Registration for Winter Classes Now Open!

Early Registration for Members Starts December 1st

General Registration Starts December 8th

To Become a Member, Click HERE


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.

See Video with Highlights of Fall Classes HERE.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

  • IN PERSON - Integrating Gouache into Your Watercolors

    • November 09, 2021
    • December 07, 2021
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 7
    Register

    IN PERSON - Integrating Gouache into Your Watercolors (mornings)

    Carla Gauthier
    Tuesday mornings
    November 9, 16, 30, December 7
    9:00am -12:00pm
    $180 members/$220 non-members

    Gouache is more than a quick fix at the end of a transparent watercolor. We will learn to use these opaque watercolors to create different effects – intermixed with watercolor, beside transparent watercolor for contrast, and as a medium on their own. This works with any subject and any style of painting and can open your eyes to new possibilities.

    Levels: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

    Supply list:  You will need your regular painting gear, plus some tubes of gouache. White plus primaries of yellow, blue, and red (pinkish in hue: such as alizarin crimson or quin. rose) is the basic, but you can buy a set with numerous colors if you wish. Also bring quarter sheet paper – 11 x 15” or close to that. Good cotton paper will work better for some techniques, but student grade paper will work for most of the group exercises, and you can use the back of old paintings.

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.
    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Integrating Gouache into Your Watercolors

    • November 09, 2021
    • December 07, 2021
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    IN PERSON - Integrating Gouache into Your Watercolors (afternoons)

    Carla Gauthier
    Tuesday afternoons
    November 9, 16, 30, December 7
    1:00 -4:00pm
    $180 members/$220 non-members

    Gouache is more than a quick fix at the end of a transparent watercolor. We will learn to use these opaque watercolors to create different effects – intermixed with watercolor, beside transparent watercolor for contrast, and as a medium on their own. This works with any subject and any style of painting and can open your eyes to new possibilities.

    Levels: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

    Supply list:  You will need your regular painting gear, plus some tubes of gouache. White plus primaries of yellow, blue, and red (pinkish in hue: such as alizarin crimson or quin. rose) is the basic, but you can buy a set with numerous colors if you wish. Also bring quarter sheet paper – 11 x 15” or close to that. Good cotton paper will work better for some techniques, but student grade paper will work for most of the group exercises, and you can use the back of old paintings.

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.
    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Crazy Cats & Mixed Up Mutts

    • December 04, 2021
    • December 05, 2021
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 11
    Register

    IN PERSON - Crazy Cats & Mixed Up Mutts

    Robin Avery

    Saturday & Sunday 

    December 4 & 5

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members

    Level:  Beginner and Intermediate

    Do you want to learn to paint your cat or dog?  Or paint one as a gift?  This class will teach you all the steps you'll need to create an animal portrait!


    Materials:

    • #2 Pencil
    • Your watercolor supplies (paints, brushes, paper)  
    • Make sure to have Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna (I prefer Winsor & Newton brand)
    • any supplies you would like to experiment with
    • Paper towels


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.
    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Water Media Playtime

    • December 09, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 1
    Register

    IN PERSON -  Water Media Playtime - Test drive art goodies!

    Diann Zimmerman

    Thursday, December 9

    9:30am-3:30pm

    $75 members/$85 non-members

    Have you ever wanted to try out different goodies in the water media family?


    Here’s your opportunity to experiment, play, and have fun with a variety of watercolor supplies.  You bring paper and brushes and test drive these goodies! 


    Try out brands and art tools you have never used before.  Create small paintings, color swatches, and have fun!  

     

    There will be a drawing at the end of class and the winner will receive a QoR watercolor set of 12 half pans (Retail $100)   And every attendee will receive a goodie bag of art goodies.  
    Here is what you can test drive: 

    • Watercolor paints: Schmincke, Sennelier, Rembrandt, QoR, Holbein, Old Holland, Winsor & Newton, MaimeriBlu, Isaro, Derwent Inktense, Daler Rowney, Mission Gold, Kuretake
    • Water soluble pens/markers:  Sennelier Ink Brushes, Tombow Grayscale, Derwent paint pens, W&N watercolor markers, SAI markers, Staedler pens, Poetique markers
    • Liquid watercolor:  Schmincke Aqua Drops, Dr. Ph Martin Hydrus
    • Liquid acrylic:  Schmincke acrylic inks, Golden High Flow, Liquitex 
    • Cartridge fountain pens with waterproof and water-soluble ink
    • Water soluble pencils:  CaranD’Ache Museum Aquarelle, Derwent sketching, Derwent Inktense, Derwent Graphitint, Faber Castell, Cretacolor, Art Graf blocks
    • Water soluble pastels:  CaranD’Ache Neocolor
    • Special effects:  Brusho (pigment crystals that explode like fireworks when activated with water)


