The WAS-H classroom & gallery are open at select times. Please read our COVID policy HERE prior to visiting in person. Our virtual classes and online shows continue, and are filled with opportunities for learning and exhibits.


Spring Classes Now Open for Registration!

Information about Class registration

  • Members must log-in to register for classes and workshops.
  • Non-members pay an additional fee, see each class for specific fees.
  • If enrolling as a monitor, click HERE for a complete list of duties.
  • Click HERE to review our cancellation policy.

NOTE: Parking is not available at the Menil Collection. Please use surrounding streets if the WAS-H parking lot is full.

  • Select classes will be in person at the WAS-H building. Read the current COVID policy HERE.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

  • VIRTUAL - The Art of Ink

    • March 19, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 07, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 8 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 14
    Register

    VIRTUAL - The Art of Ink

    Ellen Orseck

    Eight Weeks

    Fridays, March 19 - May 07,

    10:00am-12:30pm Central Time

    $200 members

    Fluid, opaque, transparent, and varied; ink is a versatile medium that artists have used for centuries.  Comprised of solvents, pigments, resins, and other materials, ink can be applied with a pen, a quill, a brush or alternative tools. This 8-week course will examine the history and practical application of ink as a fine-art-medium to be used alone or in conjunction with other water media.   Experts from Dromgoole’s Fine Writing Instruments, via Zoom, will work closely with the class to demonstrate alternative ways of using writing tools and inks in the painting process. 


    Supply List:

    Ball Point Pen Black Ink (Your choice of pen and brand)

    Brushes - best are natural bristles or synthetic squirrel. I like Princeton Neptune Series,

    Number 4 round, Number 12 round, Oval Wash and Aquarelle ¾. (29.87)

    Containers with lids for mixing ink – five of them

    Daniel Smith Walnut Drawing Ink  2 oz (9.67) or Walnut Drawing Ink 2.4 oz (10.91)

    Dr. Ph.Martin Bleed Proof white (9.44)

    Erasers-Kneaded Gum Eraser, Vinyl Erasers

    Liquid Ink Black 1-2 oz container, your choice of brand.  Select one:

                Daler-Rowney (6.43)

    Higgins (5.34)

                Liquitex (5.87)

                Sennelier (12.52

    Speedball (4.99)

    Liner Pens Black Sakura Micron, Sepia Sakura Micron Sets (8.99 each)

    Quink Black (11.93) - Amazon

    Gray Scale & Value Finder (Amazon, Dick Blick, Walmart, or Jerry’s Artarama)

    Paper Towels

    Paper -Strathmore Mixed Media Paper 11 x 14-inch, 140 lb White (11.93)

    Pencil Sharpener, and an X-acto Knife or retractable Utility Knife

    Pencils

    Razor Blade or X-acto Knife

    Speedball No.5 Artist Set – nibs and holder (15.28)

    Tombow Mono Sand Eraser (5.99) - Amazon

    Toothbrush for Splattering

    ​​​​​​Walnut Drawing Stick (9.35)

    Waterbrush Derwent or Any brand, round, medium 3 mm (9.99)

    Watercolor Supplies (Please contact instructor if you need a watercolor supply list)

    Windex and An Old Toothbrush for Cleaning

     

    Art Supply Sources:

    Art Supply on Almeda

    Daniel Smith

    Dick Blick

    Hobby Lobby

    Jerry’s Artarama (10% discount)

    Michael’s

    Target

    Texas Art Supply

    Walmart

     

    A virtual field trip and ink demonstration may suggest other materials to be introduced later in the semester.


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  • VIRTUAL - Watercolor/Watermedia Fast & Loose

    • April 08, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 27, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 8 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 30
    Register

    VIRTUAL -   Watercolor/Watermedia Fast & Loose
    Susan Giannantonio

    Thursday afternoons
    April 8 - May 27 - 8 sessions

    1:00-3:00pm 

    $225 members/$305 non-members

    Are you tired of looking at realistic depictions of your painting subject? Do you love other painters’ work because of its fresh, bold strokes? The goal of this class is to paint A LOT.  We will have many timed, quick sessions including blind contour painting and drawing.  Our objective is to see how gestural our marks will become once we get out of our own way! If you prefer to work with acrylics, inks or gouache in this class and paint in a thin watercolor style, join us!

