Watercolor Classes in Chicago, IL

Class focuses on creating vibrant paintings with strong compositions using watercolor tubes, and watercolor pencils. Instruction includes demos on watercolor techniques- applying transparent verses opaque watercolor, washes, and painting wet in wet. Material List: Bring in materials marked with * to the first class BRUSHES Type: Sable, Ox hair,...

Watercolor pencils offer an exciting, new dimension to the art of sketching and designing. This vibrant medium allows you to float between a sketch and color washing – adding a new sense of creative freedom. We will explore different techniques including dry and wet pencils, layering, shading, color blending, and more. Please bring the following...

Create studies and one finished piece using dip pens, micron pens, brush pens, and Dr. Martin watercolors. The instructor will provide a still life, or you can bring in still life material. Please click here for the Material List.

Watercolor is a luminous medium perfect for capturing foliage and flowers. Learn how to mix colors such as the bright greens and florescent colors found in the garden. You will work in the traditional English style using dry brush. Watercolors and paper will be provided by the instructor. You will work from live specimens. Prerequisite: Watercolor...

Using still life and reference material, students will create drawings and paintings using a variety of pens–dip pens, micron pens, brush pens, watercolors, Dr. Martin Watercolors, and brushes on various papers. Required Materials Please Note: You do not need to purchase all here. Select a few penholders; nibs; India ink; regular watercolors:...

John Pastoriza-Pinol, an award-winning botanical artist with a doctorate in botany from the University of Vigo, Spain, is coming from Australia to teach a three-day workshop. Learn a technique for achieving the intricacies of fine detail in your paintings. Properly protecting those critical edges in your drawing before laying down your watercolor...

Mixed media using watercolors and soft (dry) pastels offers wonderful ways to construct textural, 3D looking artworks, while enjoying the relaxing, meditative, therapeutic aspects of art-making. Explore fun, traditional and experimental ways to apply these materials to achieve interesting effects. We start with a paint-along demonstration, then branch...

After drawing the subject in pen and ink to capture the essence of the motif, a loose, liquid application of watercolor paint will be used to bring the piece to life. Various sketching techniques will be taught as well as loose applications of washes of color. Artist inspiration will be derived from the Greenhouses, gardens, or floral plant specimens...

The focus of this three-day  studio workshop is on finding and expressing our own artistic voice. Fundamentals will be demonstrated and duality….the dialogue between opposing forces that finds resolution or not… on the paper’s surface, will also be explored.  A painting demonstration will be done first thing in the morning to illustrate...

Draw and paint inside or outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Work in watercolors and watercolor pencils, drawing mediums, or acrylics. Focus includes instruction on creating quick thumbnail sketches, composition, and color.

Gouache is the only water-based medium that can be reactivated at any time. Although the word originates from guazzo, meaning watercolor, its thick, opaque properties make it a forgiving medium producing different results from traditional watercolor. Get acquainted with a medium that dates back to the middle ages, and add it to your repertoire! Check...

Warning: Homework is involved! In fact it is essential. But the payoff? Sketch with aplomb in only 4 weeks!  Learn basic drawing skills that never fail you. Discover how to look closely to draw quickly and effectively. Bolster your confidence to sketch comfortably in public, within the short time frame of a lunch break or a sightseeing tour....

Explore your own expressive style through the practice and discipline of painting, and learn the fundamentals of color blending & balance. Create your own abstract, surreal, and representational paintings, as you learn the basics of painting with water based paints. Whether you prefer to paint still life or abstract expression, you will learn to...

In this course students are introduced to traditional and non-traditional materials and methods used in water-based painting. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination, using current artist practices and historical examples.  Working from a variety of subjects, students may use ink, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media within...

Students will create dynamic, multi-layered compositions with a variety of materials: watercolor/acylic/water soluable oil paint, ink, images, found objects, and pastels. Techniques explored will include photo transferring, collage, monotype printing, drawing, painting, and assemblage. Emphasis is on conceptual practice and personal process.