    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    The supply list is short:

    • Lots of watercolor paper
    • Brushes
    • Mixing palette
    • Paper towels
    • A sense of adventure!
    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.
    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Pouring Party! BYOW

    • December 10, 2021
    • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 3
    Register

    IN PERSON - Paint Pouring Party!  BYOW

    Laura Mossman

    Friday evening 

    December 10

    7:00-10:00pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members,
    plus $30 Supply fee (for paint, boards, medium, tools, etc.)


    Bring your own refreshments: wine, bottle, drink or snack and get ready to pour some paint!  Students will learn at several techniques in paint pouring.  


     We will make 3 sample pours on 6 x 6 panels and 3 final pours on 10 x 10 panels.  This class is fun – but messy!  Wear old clothes or bring an apron.  We will explore the bloom pour, the dutch pour, and the injection technique.  If time allows, we can play with dirty pours and swipes.


    No experience needed.  Just come and have fun!

    Level: Novice, Beginner

    Supplies: All supplies included but if you want to take your paintings home that night, you will need to bring your own cardboard boxes.  This is not recommended but is an option.

    Most students leave their paintings and pick them up after a few days.

    Note: Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    No one under 21 may attend this class.

    #paintpour #thingstodoinhouston #houstonartevents #houstonartclass #montrosehouston #houstonart  #houstonpaintparty #houstondatenight  #365houston #houstonpulse  #houston365  #houstontx #myhouston  #htown  #explorehouston #houstonfun  #houstonfamily



    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Abstractly Yours! Make your own Acrylic Abstract - BYOW

    • December 12, 2021
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 6
    Register

    IN PERSON - Abstractly Yours! Make your own Acrylic Abstract - BYOW

    Laura Mossman

    Sunday afternoon

    December 12

    1:00-4:00pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members,
    plus $15 Supply fee (all supplies included)


    Bring your own wine, drink, or snack and get ready to make your own abstract acrylic painting.  


    We will do a few creativity exercises to warm up and then pick our colors and start making the magic.  You will take home a completed 16 x 20 abstract painting.


    No experience needed.  Just come and have fun!  This class is for beginners

    Level: Novice, Beginner

    Supplies: All Supplies included but you can bring paint and/or brushes if you have a preference for a specific color/brand.

    #houstonabstractart #thingstodoinhouston #houstonartevents #houstonartclass #montrosehouston #houstonart #houstonpaintparty #houstondatenight #365houston #houstonpulse #houston365 #houstontx #myhouston #htown #explorehouston #houstonfun #houstonfamily


    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Basic Drawing 101

    • January 04, 2022
    • February 08, 2022
    • 6 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 6
    Register

    IN PERSON -  Basic Drawing 101

    Myke Venable

    Six Tuesday mornings

    January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8

    9:00am-12:00pm

    $250 members/$310 non-members


    Using basic materials, students will explore the fundamentals of drawing. Through various hands-on activities and class discussions, this course will touch upon observation, shapes, volume, value, line, and texture. This class is intended for students with little or no previous drawing experience or those that want to sharpen their fundamental skills.  Instagram@MykeVenable

    Level: Beginner


    Supply List:

    • CANSON - Mix Media - 9x12 Sketch Book (60 pages)
    • STAEDTLER - set of 12 graphite drawing pencils (6B-4H)
    • PRISMACOLOR - Kneaded Eraser
    • PINK PEARL Eraser
    • PENTEL - Eraser Caps







    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    #MykeVenable #Fundamentals-of-Drawing #Drawing #Beginning-Drawing #Drawing-from- Sight #graphite-drawing

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Find Your Path

    • January 06, 2022
    • February 24, 2022
    • 8 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 1
    Register

    IN PERSON - Find Your Path

    Carla Gauthier

    Eight Thursday afternoons

    January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24

    1:00-4:00pm

    $325 members/$405 non-members

    Do you want to push your painting, define your style, and create a body of work that is cohesive and personal? This will be a student driven class, with more of a coaching/critique vibe, helping each artist work towards a simple goal – to find their “path” whether it be realistic or abstract, portraits, landscapes, still-life based….. whatever it is that inspires you. This class is not a “how-to” class. We will discuss concepts, artistic principles that will help each artist regardless of their style and subject, and do demos that are spontaneous, responding to student problems and needs. We will work over email and internet during the week and ideally we become a consistent group, whose input is varied and meaningful.

