Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Watercolor Fusion: Pouring & Pencils, a Multifaceted Art Journey"
December 6-8, 2025
 

Experience the exciting techniques of pouring watercolors. We’ll be using professional watercolor paper for 2 paintings. Julie will demonstrate 2 different scenes. You may do the same scenes or choose any subject & colors you wish. We’ll use masking fluid and other white saving techniques at the various stages of each pour to build up values in a layering process. Experiment with watercolor pencils for enhancement at various stages. Watercolor pouring creates glowing luminous and fluid effects unmatched by other techniques. Have fun, pouring & splashing paint & be amazed by the results! Julie will provide most materials for a $30 cash supply fee. Students are still responsible for bringing a few items.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Julie Schroeder
Cost: $180
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Life Model Drawing"
December 14, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Mixed Media Watercolor Workshop"
December 14, 2025
 

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


"Life Model Drawing"
December 21, 2025
 

Life Drawing, also known as Figure Drawing, is the practice of drawing in order to study the human figure. If you look at historic artwork, you'll find many nude drawings and paintings. These are considered life drawings. Many artists perceive figure drawing as an endless effort with limitless possibility for improvement, learning, and diversity. The range of detail in a life drawing can vary immensely. They can range from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches to gesture drawings, which show the simple form, action and pose. Some popular mediums used during life drawings are charcoal, graphite, pen, ink and pastels. For the longer poses, some may use painting mediums like acrylics or oil.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cost: $20 for Members / $40 for Non-members
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Painting Materials and Methods II"
Tuesdays, January 6 - April 21, 2026
 

This course will provide hands-on experience using traditional dry media, such as graphite, colored pencils, chalk, and pastel, through water-soluble materials, such as watercolor, gouache and ink. There will be ample presentation, lecture, and demonstration of the wet/dry media techniques. Students will be guided in working from personal sketches, paintings, photography, and from recognized artworks as well as from observation. Students will be expected to provide basic materials that they already have and most paper. To ensure that all students can experience the various processes, the instructor will provide any materials that individual students do not have. Issues of form, spatial concepts, color, visual and critical thinking will be addressed through individual and group critiques.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Watercolor with Focus and Freedom"
January 6-8, 2026
 

Master the Yeliseyev Method - Join Vlad for a 3-day workshop designed to sharpen your skills and spark your creativity. Using carefully selected photographs provided by Vlad, you’ll learn how to simplify complex scenes, identify focal areas, and bring your paintings to life with expressive light, color, and atmosphere. With the Yeliseyev Method, Vlad breaks watercolor painting into clear, achievable steps. You’ll explore: How to establish strong compositions and focal points; Techniques for mixing colors and balancing values; Confident, bold brushwork that gives your paintings energy; The finishing touches that unify and elevate your work. Entrance to the gardens and lunch included. Members receive discount.
 
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $680
Sponsor: Mounts Botanical Garden
Website, email, (561) 233.1775


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Color for Painters"
Wednesdays, January 7 - April 22, 2026
 

A comprehensive examination of the history, theories, and practices of color in painting. This hands-on course focuses on the practical understanding and application of how to use color. Included are an overview of color history in painting and how it has evolved to the present, a survey of the major theories and their practical applications in art making, a hands-on study of the most useful color charts, gradations and mixing, studio exercises implementing the use of color aesthetics and practices in artmaking and visits to the PAFA museum to study and analyze color in masterworks. Projects include color in figures, portraits, landscapes, self-portraits, glazing, color expression and color in abstraction. Open to all media and levels of experience.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Al Gury
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Portrait Painting"
Thursdays, January 8 - April 23, 2026
 

Students will learn the structure of the portrait, the history of historic and contemporary portraiture, methods and materials of portraiture, and will be encouraged to develop a personal point of view in portrait painting. Issues of form, spatial concepts, color, andvisual and critical thinking will be addressed. Individual and group critiques will be conducted.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Douglas Martenson
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Beginner Watercolor Painting"
January 10, 2026
 

