subjects. Learn to paint with wet-on-wet techniques (no preliminary sketch needed), make strong compositional choices, utilize the white of the paper, create attractive focal points, and suggest details with loose brush strokes. Explore negative painting and various background options. Learn how to depict the shapes of light, shadow and colors reflected on different surfaces. Apply principles of perspective and focal point. Discover how to capture the colors of the seasons, mix a wide array of shades of greens, and depict water reflections. Join us for an awesome watercolor retreat!
 
Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Instructor: Fabio Cembranelli
Cost: $1,596
Sponsor: Artists Rising Creativity Retreats
Website, email, 860-781-4389