    Level: Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: Regular watermedia and art supplies, plus whatever inspires you to paint - paintings of famous artists, color swatches, photo references, collage pieces. This could be as simple as working from a single photo reference for an extended period to truly enhance your brushstrokes and mark making….and it could be as complex as exploring mixed water-media and abstract designs. So what you bring can be simple or complex too!


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Risk and Courage: Dare to Be You

    • January 06, 2022
    • January 27, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 29
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Risk and Courage: Dare to Be You -- Session 1: Steal Like an Artist

    Susan Giannantonio

    Four Thursday Afternoons

    January 6, 13, 20, 27

    1:00 - 3:00pm

    $120 members/$160 non-members


    A non-objective and/or abstract multimedia class, investigating ways to develop your own unique artistic voice.  It is helpful to examine many of the painters who have gone before us to identify exactly what moves and inspires each of us. Join us as we move away from “pretty” paintings and explore a more introspective and sometimes edgy way to paint.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Supply List:

    • Sketchbook, approx. 9 x 12”. I use Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks from Amazon
    • Gesso
    • Old paintings or large sheets of 90 lb or heavier paper to gesso
    • Large gesso brush (may be cheap hardware brush) 2” or larger
    • Drafting tape 1” or 2”  (I prefer tan or white)
    • Stay wet palette OR a tray, parchment or deli paper, a towel or shop towels
    • You may use acrylics that are fluid, heavy body, or ink or a combination
    • At least 2 yellows, 2 reds and 2 blues
    • White acrylic or you can substitute gesso
    • Black acrylic or gesso
    • A variety of markers, oil pastels, pencils, charcoal, paint crayons, Crayola crayons, whatever you have on hand
    • Putty knife, stick, old credit card, palette knife
    • Collage material/ephemera
    • Matte or gloss gel medium
    • Preferred substrate: canvas, paper, and/or board

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Loosely Done Watercolor Landscapes

    • January 07, 2022
    • February 04, 2022
    • 5 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 13
    • 2 registrants
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Loosely Done Watercolor Landscapes

    Erika Just

    Five Friday mornings

    January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4

    9:30am - 12:30pm

    $200 members/$250 non-members

    You must never let the medium be in command, it must always be you who is the master of your painting, but...still the final impression must remain that everything happening on the paper must have happened by accident.
    Learn the practices that help you create consistently painterly, free and exciting watercolors no matter what the subject matter. In fact, the painting tells us what needs to be done, and we will be learning it’s language.
    Join me in my studio in Austria! You bring the coffee and I’ll bring the cookies.

    Level: Intermediate, Advanced

    Supply List:  Click HERE for supply list.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - The Beginning is a Very Good Place to Start

    • January 10, 2022
    • January 31, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 14
    Register

    IN PERSON -  The Beginning is a Very Good Place to Start

    Robin Avery

    Four Monday mornings

    January 10, 17, 24, 31

    9:30am-12:30pm

    $180 members/$220 non-members


    This class will begin with the very basics:

    • introduction to paint, brushes, paper
    • ratio of water to paint
    • learning about washes
    • everything you need to know to advance seamlessly

    Focus will be to introduce the beginner to the fun world of watercolor.  

    « First lesson: just come with a notebook and pen.

    « A very small supply list will be given out at the first session.
    « Students will use instructor's supplies at first.

    Level: Novice, Beginner


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Demo: The Portrait In Pencil

    • January 11, 2022
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 100
    • Be the first
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Demo: The Portrait in Pencil

    Jason Michael Bentley

    Tuesday, January 11

    12:30-2:30pm

    $40 members/$50 non-members

    All great watercolors begin with a sound under-drawing. This demo will showcase thoughtful and technical placement of building blocks that support the portrait structure, maximizing likeness of the subject. Concentration will be on measuring line breaks, gesture, and turning form.