In this class Chris will have 2 paintings prepared (floral & island landscape) to demonstrate the basics and more advanced techniques of painting with watercolors. Learn this intricate medium with this step-by-step approach. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! With just a few simple tools – water, pigments, brushes, and paper. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of watercolor and delve into its many techniques! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. Students taking this course should bring $20 cash to pay for materials, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, January 12, 19, 26, 2026
 

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces to refine. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus technique tips and helpful critiques to elevate your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $150 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Very Beginner Watercolors"
Mondays, January 26 - March 2, 2026
 

If you’ve always wanted to paint with watercolors but were afraid to try, this very beginning class will introduce you to the joys of creating beautiful, glowing watercolor paintings. Using the elements and principles of design and composition, you’ll learn the following techniques: color mixing, wet-on-wet wash, wet-on-dry techniques, glazing, color charging, tricks with salt, oozles, scaping and much more. This class is designed for those with no watercolor experience, or those who have tried watercolor painting but need a refresher. There will be a printed handout with each class. Subjects include Landscapes and Still Life.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Nancy Carney
Cost: $300
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026
 

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces to refine. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus technique tips and helpful critiques to elevate your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $200 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Beginner Watercolor Painting"
February 7, 2026
 

In this class Chris will have 2 paintings prepared (floral & island landscape) to demonstrate the basics and more advanced techniques of painting with watercolors. Learn this intricate medium with this step-by-step approach. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! With just a few simple tools – water, pigments, brushes, and paper. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the world of watercolor and delve into its many techniques! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com. Students taking this course should bring $20 cash to pay for materials, all of which will be provided for you.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $100
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Watercolor for Intermediate to Advanced Level Artists"
Fridays, February 20, 27 & March 6 & 13, 2026
 

Chris will demonstrate multiple paintings (seascape, floral, & island theme) from beginning to completion. Areas of demonstrations and techniques will include, design, drawing, color, value, washes, glazing, wet in wet, masking, dry brush, lifting out and more. Chris will guide you through the techniques and help you develop skills needed to produce beautiful watercolor paintings. He will not only tell you how, but also show you! For more information about Chris, visit his website at www.dreyerdesign.com.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Chris Dreyer
Cost: $200
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Open Painting in The Medium of Your Choice"
Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
 

Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed studio setting where you can paint your way! Choose your favorite medium—oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, or colored pencil—and dive into new projects or bring along unfinished pieces to refine. Enjoy as much one-on-one guidance from Dennis as you like, plus technique tips and helpful critiques to elevate your work. Whether your style leans toward realism, impressionism, or bold modern expression, this open painting session is your space to explore, create, and grow.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Dennis Lake
Cost: $250 or $50 per week
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"California Vibe Watercolor Portraiture™"
March 19-22, 2026
 

Absolutely no drawing experience necessary in David Lobenberg’s California Vibe Watercolor Portraiture™ workshop. He uses a reference photo and tracing technique that’s super simple to execute. The creativity and painting fun begins during the painting process! Through his step-by-step demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions, he leads artists down a path of expressive, energetic and evocative portrait painting. Lobenberg has over forty years of experience conducting both studio and plein air water media workshops across the United State, Canada as well as via zoom and his online California Vibe School of Watercolor™. David received his Master’s-in-Art degree from UCLA and has taught for seventeen years (now retired) as an adjunct art professor at Sacramento City College. For more information, visit lobenbergart.com
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: David Lobenberg
Cost: $575 Museum members/ $625 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


"Watercolor Plein Air Workshop in Sarasota"
March 27-29, 2026
 

Mastering your watercolor skills with Yeliseyev Method. Join Vlad this spring for a special 3-day workshop in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. This workshop offers more than just painting outdoors—it’s an immersive introduction to the Yeliseyev Method, a proven approach to watercolor painting that has inspired students around the world. What makes this workshop special: Learn Vlad’s unique system that simplifies watercolor painting into clear steps, focusing on composition, value, and expressive color use; Step-by-Step Instruction – From selecting the best location and “point of view” to quick value sketching, Vlad will guide you through every stage; Personalized Feedback – Receive one-on-one instruction at the easel as you work on your own paintings.
 
