Discover the Best Watercolor Classes in Chicago
Watercolor painting has a rich history, and much of that history is celebrated in the Art Institute of Chicago. The institute’s collection is home to thousands of watercolor artworks, from renowned icons to lesser-known artists. Browsing the collection, you’ll find hundreds of artists that will inspire you and help you learn new concepts of watercolor.
Chicago's rich artistic history, from iconic architecture to world-class museums, provides endless inspiration for watercolor artists. In addition, you can find natural inspiration for your art when you visit Chicago. For example, visit the lakefront, look out over stunning cityscapes and diverse neighborhoods, and capture the beauty of a bustling city. You’ll find nearly endless topics to paint while you live in Chicago.
The best way to learn watercolor in Chicago is by taking art classes. Art classes are taught by professional artists who will lead you through the basics and ensure that you establish proper watercolor techniques. CourseHorse offers a list of classes and local Chicago art schools that you can book. Keep reading to learn more about art classes in Chicago.
Why You Should Learn Watercolor in Chicago
There are many benefits to learning watercolor, especially while living in a vibrant and active city like Chicago. Firstly, starting watercolor as a hobby provides a delightful and fulfilling way to alleviate stress, channel creativity, and make the most of your free time. Whether you're seeking a therapeutic outlet or a way to create meaningful gifts for others, watercolor painting can bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
Next, learning watercolor in Chicago allows you to join a community of like-minded individuals. The city has numerous local watercolor clubs, groups, events, and organizations dedicated to the arts. Through these connections, you’ll have opportunities to connect with fellow watercolor students and artists. You can share ideas, gain inspiration, and create valuable connections that enhance your artistic journey.
If you’re interested in learning watercolor to start a career, then taking a watercolor class is a great way to start. Watercolor is popular among illustrators and artists. So, you can work in the publishing industry or start your own art studio. Watercolor classes in Chicago offer many benefits. You will learn a fulfilling hobby, have opportunities to network and connect with other artists, and you’ll be able to learn new skills.
In-Person Watercolor Classes & Schools in Chicago
Taking an in-person watercolor class is the best way to learn this art style. There are several techniques that you’ll need to master to have a good foundation and understanding of how to excel with watercolor painting. Luckily, there are several watercolor classes that you can consider taking in Chicago.
A great class for beginners is the Watercolor 1 class from the Chicago Botanic Garden. This class includes six sessions to ensure that you’re able to master the art before you graduate from the class. You will learn basic color mixing and paint-handling exercises. Over the course of the class, you will progress to rendering textures and form in color and using paint-layering techniques.
There is a prerequisite to this class, however. Consider taking Botanical Drawing 1 and Color Mixing before signing up for the watercolor class. The prerequisite will give you a better understanding of how to draw natural flowers in art. If you have questions about either class, reach out to CourseHorse.
The Chicago Botanic Garden also offers an English Watercolor Techniques class for intermediate students. This class includes six sessions and you will move forward from the skills you learning in Watercolor 1. You will learn an emphasis on the realistic portrayal of botanical subjects and traditional methods of dry-brush watercolor painting. You will also receive plenty of live demonstrations and personal instruction.
You can also take Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique from the Evanston Art Center. This class also includes six sessions and lasts for three hours. During the class, you’ll learn several essential techniques, including:
- Watercolor techniques
- Applying watercolor washes
- Painting wet in wet
- Painting without a sketch
You will create vibrant and subdued paintings with strong compositions. You will also learn to draw and paint a wide variety of still lifes. Throughout the course, your class will also participate in group critiques so you can learn from your classmates and receive supportive feedback as you learn the basics of watercolor painting.
Virtual Watercolor Classes & Schools
Virtual classes are a great option for those who can’t commute to in-person classes. You get great instruction, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback from the comfort of your home. Keep reading to learn about some of the best online watercolor classes.
If this is your first watercolor class, consider taking Watercolors for Absolute Beginners from 92nd Street Y. This class is the perfect class for those who want to learn watercolor but have no experience with the medium and little experience with art. It includes six sessions of classes and is open to those who are 18 years and older.
According to the class description, here’s what you can expect once you sign up for the course, “[l]earn the basics of watercolor painting including—paint, brush, paper, value, color mixing, wash, wet-in-wet, wet-over-dry. Move on to form, light, color, and composition.” This class is a great way to learn watercolor painting quickly.
Another great class to consider taking is Watercolors from Family Photos from 92nd Street Y. This class meets for three sessions and focuses on painting family photos. You will learn how to recompose and reinterpret your family photos by painting the faces you love the most in watercolor.
If you’ve always wanted to capture a treasured family photo and turn it into art, this is one of the best classes for you to take. During the class, you will also learn varying watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet and glazing.
CourseHorse lists some of the best watercolor classes in your area. If you’re interested in taking a class to learn the basics of watercolor, sign up with CourseHorse today.
Private Group Watercolor Classes in Chicago
Are you looking for a way to reward your employees with a fun team-building event? CourseHorse offers the best watercolor classes for private groups in Chicago. You can book a team event and allow your employees to relax while following a guided watercolor class.
One of the best classes is the Virtual Watercolor Workshop (Materials Included). The class lasts for 90 minutes, and your group will learn to apply watercolor techniques to create an abstract painting in this relaxing and creative workshop. You will build layers while painting a picture unique to your group.
This class also includes the materials, and everything will be shipped to your group members before the start of the class. Everyone will be able to fully participate in this relaxing team event. For more information about CourseHorse’s group classes, visit the website. You can also browse through the extensive class list and learn more about the classes CourseHorse offers.