    More details:  www.susangiannantonio.com

    Supply List:

    Giannantonio_fast_loose.pdf


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  • VIRTUAL - Watercolor from the Start -Part 2

    • May 03, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 24, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 4 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 30
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Watercolor from the Start - Part 2
    Susan Giannantonio

    May 3, 10, 17, 24

    6:30-8:00pm Central

    $100 members/$140 non-members


    Watercolor from the Start

    Explore watercolor basics, whether you’re beginning or getting back in the groove. Supply Lists for either tight budgets or for splurging—your choice

    Playful paint-alongs each week


    4 weeks: Creating Simple Paintings


    Week 1 Simple Landscape Textures

    Practicing Landscape Marks

    Paint - Along


    Week 2 Simple Flower Textures

    Look at Masters

    Merging Colors

    Green Mixes

    Paint - Along


    Week 3 Depicting Water/Seascape

    Waves, Reflections

    Skies

    Paint - Along


    Week 4 Wrap-up

    Values

    Looking at Masters

    Review


    More details:  www.susangiannantonio.com

     Supply List:

     

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  • VIRTUAL - The Peony - Gong-bi Techniques

    • May 04, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 25, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 4 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 7
    Register

    VIRTUAL - The Peony - Gong-bi
    Techniques (detailed style)

    Peihong Endris

    Tuesdays
    May 4, 11, 18, 25
    1:30 - 4:00 pm
    $150 members/$190 non-members

    The Gong-bi technique, founded approximately 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, uses highly detailed brushstrokes that delimits details very precisely and, opposite of a free style, without independent or expressive variation. Together, we will study this technique with its focus on delicacy, precision, detail, and patience. Welcome all levels.

    Supply list:

    1. Two sheets of 20”x15” boards as wooden or Plastic Corrugated (Michael’s care Plastic Corrugated sheet 20” x 30”, to make two sheets)

    2. A roll an inch masking tape or Blue tape.
    3. One 2.5 or 3 inch flat soft bristles as sheep hair brushes.

    4. A box of Chinese Marie's colors (https://www.jerrysartarama.com/maries-chinese-watercolor- painting-set)

    5. 2-5 sheet of Non absorbency rice paper, We called Shimming size Shuen or Cicada Wing ( on orientalartsupply.com the shimmer size Shuen called P14BP and Cicada wing Size Shuen called P14C. Amazon called MEGREZ Chinese Japanese Calligraphy Practice Writing Sumi Drawing Xuan Rice Paper Thickening Without Grids 100 Sheets/Set - 34 x 68 cm (13.38 x 27.77 inch), Shu (Ripe) Xuan

    6. 2 small and one large combinations brush as surrounding with white sheep hair and inner with brown hard briskets. One fine tip brushes for detailed lines work.

    7. A bottle of Sumi-e ink. Couple of porcelain dishes as your old dish or any kind of trays. A roll of paper towel. A wash container.

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  • IN PERSON - Portrait Painting

    • May 06, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 27, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 1
    Register

    IN PERSON - Portrait Painting

    Professor Mohammad Ali Bhatti
    Thursdays,  May 6, 13, 20, 27
    9:30am - 12:30pm
    $180 members/$220 non-members

    This class is designed to learn basic techniques of portrait painting in watercolor medium. Class demos will help you to learn portrait painting skills, techniques, and applying tone values. In many ways, portrait painting is a fun class. It is exciting, full of artistic challenges as well as giving you confidence in working with the loose brush and in understanding light and shade.

