If you’ve ever wanted to start painting with watercolor but weren’t sure where to begin, this is the class for you!
In Watercolor Essentials, you’ll explore the foundations of watercolor—what materials to use, how to prepare your workspace, and how to handle your brush with confidence. Through guided demonstrations and hands- on exercises, you’ll learn how to create luminous washes, control edges, and master brush techniques that form the building blocks of every watercolor painting.
This relaxed and encouraging workshop led by teaching artist Kim Cesaretti is designed for absolute beginners and those looking to strengthen their fundamentals. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of how watercolor behaves—and how to make it work for you rather than against you!
Class Goals:
By the end of this class, students will:
- Understand essential watercolor materials—papers, brushes, paints, and palettes—and how to use them effectively.
- Learn the differences between transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque pigments.
- Practice creating smooth flat washes, graded washes, and variegated washes.
- Develop brush control for expressive and precise marks.
- Explore water-to-pigment ratios for predictable, confident results.
- Gain the skills needed to begin independent painting projects.
What to Expect:
During this four-hour session, you will:
- Begin with an overview of watercolor supplies, setup, and paper preparation.
- Watch short, step-by-step demonstrations of key techniques.
- Complete guided exercises on brush control, washes, and blending.
- Experiment with how different brushes and papers affect your results.
- Receive personal feedback and troubleshooting tips.
- Finish the class by applying your new skills in a small, simple painting exercise.
You’ll leave with:
- A completed practice sheet and a small finished watercolor painting.
- A clear understanding of how watercolor behaves and how to control it.
- A personalized reference handout with techniques and color-mixing notes.