I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.

— Georgia O’Keeffe

Current Classes

  • The Magic of Light and Shadow in Watercolor

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    Say goodbye to flat and boring painting as you learn to create patterns of light and dark in watercolor. The portrayal of light and shadow can be a challenge to painters of all levels. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you gain confidence in creating these contrasting elements which add magic, excitement, and drama to your work. You also learn how to create a strong focal point, unity, and balance within a painting.

    8 evening sessions from Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to Tuesday, September 5, 2023

    $265 - Member / $295 - Non-Member

    SOLD OUT

  • Watercolor Techniques and Textures

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    Take your paintings to the next level with simple secrets that every watercolor artist should know. Learn various approaches to creating washes and contrasting textured areas using drybrush, splattering, and lifting. These techniques are particularly useful when painting scenes such as landscapes, tree trunks, rocks, grasses, and old barns. This class is designed for advanced beginner and intermediate watercolor students. Previous watercolor experience is suggested for an optimal experience.

    8 daytime sessions from Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to Tuesday, September 5, 2023

    $265 - Member / $295 - Non-Member

    SOLD OUT

Past Classes

  • Decorative Letters in Watercolor

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    The art of stylized lettering adds a distinctive element to journal pages, greeting cards, envelopes, invitations, recipe cards, or anything that you’d like to carry your personal touch. This class, suitable for all skill levels, offers students an introduction to creating altered block letters, building script letters, botanical borders, and illuminated initials with vines and flourishes.

  • Painting Water… with Watercolor

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    Painting water has always been a source of fascination for artists. Learn simple and easy techniques to create land and seascape paintings. Depict bodies of still and moving water, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and oceans. Special emphasis is given to various watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and masking.

  • Botanicals in Watercolor I

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    Paint for enjoyment and appreciation for nature in this introduction to the processes and techniques of drawing and painting flora. In this workshop open to all levels, students discover the versatility and fluidity of the medium while exploring the functional and aesthetic elements of color and design found in plants. Step-by-step instructions in watercolor are given, along with practical demonstrations and exercises aimed at the development of observational skills to accurately record three-dimensional forms. Students learn to work from reference photos and create harmonious and interesting pieces of art.

  • Botanicals in Watercolor II

    This course is offered through Smithsonian Associates.

    Build on your botanical painting skills in this next-level class as you create vibrant watercolors inspired by nature. Learn to focus on the texture and detail of botanical subjects including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Step-by-step instructions in watercolor are given, along with practical demonstrations and exercises aimed at the development of observational skills to accurately record three-dimensional forms. Some basic watercolor experience is required.

  • Paint Nature's Little Creatures: Moths, Butterflies, Beetles and more

    Learn how to see beauty and render it in realistic detail. Follow step-by-step instructions, using various watercolor techniques to create different textures. Whether it’s the metallic shell of a beetle, a soft and fuzzy wing of a moth or the delightful colors of a butterfly.

  • Easy Art Journal in Watercolor and Ink

    Create illustrated art journals in pen and watercolors. Develop the skill to plan, design, and color on your journal pages and capture the simple beauty as well as important events of your life. Whether you are traveling, exploring, or just adventuring through your daily life, draw the things that are important to you and start noticing the small details around you. You will be introduced to easy-going and favorable approaches that cover the basic layout as well as painting techniques that will help you initiate or cultivate your illustrated journaling practice.