    Click HERE for supply list.

    https://artistmohammadali.com/Save
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  • VIRTUAL: May Paint-In

    • May 08, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 13
    Register

    VIRTUAL - May Paint-In with
    Susan Giannantonio

    Saturday, May 8, 2021

    9:30am - 12:30pm Central

    $30 (free for Silver & Gold members)


    Susan Giannantonio, long time WAS-H teacher, will delight attendees with instruction on how to develop a loose painting. 

    See her website: https://www.susangiannantonio.com/


        This ZOOM Paint-In will be Saturday,  May 8 from 9:30-12:30.   The ZOOM access code will be in your registration confirmation as well as an email the day before the Paint-In.  We recommend you sign in at least 10-15 minutes before start time.  Fee structure for the ZOOM class will be the same as previous in-person Paint-ins.


    It will begin with a demo.   The goal is to use a waterscape photo reference and interpret it into a loosely rendered watercolor.   Together we will:

    1. Choose photo reference
    2. Create multiple fast thumbnail sketches in pencil or charcoal to capture the essence of the scene
    3. Create quick color thumbnail from one or all the pencil sketches to work out color choices
    4. Produce a ¼ sheet or 9 x 12” painting from the above


    Suggested (but not required) Supply List:

    Sketchbook

    Pencil, eraser

    ¼ sheet or 9 x 12 watercolor paper—2 or 3 sheets

    Small quill (#2) or mop brush

    Rigger

    Suggestion: a Mimik Synthetic Kolinsky Sword Liner ¼” brush (~$10 on Amazon) 

    Sharpened Stick

    Stirring straw (coffee stir straw)

    Jan McNeill (jan.mcneill@att.net) and Terry Oakes,  Paint-in Coordinators

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  • VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    • May 11, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 17
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    Jason Michael Bentley
    Tuesday, May 11
    9:30am - 12:30pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members

    Painting vivid eyes in watercolor. Overview of basic anatomy, with focus on palette prep, effective underdrawing, and layer planning. Exploring the medium's variable performance using both controlled and uncontrolled washes to powerful effect. 

    Level: Intermediate or Advanced

    Supply list:

    Click HERE for your supply list.

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  • IN PERSON - Cityscape/Landscape Painting

    • May 15, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 16, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 13
    Register

    IN PERSON - Cityscape/Landscape Painting

    Professor Mohammad Ali Bhatti
    Saturday & Sunday, May 15 & 16
    9:30am - 3:30pm
    $150 members/$170 non-members

    This class is designed to learn basic techniques of Cityscape/Landscape painting in watercolor medium. Class demoes will help you to understand color value, form, and space such as painting sky, clouds, mountain, water, trees, bushes etc. The focus of the classes will understanding of shapes, perspective, color and composition techniques. Bring good quality photos of landscape or cityscape of your own choice as reference for painting.

    Click HERE for supply list.

    https://artistmohammadali.com/Save
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  • IN PERSON - Water, Water Everywhere: How Do I Paint That?

    • May 22, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • May 23, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 6
    Register

    IN PERSON - Water, Water Everywhere: How Do I Paint That?

    Les McDonald, Jr.
    Saturday & Sunday,
    May 22 & 23
    9:00am - 4:00pm
    $150 members/$170 non-members

    There are so many ways to approach the subject of painting water in watercolor art, but sometimes, the simplest approaches are the best. 
    Water is almost always moving, changing, always different. It can act as a mirror, reflecting its surroundings back at us, or it can be opaque and impossible to read; it can be calm or whipped up by weather, deep or shallow.
    Water looks lighter and warmer (less blue) as it approaches the shore. Dry brush created broken edges give impression of fluidity.
    Water is transparent; you can see through it and hence see objects in it.

    Click HERE for supply list.

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  • VIRTUAL - Gouache: The Figure in Context

    • June 01, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • June 15, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 3 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 20
    Registration is closed

    VIRTUAL - Gouache: The Figure in Context

    Jason Michael Bentley
    Three Tuesdays,  June 1, 8, 15.
    10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

    $120 members/$150 non-members

    Gouache is an interesting medium, in that fluid transparent watercolor-like washes can be administered, as well as thicker opaque renderings resembling oil or acrylics. In this course we will combine these qualities to explore the figure in context.