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev
Cost: $625
Sponsor: Renaissance School of Art
Website, email, 941-330-6865


"Watercolor Painting Workshop: Studio + Cultural Visits"
April 26 - May 1, 2026
 

Join us for an unforgettable watercolor experience in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where creativity meets culture. This workshop blends in-depth studio instruction with immersive exploration of one of America’s most iconic art towns. In this workshop, Carrie will share her signature techniques, including: Creating luminous layers with transparent watercolor; Mastering reflections, glass, and dramatic lighting; Building strong compositions with everyday objects; and Developing a narrative in still life through thoughtful design and color. Each day, you’ll work with Carrie in the studio to deepen your skills and bring a personal painting to life with hands-on guidance and feedback. The city is full of art galleries, restaurants, shops and museums. We will visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum together.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Carrie Waller
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919


"Watercolor Painting Workshop: Studio + Cultural Visits"
May 1-6, 2026
 

David goes beyond the basics and shows students how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled watercolor paintings. You will learn: how to find the essence of your subject matter; how to construct compelling compositions; to see shapes, not objects; how to create a color strategy; how to use frisket to achieve batik-like effects; the importance of value patterns in your work; and how to paint loosely while staying true to your subject matter. Daily one-on-one critiques and demos will be vital to helping you find your watercolor voice. We will paint in the studio each morning. You will have the choice every afternoon of a walking tour in Santa Fe with the tour leader or uninstructed painting time in the studio.
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: David Daniels
Cost: $1,690
Sponsor: French Escapade
Website, email, 510-584-6919


"Plein Air Painting in Watercolor"
May 2-3, 2026
 

Join renowned artist Catherine Hillis for an exhilarating 2-day plein air watercolor workshop tailored for beginner-intermediate and advanced students. Enhance your outdoor painting skills amidst nature's beauty with expert guidance. Discover the art of painting "en plein air," where you'll capture landscapes directly from your surroundings. Catherine will help you select the perfect equipment to match your style and choose ideal locations for painting. In this class, you'll gain practical insights on setting up your workspace and Hillis will show you how to follow structured steps in order to create vibrant watercolors. We will explore diverse subjects, like landscapes, gardens, and marshes while mastering composition and perspective. Enjoy daily onsite demonstrations that provide practical guidance and inspiration.
 
Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Instructor: Catherine Hillis
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Art League of Hilton Head
Website, email, (843) 842-5738


"Loose, Expressive Watercolors – Florals to Figures"
May 12-15, 2026
 

Learn to paint Loose Watercolor Florals, Landscapes, Figures and Portraits from internationally known artist, Janet Rogers, AWS. Workshop located at the historical La Fonda Hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza, close to restaurants, shopping and many hotels. Janet Rogers has been a working professional artist for over 34 years, and has achieved Signature Status in The American Watercolor Society, The Florida Watercolor Society, South Carolina Watercolor Society and others. She has garnered many awards over the years for her sensitive paintings of people which are spontaneous, direct, and expressive. Her workshops featuring impressions of people and also flowers are very popular across the United States, Canada, and in Europe. You can view her work at www.watercolorsbyrogers.com
 
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Instructor: Janet Rogers, AWS, Instructor –
Cost: $600.00
Sponsor: Miriam Joseph
Website, email, 505-263-9137


"Watercolor Painting"
September 14-17, 2026
 

The workshop sessions begin as Couch completes a painting, explaining what he is doing, and why, as he paints. Students paint in the afternoons, after which Couch critiques all the day’s completed work, including his own. An optional slide show/lecture on the principles of design – including color and composition – will be presented in the afternoon of the first day. For more information, visit tonycouch.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Tony Couch
Cost: $575 Museum members/ $625 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


 

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