Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. The course is designed to equip each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $675
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Instead of getting caught up in tiny details, we focus on making big, bold strokes with large, juicy brushes. By loading our brushes with a generous amount of water and pigment, we can let the colors mingle and flow across the paper in exciting and unpredictable ways. It’s a messy, joyful experience that helps students overcome the fear of a blank page and discover the unique magic of watercolor as a medium. This approach encourages a playful mindset and results in vibrant, expressive paintings that are full of life and movement.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Paulette Staley
Cost: $145
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. The course is designed to equip each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $675
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This class will focus on the fundamentals of painting with watercolors, and will include step by step instruction with demonstrations and practice. Attention and focus on individual growth in the students’ own pace will be central in this class. Learn to paint watercolors in a free, fun and fluent manner. Discover and nurture your own personal style of expression. All levels welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Indira Cariappa
Cost: $475
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this multi-week class, students will learn various approaches to illustration, both traditional and utilizing new techniques and technologies. Materials explored included pencil, archival inks, watercolor, gouache, alcohol markers, paint pens, and colored pencils. Students will learn various approaches to pattern-making, cross-hatching, and other forms of mark making as well as combining created imagery into collage.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Emily Pellini
Cost: $190
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Workshop participants will begin by learning to handle watercolor materials: papers, paints, brushes, palettes, and more. From the bold application of washes to fine detail, we’ll explore specifics: how to begin a watercolor and how to conclude a work, wet-in-wet to dry-brush, what to put in and what to leave out. The skillful use of the elements of composition and the simplification of form will provide a means to achieving dynamic results. We’ll also explore ways of creating a sense of light and mood in a watercolor, through the use of structured tone. The class will be looking at the watercolors by J. S. Sargent, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth critically. Class members will be encouraged to work from still-life, and photos to start.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Watercolor is a versatile medium, which can be both transparent and opaque. Using a variety of subject matter, some techniques explored will be drawing for watercolor, painting without drawing, wet-in-wet watercolor, glazing with watercolor washes, the use of gouache and other aqueous media with watercolor. The instructor will start each class with a demonstration or an explanation of the technique for the day. Students will be encouraged to work in their own personal style. Each class will end with a group critique with the emphasis on constructive criticism.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Wendy Scheirer
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class will focus on color theory using a limited palette of colors to create two or more dramatic landscapes from your own images. Discover the best ways to apply gouache working from the larger shapes down to the details. We will be working smaller than 8 x 10. The instructor will provide demonstrations, instruction on color mixing and application. Discover more about gouache as a great medium for studies for larger pieces and for working "en plein air".
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Abby Ober
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Water-based paints such as acrylic, watercolor, and gouache are the perfect mediums for landscape painting in the open air! Painters of all levels enjoy the ease of these portable, fast-drying, and easy-to-clean-up alternatives to oils. Explore the vibrant color and versatile application and layering methods in your choice of these media as you portray the beauty of autumn in Philadelphia’s parks in your own personal style. Learn techniques for choosing a composition, mixing color, and working efficiently outdoors as you complete a series of rapid sketches and at least one sustained painting. Open to all levels. Painting locations featuring shade, restrooms, and other amenities may include Wissahickon Park, Washington Square Park, Glen Foerd overlooking the Delaware River, and Bartram's Garden.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michelle Oosterbaan
Cost: $315
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This class with instruction by Alice Meyer Wallace will focus on classic watercolor techniques - Sargeant, Homer, Rodin, Nolde, and particularly Charles Demuth, from Lancaster, PA. Come enjoy this fun and relaxed class! The class will work predominantly from still life but on occasion, the instructor will lead the class in painting from the model (2 times) and there will be an option of experimenting with watercolor and collage.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Alice Meyer-Wallace
Cost: $435
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Interested in learning or improving your watercolor skills? All materials and techniques will be discussed, including the selection of papers, brushes, and pigments, as well as transparent and opaque painting methods. Students will work from still-life subjects and/or their own source material. All levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This class with instruction by Alice Meyer Wallace will focus on classic watercolor techniques - Sargeant, Homer, Rodin, Nolde, and particularly Charles Demuth, from Lancaster, PA. Come enjoy this fun and relaxed class! The class will work predominantly from still life but on occasion, the instructor will lead the class in painting from the model (2 times) and there will be an option of experimenting with watercolor and collage.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Alice Meyer-Wallace
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Discover the fascinating world of fungi by exploring their unique shapes, tones, and textures in your sketchbook or nature journal. In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques for capturing intricate details using graphite, Micron pen, and watercolor, all in a small, manageable sketchbook. All skill levels are welcome—some drawing experience is helpful but not required. A variety of fungi subjects will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring your own specimens for a personalized touch. Come experiment with different materials, express your creativity, and build foundational skills for nature journaling.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Margaret Saylor
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Unleash your creativity and build a strong foundation in watercolor painting in this 6-week course. Weeks 1–3: The Basics. We’ll start with the essentials—understanding materials, brush techniques, color mixing, washes, and controlling water. You’ll practice exercises that build confidence and develop your hand-eye coordination while learning how to create depth and texture. Weeks 4–6: Going Beyond. Once you're comfortable with the basics, we’ll dive into more advanced techniques including layering, glazing, and composition. You’ll explore expressive brushwork and create finished pieces with guidance and feedback tailored to your personal style. All levels welcome—no previous experience required.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Radhika Srinivas
Cost: $335
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Watercolor is the perfect medium for capturing the jewel-like tones and gradients of color in autumn’s changing leaves and abundant harvests. Learn to preserve the season’s rich textures and tapestries of color by exploring a variety of paint mixing and application techniques while working from natural forms. This workshop will include demonstrations of wet-into-wet and dry-brush techniques and one-on-one instruction. All experience levels welcome.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Linda Gist
Cost: $195
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

This 2-day weekend workshop will cover all you need to know about traveling with your art supplies and how to make unforgettable memories. We will cover the essentials of equipment, composing a scene, beginning drawing, color sketches, and quickly generating a travel portfolio. The beauty of this course is, and I can testify, that you will stand out from the hordes of tourists and be treated especially well. Bring your favorite photos as well.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stewart White
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this fast paced and fun workshop, we will develop an understanding of how our paintings can and should tell stories. Paintings must make good use of visual language to draw our viewers in and make them part of the painting process. Join me as we learn how to make the magic happen!