    This session is part of a series of demonstrations offering an up close look at Jason's process, materials, and theoretical applications for drawing and painting a variety of subjects. As each casual 2 hour session presents an opportunity to learn passively by observation, Jason‘s goal is to offer as many perspectives as possible to connect the grand artistic conversation. Attention will be brought to key points in the process, while musing about personal experiences and philosophical analogies making techniques for drawing and painting more approachable.

    Interact and join the discussion by submitting your questions in the chat. You never know what little gems you’ll pick up while seeing the process come into full context!

    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Note: Jason will also offer this demo on March 1.

    #learndrawing #portraitdrawing #onlineartinstruction #liveartdemo #portraitdrawingdemo #accessibleart #zoomartclass #watercolorartsocietyzoomclass

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Demo: The Portrait In Watercolor

    • January 11, 2022
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 100
    • Be the first
    Register

    VIRTUAL - The Portrait In Watercolor

    Jason Michael Bentley

    Tuesday, January 11

    3:00-5:00pm

    $40 members/$50 non-members

    Starting with a finished drawing, I will paint into the work with watercolor. Important decisions regarding palette preparation and layer planning will be essential to the paintings development. Furthermore, I will create a strategy to identify local color, with temperature changes within the light and shadow.

    This session is part of a series of demonstrations offering an up close look at Jason's process, materials, and theoretical applications for drawing and painting a variety of subjects. As each casual 2 hour session presents an opportunity to learn passively by observation, Jason‘s goal is to offer as many perspectives as possible to connect the grand artistic conversation. Attention will be brought to key points in the process, while musing about personal experiences and philosophical analogies making techniques for drawing and painting more approachable.

    Interact and join the discussion by submitting your questions in the chat. You never know what little gems you’ll pick up while seeing the process come into full context!

    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Note: Jason will also offer this demo on March 1.

    #learnwatercolor #portraitpainting #portraitinwatercolor #onlineartinstruction #liveartdemo #portraitpaintingdemo #accessibleart #zoomartclass #watercolorartsocietyzoomclass

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Paint Pouring Fun!

    • January 14, 2022
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston TX 77006
    • 10
    Register

    IN PERSON - Paint Pouring Fun!

    Laura Mossman

    Friday evening 

    January 14

    6:30-9:30pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members,
    plus $30 Supply fee (for paint, boards, medium, tools, etc.)


    Bring your own refreshments: wine, drink, or snack and get ready to pour some paint!  Students will learn at several techniques in paint pouring.  


     We will make 3 sample pours on 6 x 6 panels and 3 final pours on 10 x 10 panels.  This class is fun – but messy!  Wear old clothes or bring an apron.  We will explore the bloom pour, the dutch pour, and the injection technique.  If time allows, we can play with dirty pours and swipes.


    No experience needed.  Just come and have fun!

    Level: Novice, Beginner

    Supplies: All supplies included but if you want to take your paintings home that night, you will need to bring your own cardboard boxes so paintings can lie flat.  This is not recommended because the paint will move while wet, but it is an option.

    Most students leave their paintings and pick them up after a few days.

    Note: Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    No one under 21 may attend this class.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    #paintpour #thingstodoinhouston #houstonartevents #houstonartclass #montrosehouston #houstonart  #houstonpaintparty #houstondatenight  #365houston #houstonpulse  #houston365  #houstontx #myhouston  #htown  #explorehouston #houstonfun  #houstonfamily#houstonarts#learntopaintacrylics#learntopaint#thingstodoinhoustontx#houstonlearning


    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Quick, Expressive Landscapes

    • January 15, 2022
    • January 16, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 2
    Register

    IN PERSON -  Quick, Expressive Landscapes

    Carla Gauthier

    Saturday and Sunday

    January 15-16

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members


    Big brushes + limited palette + minimized detail = Expressive Landscapes!

    In this class we will discuss editing detail, choosing color and mark making that is suggestive and simplified. Any and all watermedia can be used, including collage. Although the results will be loose, the painting process is sometimes thoughtful and in slow motion. 

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: Bring your regular watercolor supplies, including opaque paints, crayons, markers etc, and even old paintings for collage possibilities. Let’s use 11 x 15” paper or bigger, so as not to limit our brushstrokes. Bring some simple photo references for inspiration.


