Sunday, March 9th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist!

Unleash the potential of a single color in this unique watercolor class, where we'll explore the art of creating varying values by adjusting water levels.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this class will deepen your understanding of watercolor techniques and help you create stunning, value-rich paintings.

In this class, you'll:

Learn the Basics: Understand how to mix paint with different amounts of water to create a range of values from light to dark.

Master Value Creation: Explore the "tea, coffee, milk, cream, and butter" method to achieve consistent and varied washes.

Practical Exercises: Practice these techniques through a series of exercises designed to build your confidence and control.

The class will culminate in a final project where you'll apply what you've learned to paint a subject using just one color. You'll focus on creating a captivating piece with depth and dimension, showcasing your mastery of values.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class offers a hands-on approach to watercolor that will leave you with valuable skills and a beautiful, monochromatic painting. 

  In the following weeks we will play with different watercolor techniques as we paint.

Fridays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

 Mar 14, 21, 28 and Apr 4th

For watercolor artists who are ready to move to their own subject matter but would like the support of an instructor, Amanda will offer guidance on good reference photos, composition, and planning a painting.

Short demonstrations and lessons focused on color mixing will be included. This Course Requires the Prerequisite of Beginning Watercolor with Amanda or the approval of the instructor.

Please bring 2-4 reference photos for first class and all items listed on the Supply List.

SUPPLY LIST

Saturday, March 22nd

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Want to create an embroidered photo frame keepsake? Create a personalized hand stitched frame to remember a special memory, location, event, and more.

This two-hour hands-on class with Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ will get you started with hand embroidering a photo frame. Each person will be able to choose from a variety of nature inspired patterns and thread colors to create a personalized project. Class will cover hand embroidery stitches such as the satin stitch, split back stitch, stem stitch, and French knot. Frame fits up to a 4x3 photo best.  

*Photo is an example of what can be created with this class. Designs will vary*

Ages 13+.

Sunday, March 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist!

Join us for an enlightening watercolor class where we'll delve into the world of paper types, focusing on the differences between hot press and cold press paper.

Using birds as our beautiful and varied subjects, you'll discover how each type of paper can impact your painting style and results.

In this class, you'll:

Understand Paper Types: Learn the characteristics of hot press and cold press paper, including texture, absorbency, and how they affect watercolor techniques.

Hands-On Comparison: Paint with both types of paper, observing how your brush strokes, color blending, and overall results differ.

Bird Studies: Apply your skills by painting a series of birds, each showcasing the unique qualities of hot and cold press paper.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class will deepen your understanding of watercolor paper and enhance your painting abilities. 

All supplies are included. 

March 29th and 30th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 1.5 hour lunch break

We have lots of concerns about how to finish a painting, but a successful finish depends in large part on the decisions we make at the start. This workshop will help you build a practice of “smart starts.”

We will not only cover the technical side of underpainting, but also the theory — how it can lay a solid foundation of composition, value, and even color direction.

By properly working out these issues at the start, you can avoid costly mistakes and the need to rework the painting later on. A well thought out underpainting can take you 50% of the way to the finish line.  

The workshop begins with the first act of composition: applying a limited focus. By considering shape size and the arrangement of light and dark masses, you’ll be able to find the strongest possible composition.

On Day 1, you’ll start two paintings, each with a different underpainting approach. 

Monochromatic, 1-color underpainting - Serves as a primer on value relationships and simplification. Learn how the single color chosen for the underpainting supports the painting’s color direction.

Color underpainting - This more advanced form of underpainting applies different colors to the major shapes. How those color masses relate is the foundation of the color strategy.

On Day 2, you’ll work toward a finish on your two underpaintings, and see how additional layers of color are applied to the underpainting. 

Level: Intermediate. This is not a workshop for first-time painters (those who have never painted or mixed color at all); however, it is ideally suited for those who want to learn more about building stronger foundations in their landscape paintings.

Medium: Oil and Oil Pastels

SUPPLY LIST

ABOUT  MITCH ALBALA

Mitchell Albala is an award-winning landscape painter, workshop instructor, and author. His semi-abstract and atmospheric landscapes have been exhibited nationally and are represented in corporate and private collections.

He is the author of two best-selling books on landscape painting: Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice (Watson-Guptill, 2009), with over 60,000 copies in print; and The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Rockport Publishers, 2022), which is currently the #1 selling book on landscape in the nation. Mitchell leads plein air workshops in Italy and teaches workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Sunday, April 6th

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Join us for an enchanting watercolor class where we'll dive into the world of floral painting using a variety of brush strokes. Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, this class will enhance your skills and help you create beautiful, lifelike flowers with ease and confidence.

In this class, you'll:

Learn Brush Techniques: Explore a range of brush strokes, from delicate petals to bold leaves, and understand how each stroke contributes to the overall composition.

Experiment with Brushes: Get hands-on experience with different types of brushes, discovering how each can be used to achieve unique effects in your floral paintings.

Color and Composition: Understand the importance of color choice and composition in floral art, and learn how to use these elements to create stunning pieces.The class will culminate in a final project where you'll apply your new brush techniques to paint a vibrant flowers.

You'll capture the essence and beauty of flowers, using varied strokes to bring your painting to life.Perfect for all skill levels, this class offers a supportive and engaging environment to explore and develop your watercolor abilities.

All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

Bring your love for nature and creativity, and leave with a beautiful floral painting and new techniques to enhance your watercolor practice.

Saturday, April 12th,   9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Capture the Charm of Bunnies in Watercolor

Join us for a delightful watercolor workshop where you'll learn to paint the endearing charm of bunnies.

In this hands-on experience, you'll discover:

The magic of watercolor: Explore the techniques of layering, glazing, and creating luminous washes.

Capturing the essence of a bunny: Learn to paint fluffy fur, long ears, and those adorable whiskers.

Creating depth and dimension: Master techniques for suggesting form and creating a sense of space on your paper.

All supplies are included, so come prepared to relax, learn, and create a beautiful bunny painting.

Feel free to bring your own supplies if you prefer.

About the Instructor:

Pam Carraway is a watercolor painter and teacher from Edmonds, WA.  She loves playing with colors and learning the ins and outs of what can be done with watercolor. Fur, feathers, and faces are her favorite subjects. Pam has been selected for the Edmonds Arts Festival Gallery 2021 - 2023 and was a selected artist in the Edmonds Artwalk February 2023.  Pam's artwork can be found at Mystic Art Supply or the Edmonds Summer Market.  

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 12th

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Do your shoes need some pizazz? Want to jazz them up with embroidery? Learn how to embroider your canvas shoes with colorful clouds.

You can join author and fiber artist Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on, two hour shoe embroidery workshop. In this class, you’ll learn how to get started with shoe embroidery, transfer your design onto shoes, prep your thread, and what tools and stitches are helpful for embroidering on shoes. During the workshop, you’ll be able to choose your own color assortment to create a unique colorful cloud design as well as the satin stitch, long and short satin stitch, and stem stitch. 

Ages 13+ You will need to bring a pair of canvas shoes to class to embroider. Lace up shoes are recommended. All other materials are provided.