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Stewart White
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This one-day workshop teaches participants techniques for creating varied edges in their painting. You'll learn how edge adjustments can enhance visual impact, guide the viewer’s focus, and build dynamic compositions. We will explore how factors like atmosphere, light, values, color, motion, textures, and form create opportunities for different edges in our paintings. All skill levels welcome. Bring photo references. Students can work in oil, acrylic, or gouache.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Fred Jackson
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Workshop participants will begin by learning to handle watercolor materials: papers, paints, brushes, palettes, and more. From the bold application of washes to fine detail, we’ll explore specifics: how to begin a watercolor and how to conclude a work, wet-in-wet to dry-brush, what to put in and what to leave out. The skillful use of the elements of composition and the simplification of form will provide a means to achieving dynamic results. We’ll also explore ways of creating a sense of light and mood in a watercolor, through the use of structured tone. The class will be looking at the watercolors by J. S. Sargent, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth critically. Class members will be encouraged to work from still-life, and photos to start.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Ernie Norcia
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Watercolor is a versatile medium, which can be both transparent and opaque. Using a variety of subject matter, some techniques explored will be drawing for watercolor, painting without drawing, wet-in-wet watercolor, glazing with watercolor washes, the use of gouache and other aqueous media with watercolor. The instructor will start each class with a demonstration or an explanation of the technique for the day. Students will be encouraged to work in their own personal style. Each class will end with a group critique with the emphasis on constructive criticism.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Wendy Scheirer
Cost: $240
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will focus on the problem of combining the genres of still-life and interior painting into a single picture. We will start by addressing the problem of finding a subject and the practical and formal problems of setting up a still life. We will discuss how to organize and simplify complex information, how to have a unified sense of light throughout the picture and how to perceive color and tone relationships. We will also cover aspects of drawing that will help in the creation of a convincing sense of space. Students are welcome to bring their own objects or work with objects on hand at the center. You can use oil paint, acrylic paint, gouache or pastel.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Peter Van Dyck
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Experience the beauty of autumn’s natural forms through the refined technique of drybrush watercolor, a method cherished by botanical artists for its precision and subtlety. In this class, you’ll explore the elegant structures of dried seed pods, leaves, and other seasonal specimens, learning to capture their intricate details with disciplined brushwork. We’ll start with foundational exercises to help you master the drybrush technique, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident as you progress. Then, you’ll select a subject of your choice—whether a curling leaf, a sculptural seed pod, or another natural treasure—to create a detailed botanical study. Join us for an immersive painting experience that will deepen your observation skills, expand your watercolor abilities, and celebrate the quiet beauty of nature.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Margaret Saylor
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This workshop will focus on understanding color temperature, its ability to bring vitality to the painted surface as well as its use as a powerful tool in identifying and controlling color in your work. Students can work from still life or photo references and in any medium, however, oil painting will be the primary focus. Daily demos will be followed by individual instruction and general discussion.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jon Redmond
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

Water: It’s all around us -- streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, atmospheric effects, and more. It's a key ingredient in watercolor painting, regardless of the subject matter. But how does the artist create the illusion of water in a painting, regardless of the medium? This two-day workshop will present key tactics an artist can employ when painting bodies of water. Examine the nature of reflections, water movement, how water appears under various weather and lighting conditions, and more. Instruction includes demonstrations and a review of the ways master artists historically have portrayed water in their paintings over the years. Open to all levels. Demonstrations will be conducted in watercolor, but instruction presents valuable information for painters of all media.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: James Toogood
Cost: $225
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Learn to use India ink and watercolor to create drama and mystery from nocturnal and low-light subjects in this one-day, intensive workshop! Develop a drawing on watercolor paper from your photo references then layer ink and watercolor to develop a deep, rich surface. Add gouache and drawing media for contrast and definition.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Michael Kowbuz
Cost: $95
Sponsor: Cerulean Arts Gallery and Studio
Website, email, 267-514-8647