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Exploring the Texture of Glass

    • January 22, 2022
    • January 23, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 18
    Register

    IN PERSON - Exploring the Texture of Glass in Transparent Watercolor

    Monika Pate

    Saturday and Sunday

    January 22-23

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members


    During this workshop we will explore how to paint realistic glass/crystal objects in transparent watercolor using the layering technique. The instructor will explain how to approach the variety of shapes, colors, and values of the subject and provide step-by-step demonstrations. Reference materials and detailed information will be provided to all of the registered participants at least 2 weeks prior to the workshop. Students are also welcome to work from their own materials if they prefer.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: Please bring your favorite supplies. For a suggested supply list, click HERE.

    #monikapate_art 

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Demo: Scottish Highland Landscape

    • January 25, 2022
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 100
    • Be the first
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Demo: Scottish Highland Landscape in Watercolor

    Jason Michael Bentley

    Tuesday, January 25

    12:30-2:30pm

    $40 members/$50 non-members

    I’m lucky to live in one of the worlds most beautiful places! With a bunch of imagery collected, there’s so much that must be painted. What goes into a great landscape? Simplicity is always the key. If there needs to be further development, one can simply expand on a carefully employed framework. This framework must reflect solid composition and thoughtful harmony in color and values. Join me in this demo as I make the most important decisions to make the greatest impact.


    This session is part of a series of demonstrations offering an up close look at Jason's process, materials, and theoretical applications for drawing and painting a variety of subjects. As each casual 2 hour session presents an opportunity to learn passively by observation, Jason‘s goal is to offer as many perspectives as possible to connect the grand artistic conversation. Attention will be brought to key points in the process, while musing about personal experiences and philosophical analogies making techniques for drawing and painting more approachable.

    Interact and join the discussion by submitting your questions in the chat. You never know what little gems you’ll pick up while seeing the process come into full context!

    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Note: Jason will also offer this demo on March 22.

    #learnwatercolor #landscapepainting #landscapeinwatercolor #onlineartinstruction #liveartdemo #landscapepaintingdemo #accessibleart #zoomartclass #watercolorartsocietyzoomclass

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Let's Jelly!

    • January 28, 2022
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 10
    Register

    IN PERSON - Let's Jelly!

    Laura Mossman

    Friday evening, January 28

    6:30-9:30pm

    $50 members/$60 non-members + $25 Supply fee

    • Bring your own refreshments: wine, drink, or snack and get ready to play with a Jelly Plate!  Students will learn at several techniques used when creating prints with a jelly plate.
    • This class uses acrylic paints only.
    • Students will receive their own Jelly Plate to take home!
    • No experience needed.  Just come and have fun!

    Level: Novice, Beginner


    Supplies:

    Bring your choice of acrylic paints, brushes, and surfaces to play.  Paper is the best surface for jelly printing but we can try other surfaces as well.  Bring any stencils you have as well.

    #houstonarts #learntopaintacrylics #learntopaint #houstontx #thingstodoinhouston 
    #thingstodoinhoustontx     #houstonlearning

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • IN PERSON - Gesso and Watercolor

    • January 29, 2022
    • January 30, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 12
    Register

    IN PERSON - Gesso and Watercolor

    Carla Gauthier

    Saturday and Sunday

    January 29-30

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members


    When we hear the word “gesso” we think of what oil and acrylic painters use as a ground on their canvas. Gesso also works on watercolor paper to create a surface perfect for watermedia – we can paint and easily lift to “sculpt” our paintings – adding and subtracting until we are satisfied with the results. We can also use gesso like a resist to preserve our whites and create more expressive watercolors. Sign up to learn what this inexpensive medium “gesso” can do to jumpstart your creativity.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: Bring all of your regular watercolor supplies, paints, brushes and paper. Please bring paper in different states – clean new watercolor paper (preferably cotton) to use gesso as a resist, an old painting or two to gesso over completely (we will use the paper as a support and do a whole new painting on it), and also a painting that held a lot of promise but has lost its glow of light that we can hopefully resuscitate using gesso.