    We will begin with a warm-up, and familiarize ourselves with brush techniques and effects while painting a sphere in the practice of chiaroscuro. Then we will apply the process to model the figure and surroundings, creating an energy-rich integration of form, light, and atmospheric perspective.

    Level: Intermediate or Advanced

    Early-bird registration for Members opens May 15. General registration opens May 20.

    Supply list:

    Click HERE for your supply list.

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  • June Paint-In

    • June 12, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 18
    Register

    VIRTUAL - June Paint-In "Impressionist Flowers with Gouache"

    Teacher: Ksenia Annis 

    Saturday, June 12, 2021

    9:30am - 12:30pm Central

    $30 (free for Silver & Gold members)


    Ksenia Annis, long time WAS-H teacher, will delight attendees with instruction on painting flowers in the style of Impressionists but using gouache. Link to the recommended art materials and reference photos will appear in your registration confirmation email.

    In this session we will briefly analyze Impressionist paintings from the point of view of color and brush work. We will also talk about gouache, its properties and application methods. Ksenia's demonstration of the painting process replicating Renoir's Moss Roses with gouache will be followed by a painting session by the participants.

    See Ksenia’s art on her website: https://tummyrubb.com/ and on social media @tummyrubbstudio

        This ZOOM Paint-In will be Saturday June 12 from 9:30-12:30.   The ZOOM access code will be in your registration notice as well as an email the day before the Paint-In.  We recommend you sign in at least 10-15 minutes before start time.  Fee structure for the ZOOM class will be the same as previous in person Paint-ins.  ($30 per Paint-In unless you are a Silver or Gold member)

    Jan McNeill (jan.mcneill@att.net) and Terry Oakes,  Paint-in Coordinators

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    • July 06, 2021
    • 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 20
    Registration is closed

    VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    Jason Michael Bentley
    Tuesday, July 6, 2021
    11:30am - 2:30pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members

    Painting vivid eyes in watercolor. Overview of basic anatomy, with focus on palette prep, effective underdrawing, and layer planning. Exploring the medium's variable performance using both controlled and uncontrolled washes to powerful effect. 

    Level: Intermediate or Advanced

    Early-bird registration for Members opens May 15. General registration opens May 20.

    Supply list:

    Click HERE for your supply list.

    Save
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  • VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    • August 03, 2021
    • 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 20
    Registration is closed

    VIRTUAL - Vivid Eyes in Watercolor

    Jason Michael Bentley
    Tuesday, August 3, 2021
    11:30am - 2:30pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members

    Painting vivid eyes in watercolor. Overview of basic anatomy, with focus on palette prep, effective underdrawing, and layer planning. Exploring the medium's variable performance using both controlled and uncontrolled washes to powerful effect. 

    Level: Intermediate or Advanced

    Early-bird registration for Members opens May 15. General registration opens May 20.

    Supply list:

    Click HERE for your supply list.

    Save
    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Cityscape/Landscape Painting

    • August 07, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • August 08, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 15
    Registration is closed

    IN PERSON - Cityscape/Landscape Painting

    Professor Mohammad Ali Bhatti
    Saturday & Sunday, August 7 & 8
    10:30am - 4:30pm
    $150 members/$170 non-members

    In this 2-day workshop, you will learn and practice step by step basic technique of cityscape/ landscape painting, color mixing, values study and composition. The class will study perspectives, architecture, trees, sky, trees and open fields. We will do this multiple times. Critique sessions will help understand watercolor technique and skills.

    Click HERE for supply list.

    https://artistmohammadali.com/Save
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  • VIRTUAL - Gouache: The Figure in Context

    • August 11, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • August 25, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 3 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 20
    Registration is closed

    VIRTUAL - Gouache: The Figure in Context

    Jason Michael Bentley
    Three Wednesdays,  August 11, 18, 25.
    10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

    $120 members/$150 non-members

    Gouache is an interesting medium, in that fluid transparent watercolor-like washes can be administered, as well as thicker opaque renderings resembling oil or acrylics. In this course we will combine these qualities to explore the figure in context.