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

    Show details

  • VIRTUAL - Watercolor Foundations

    • February 01, 2022
    • February 15, 2022
    • 3 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 20
    Register

    VIRTUAL: Watercolor Foundations - Essential Techniques

    Jason Bentley

    Three Tuesday afternoons

    February 1, 8, 15

    12:30-3:00pm

    $115 members/$145 non-members

    The most important part about painting with watercolor is understanding the behavior of the pigment and surface.  In this online workshop, we will explore the watercolor fundamentals and techniques often forgotten or taken for granted.  This is an excellent course for beginners and experienced painters alike.

    • Week 1 – Considerations of Color Theory, Value & Design

      • Construct color wheel and value scale

    • Week 2 – Getting to know the brush and flow of pigment

      • Practicing flat wash and gradient while controlling the water bead
      • Still life block in
      • A study in building value

    • Week 3 – Varied technique and fluidity

      • Practicing layered and dynamic color mixing
      • Using alternative tools (masking fluid, sponge)
      • Landscape painting using wet into wet and dry brush techniques

    Level: Novice, Beginner


    Click HERE for Supply List


    #learnwatercolor #onlineartinstruction #accessibleart #zoomartclass #watercolorartsocietyzoomclass #beginningwatercolor

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - Working in Multiples

    • February 01, 2022
    • February 22, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 10
    Register

    IN PERSON -  Working in Multiples

    Carla Gauthier

    Four Tuesday afternoons

    February 1, 8, 15, 22

    1:00-4:00pm

    $180 members/$220 non-members


    We start one painting, we finish it, and then we start another. In this busy class we will throw that method of working out the window! Each person will bring a single photo source and work on 4 paintings from that single source simultaneously. We will learn to explore possibilities and switch gears to constantly see your paintings with fresh eyes. We will open up creative avenues - like color, value, composition and design, even application – and we will discuss results to understand that letting go of “preconceived” ideas may give us the painting we really want to create!!

    Level: Advanced


    Supply List: Bring your SKETCHBOOK or loose paper, regular painting gear – brushes, paint – (transparent and opaque watercolors, mixed media etc. – whatever you might like to use) and palette, and at least 4 sheets (11x 15” or close to that) of good cotton paper. You need one SIMPLE source photo – or a sketch you’d like to explore. Abstract, floral, landscape, still life, portrait – anything goes! Bring a few if you need help choosing. 

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - Learn to Paint with Acrylics

    • February 02, 2022
    • February 23, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 9
    Register

    IN PERSON - Learn to Paint with Acrylics

    Laura Mossman

    Four Wednesday evenings

    February 2, 9, 16, 23

    6:30-9:30pm

    $180 members/$220 non-members

    Never used acrylic paint before?  No problem!  This class is designed for those who have never used acrylic paints – and have little to no knowledge of basic art principals.  This class will introduce you to the materials used in acrylic painting, how to mix your paints, what mediums you can use, and how to use them.  We will also discuss general art concepts to create your own acrylic masterpieces.
    You will make your own color wheel, color charts, and at least two abstract-style paintings by the end of the course.

    Level: Novice, Beginner


    Supply List:

    • Acrylic Paints, prefer tubes but any will work
    • A variety of brushes
    • Paper towels
    • Palette Knife
    • Spray bottle for water
    • Palette paper, paper plates, or wax paper to mix your paints on
    • Any pens/pencils or other mark-making tools you like to use.
    • Surfaces to practice techniques, Watercolor paper is fine but you can also use canvas board, or mix media surfaces.  
    • Two bigger surfaces, 11 x 14 or 16 x 20 to create your final pieces – bring these the first day of class.  

    #houstonarts #learntopaintacrylics #learntopaint #houstontx #thingstodoinhouston 

    #thingstodoinhoustontx #houstonlearning


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - Portrait Painting

    • February 03, 2022
    • February 24, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 11
    Register

    IN PERSON -  Portrait Painting

    Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhatti

    Four Thursday mornings

    February 3, 10, 17, 24

    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 working with the loose brush and an understanding of light and shade.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List:

    • Graphite Pencils: HB, 2B (preferable)
    • Watercolor brushes ( # 02 to  # 06) natural squirrel hair )
    • Watercolor paint of your choice, palette 
    • 140 lb. Arches paper (22x30" sheet, cut in quarters)
    • Light weight Drawing Board
    • Eraser – masking tape – sharpener – etc.

    Note: Bring good quality close up photos/prints (6x6 inches) of your own.

    #artistmohdali

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • VIRTUAL - Risk and Courage: Dare to Be You

    • February 03, 2022
    • February 24, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 30
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Risk and Courage: Dare to Be You -- Session 2: Lose Yourself to Find Yourself

    Susan Giannantonio

    Four Thursday Afternoons

    February 3, 10, 17, 24

    1:00 - 3:00pm

    $120 members/$160 non-members


    A non-objective and/or abstract multimedia class, investigating ways to develop your own unique artistic voice.  This month we will examine our preferences to further develop our own unique path of mark making, design, color, textures, etc.  Join us as we move away from “pretty” paintings and explore a more introspective and sometimes edgy way to paint.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Supply List:

    • Sketchbook, approx. 9 x 12”. I use Arteza Watercolor Sketchbooks from Amazon
    • Gesso
    • Old paintings or large sheets of 90 lb or heavier paper to gesso
    • Large gesso brush (may be cheap hardware brush) 2” or larger
    • Drafting tape 1” or 2”  (I prefer tan or white)
    • Stay wet palette OR a tray, parchment or deli paper, a towel or shop towels
    • You may use acrylics that are fluid, heavy body, or ink or a combination
    • At least 2 yellows, 2 reds and 2 blues
    • White acrylic or you can substitute gesso
    • Black acrylic or gesso
    • A variety of markers, oil pastels, pencils, charcoal, paint crayons, Crayola crayons, whatever you have on hand
    • Putty knife, stick, old credit card, palette knife
    • Collage material/ephemera
    • Matte or gloss gel medium
    • Preferred substrate: canvas, paper, and/or board

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - The Simplified Floral Still Life

    • February 07, 2022
    • February 28, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 10
    Register

     IN PERSON - The Simplified Floral Still Life

    Laura Spector

    Four Monday afternoons

    February 7, 14, 21, 28

    1:00-4:00pm

    $180 members/$220 non-members

    This online course will focus on creating one completed floral still life painting. Students will focus on methods of reducing complex elements into simple and accurate shapes while focusing on patterns, rhythm, movement, and contour lines to create fresh exciting paintings. Organizing a color palette and creating preliminary sketches will be part of our classroom journey. This course is a fantastic way to explore color theory focusing on hue, value, chroma, and temperature. Reference photos will be provided or students may take their own photos from floral arrangements. This class is perfect for acrylic and gouache painters.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate


    Click HERE for Supply List

    #Still Life #Floral Painting #Acrylic Painting #Gouache Painting

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - Nature Up-Close and Personal

    • February 12, 2022
    • February 13, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 18
    Register

    IN PERSON - Nature Up-Close and Personal: Rocks and Water

    Monika Pate

    Saturday and Sunday

    February 12-13

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members

    As artists we are inspired by nature’s beauty and often try to recreate the illusion of the infinite variety of shapes, textures, colors , etc. 
    During this workshop we will explore a variety of techniques to create realistic elements of a landscape, that include rocks and water.
    The instructor will provide step-by-step demonstrations and explain the techniques used. Reference materials and detailed information will be provided to all of the registered participants at least 2 weeks prior to the workshop.
    Students are also welcome to work from their own materials if they prefer.

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: Please bring your favorite supplies. For a suggested supply list, click HERE.
    In addition to the basic supplies, please bring additional items that will help to create the rich textures of the subjects: watercolor pencils/crayons, sponges, small piece of sandpaper, xacto knife,  stippling brush, etc. 


    #monikapate_art 


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • IN PERSON - Pretty in Pink

    • February 19, 2022
    • February 20, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 18
    Register

    IN PERSON - Pretty in Pink

    Les McDonald, Jr.

    Saturday and Sunday

    February 19-20

    9:30am - 3:30pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members


    Design and balance are one of the most important aspects of a good painting. A bad design will never make for a good painting. 

    I will stress design and color balance of the subject. Detail seems to be one of my strengths and I will show you how to achieve that. Most watercolors are painted in several layers. I will show you all the techniques that I know. 

    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: 

    • 300# Cold Press 22x30 (This is what I use)
      You can tear this into 4 - ¼  sheets or 2 - ½ sheets
    • Watercolors:  Bring what you have! I use mostly Holbein
      I will be sending out specific colors for the image
    • Pebeo Drawing Gum (the one that is Grey “IRRITANT”)
    • Rubber Cement Pickup
    • Rubber Cement cleaner (Small) Bestine – This is for cleaning out your brushes from the masking fluid. 