    We will begin with a warm-up, and familiarize ourselves with brush techniques and effects while painting a sphere in the practice of chiaroscuro. Then we will apply the process to model the figure and surroundings, creating an energy-rich integration of form, light, and atmospheric perspective.

    Level: Intermediate or Advanced

    Early-bird Registration for Members opens May 15. General registration opens May 20.

    Supply list:

    Click HERE for your supply list.

    Save
    Show details

  • August Paint-In

    • August 14, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 25

    VIRTUAL - August Paint-In "Subject to be announced"

    Teacher: Caroline Graham 

    Saturday, August 14, 2021

    9:30am - 12:30pm Central

    $30 (free for Silver & Gold members)



        This ZOOM Paint-In will be Saturday August 14 from 9:30-12:30.   The ZOOM access code will be in your registration notice as well as an email the day before the Paint-In.  We recommend you sign in at least 10-15 minutes before start time.  Fee structure for the ZOOM class will be the same as previous in person Paint-ins.  ($30 per Paint-In unless you are a Silver or Gold member)

    Jan McNeill (jan.mcneill@att.net) and Terry Oakes,  Paint-in Coordinators

    Show details

  • Kim Minichiello Major Workshop Bold & Dynamic WC

    • October 04, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • October 06, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 3 sessions
    • 1601 West Alabama
    • 11
    Register

    Kim Minichiello Bold and Dynamic Watercolor Workshop 

    October 4-6, 2021

    Go beyond what many consider to be traditional watercolor techniques by using bold color, interesting compositions, and unique subject matter. Kim will show you her approach to designing a painting for a more dynamic composition, and how to get values to read giving your 2-dimensional work more 3-dimensionality. This workshop will also cover the many nuances and differences in papers, types of brushes and pigments. Learn how to mix grays and neutralize colors, as well as the secret to successful watercolor painting, by understanding pigment to water ratios and viscosity.

    In this workshop you will be working on two 12” x 12” paintings,  a yellow bromeliad and the water lilies.  With these works Kim will emphasize the importance of working with color temperature and how she utilizes this property of color in her work. 

    Skill level: Beginner to intermediate.

    See more of about Kim and her work at www.kimminichiello.com. 

    Supply List:

    WASH Bold Dynamic Supply List.pdf

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  • Kim Minichiello Major Workshop Textural Effects in WC

    • October 07, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • October 08, 2021
    • (CDT)
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 West Alabama
    • 9
    Register

    Kim Minichiello: Achieving Textural Effects In Watercolor Workshop 

    October 7-8, 2021

    As a former Walt Disney Imagineer, working on the design of Disney Theme Parks worldwide, to tell a particular story, Kim had to make the new look old.  She carried that same love of vintage time worn objects telling stories through my artwork.  Join her as she shares her techniques for achieving texture in watercolor. For an oil or acrylic painter, texture can be achieved by applying thick paint in an impasto manner.  In watercolor, texture must be achieved to look three dimensional on a two dimensional surface.  In this workshop we will work on a number of technques to achieve texture in your work and then will paint a rusty, vintage gate.   She’ll share a variety of techniques that she uses in my work to give passages in watercolor interesting variety, as well as, imply texture on worn and aged surfaces.  

    See more of about Kim and her work at www.kimminichiello.com. 

    Supply List:

    WASH Texture Workshop Supply List.pdf

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  • Mark Mehaffey Major Workshop

    • March 07, 2022
    • 9:00 AM (CST)
    • March 11, 2022
    • 4:00 PM (CST)
    • 1601 West Alabama
    • 21

    Mark Mehaffey Watercolor Workshop 

    March 7-11, 2022

    Description to come

    Show details

1601 West Alabama Houston TX 77006
Gallery: 713-942-9966
Questions? Email admin@watercolorhouston.org

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

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