    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.

    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.

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  • VIRTUAL - Demo: Obscurity in the Portrait

    • February 22, 2022
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • WAS-H Virtual Meeting Room
    • 100
    • Be the first
    Register

    VIRTUAL - Demo: Obscurity in the Portrait – Painting Dramatic Angles

    Jason Michael Bentley

    Tuesday, February 22

    12:30-2:30pm

    $40 members/$50 non-members

    We don’t always encounter the face straight on, or at an even profile. Sometimes the angle and foreshortening of the features demands that we think more abstractly. There is a mental balance that must be achieved - in what we “know” and what we “see.” I’ll use objective observation while leveraging knowledge of head construction to create a natural and convincing pose.

    This session is part of a series of demonstrations offering an up close look at Jason's process, materials, and theoretical applications for drawing and painting a variety of subjects. As each casual 2 hour session presents an opportunity to learn passively by observation, Jason‘s goal is to offer as many perspectives as possible to connect the grand artistic conversation. Attention will be brought to key points in the process, while musing about personal experiences and philosophical analogies making techniques for drawing and painting more approachable.

    Interact and join the discussion by submitting your questions in the chat. You never know what little gems you’ll pick up while seeing the process come into full context!

    Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

    Note: Jason will also offer this demo on March 8.

    #learnwatercolor #portraitpainting #portraitinwatercolor #onlineartinstruction #liveartdemo #portraitpaintingdemo #accessibleart #zoomartclass #watercolorartsocietyzoomclass

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  • IN PERSON - Flower Painting Workshop

    • February 26, 2022
    • February 27, 2022
    • 2 sessions
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 12
    Register

    IN PERSON - Flower Painting Workshop

    Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhatti

    Saturday and Sunday

    February 26-27

    10:00am - 4:00pm

    $150 members/$170 non-members


    This class is designed for learning to paint flower and floral groupings in watercolor medium. The focus will be upon drawing and painting different shapes, color, and individuality of each flower; and the use foliage as a background for flowers and leaves with transparent layering. The class will also learn the technique of painting flower petals by using flat and pointed brushes to pull the paint out from the flower so the color blends into the white paper without creating a hard edge. You will need  tracing paper to sketch in possibilities to help you to decide where and what value to make your negative shapes

    Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


    Supply List: 

    • Graphite Pencils: HB, 2B (preferable)
    • Watercolor brushes (natural squirrel hair preferred)
    • A set of Watercolor paint of your choice, palette, (all related material)
    • 140 Lb arches 22x30" sheet (cut in quarters) or pads 10” x 15”
    • Light weight Drawing Board
    • Tracing paper
    • Eraser – masking tape – sharpener – etc


    Due to the on-going pandemic, masks are required at all in-person events/classes until further notice.


    Early Registration for Members opens December 1. General registration opens December 8.
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  • Mark Mehaffey Major Workshop: Experiment for FUN, Design for Success

    • March 07, 2022
    • March 10, 2022
    • 4 sessions
    • 1601 West Alabama
    • 18
    Register

    Mark Mehaffey Watercolor Workshop:

    EXPERIMENT for FUN, DESIGN for SUCCESS!

    March 7-10, 2022

    In this 4-Day Water Media Workshop, WE start with what is important to YOU. We build on that to make the strongest painting possible!

    Participants will create paintings using the elements of shape, line, value and color to simplify subject and use a variety of color plans to create emotion and mood. Discussion of content, the importance of color schemes and line quality will also be discussed.

    Participants will also work intuitively with shape, color, line and especially texture to produce an abstraction with a personal focus and a representational work based on personal reference choices. A variety of ‘slippery surfaces’ will be explored. These paintings will be as fun and absorbing to view, as they are to paint.

    There will be both group and individualized instruction. This is a fast moving, fun, mixed water media workshop where we all learn and share. All levels are welcome as long as everyone is comfortable with their materials. 

    *This workshop requires confirmation of vaccination prior to entry into the class and masks must be worn by all participants.  You may email a copy of your vaccination card to admin@watercolorhouston.org or bring it with you on the first day of the class.  If you do not have proof of vaccination, you will not be allowed entry into the class and will not receive a refund. 
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