Find Your Path

Carla Gauthier

Thursday Mornings

Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21

9:00 - 12:00pm

$220 Tuition/$180 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. Ideally, we become a consistent group, whose input is varied and meaningful. The idea is that you will focus on a subject and approach to carry your ideas forward in a connected way. Work outside class is essential.

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List: 
Regular Watercolor supplies – paper towels, palette, paints, brushes and the best paper you can afford. 

Find Your Path

Carla Gauthier

Thursday Afternoons

Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21

1:00 - 4:00pm

$220 Tuition/$180 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. Ideally, we become a consistent group, whose input is varied and meaningful. The idea is that you will focus on a subject and approach to carry your ideas forward in a connected way. Work outside class is essential.

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List: 
Regular Watercolor supplies – paper towels, palette, paints, brushes and the best paper you can afford. 

Cityscapes 

Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhatti

Two Tuesday afternoons

Nov 19 & 26

1:00 - 4:00pm

$90 members/$110 non-members

The focus of the classes will be a step-by-step landscape/cityscape painting. You learn the basics landscape/cityscape painting: sky, trees, houses and fields. There will painting demonstrations and guidance will be provided to individuals to overcome any difficulties. This class is appropriate for the beginner; intermediate and advanced painters will also benefit.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List: 
Graphite Pencils: ​HB, 2B (preferable)

Watercolor brushes (natural squirrel hair preferable)

Watercolor brand of your choice, palette, 

140 Lb arches ¼-sheet-size paper (11x15")

Light weight Drawing Board

Eraser – masking tape – sharpener – paper towels, etc.

Note: Bring good quality photos/prints of landscapes or cityscapes (at least 6x6 inches) of your choice. Reference photos with good quality resolution.

VIRTUAL: The Monochromatic Portrait

Jason Michael Bentley

Saturday and Sunday
November 23 & 24, 2024
1:30-5:30pm Central time
$120 members/$140 non-members

Single color paintings can be great practice for composition or subject studies, and pretty cool looking finished paintings on their own! They help free us from multicolor complexities to focus more on what we need to know about form modeling. This is an excellent class for those interested in portraiture but don't yet have much experience!

In this workshop we will paint a portrait from the sketch provided using a color of your choice. (Link for drawing below. 9x6.5 inches) Please have ready before workshop. Recognizing value relationships over chroma will be emphasized, along with basic structure of the face and head.

This open and interactive course will spotlight the instructor’s palette, work surface, and reference in real time, so you can directly see exactly how he mixes and applies paint. The process will be step by step based with short demos so you can take time to follow along and ask questions all the way to the finished painting.

Links to a video recording of each session will be provided, should you miss a class or want to review a session. Links remain available for ​120 days.

• Level: Beginner, Intermediate 

Click HERE for Supply List.

Reference photos for use in class. Please print this out or plan to use in class on a separate device, as well as having this imaged sketched onto your paper before the workshop.
Reference photo

Website: http://www.jmbportfolio.com

#fineartwatercolor #watercolorpainting #paintingwithwatercolor #watercolourpainting #watercolouring #colorwash #fluidcolor #fluidcolour #watercolourist #watercolorist #watercolorartist # watercolorportrait #watercolorportraits #teachingwatercolor #watercolorfun #watercolorclass #watercolorworkshop #onlineartclass #onlinepaintingclass #onlinewatercolorclass

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

Monday, November 25

Techniques Workshop

"Play Day"

Les McDonald

One Day Workshop

Sunday, Dec 1

9:30 am- 3:30 pm

$85 Regular Tuition

$75 Member Tuition

Exercise in various techniques to achieve textures There are many different styles and techniques you can use with watercolor. You can paint, dry brush, dab, splatter, scratch, dribble using brushes, masking fluid, sponges, ruling pens, salt, razor blades, paper towels, just to name a few.  In this class we will focus on painting skies with paper towels. Play Day - Workshop Supply List.doc

Having Fun with Still Life

Diann Zimmerman

One Day Workshop

Monday, December 2

10:00 am- 4:00 pm

$85 Regular Tuition

$75 Member Tuition

Join Diann for a one-day class to paint bold still-life. 

Your paintings will grab attention with the use of vivid colors and significant contrast. 

Supply list:          140 lb cold press watercolor paper (Diann will paint on 11x14.  Outlines will be provided for 8x10 and 11x14.) ·         Watercolor paint (whatever colors you have) ·         Brushes (whatever you have) ·         Mixing palette ·         Paper towels ·         For the darks, Diann will use Dr. Ph Martin’s Black Star India ink matte.  You may use ink or watercolor, whatever you have.  ·         If you use ink, do not use your nice watercolor brushes for ink.  Dedicate a cheaper brush since ink is hard on brushes.

Bird Drawing

Myke Venable

Three Tuesday Mornings

December 3, 10, 17

9 am - 12 pm

$180 Tuition/$150 Members 

Welcome to Bird Drawing for the Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced student.

We will start with a little history of bird drawing and painting through time, and

then practice with our own studies and drawings from color photographs

(supplied by the instructor).

Using basic materials, we will focus on perfecting our skills using techniques to

develop masterful drawings from the bird genre.

Supply List:

1 - Sketch Book - CANSON Artist Series 9x12 in.

1 - STAEDTLER 12 graphite pencil set (6B-4H)

1 - STAEDTLER - 2 hole pencil sharpener

1 - PENTEL - Block Eraser

1 - PENTEL - Eraser Caps

1 - Prisma Color COL-ERASE pencils (24 pack)

Water Color - optional

#drawing #drawingfundamentals #mykevenable #drawwhatyousee #gettingtothebasics

Repurpose On Purpose

Billie Brinkley

One Day Workshop

Thursday, December 5

9:30 am- 3:30 pm

$85 Regular Tuition

$75 Member Tuition

Student will bring a figurative reference photo (some will also be provided) or an animal photo and learn how to use a variety of materials to create a collage to enhance their composition. This is an excellent way to add pattern and texture quickly. Start collecting napkins with patterns, patterned pages from magazines, patterned tissue paper, pages from books, sheet music, gift bags, fabric, cards…anything that you can glue on a piece of paper!

Acrylic or watercolors, brushes, pencil or charcoal, water container,

watercolor paper (1/4 of a large sheet is fine but use what you have), mat medium, paper towels, latex gloves, permanent markers, scissors, a variety of patterned papers (as mentioned above), figurative images (whole body or upper body), this might be a good opportunity to do that self portrait you’ve been tempted to do!

You may not use all of the above, you may add items I haven’t listed. You are now a hunter of pattern and texture.

VIRTUAL:  Zentangle

Lori Morris

Two Friday mornings

December 6 & 20

9:00 - 10:30am

$50 members/$70 non-members

Throughout these virtual workshops, participants will learn to draw botanical and organic tangles along with other tangle patterns to create an inspired piece of art. Join me as we engage in this mindful activity and achieve a satisfying sense of creative accomplishment. Let's tangle together! 

December Zentangle Classes:

• December 6th • Snowflake Zendala, please bring colored pencils.
  
• December 20th Build your own Snowman on a White Zendala! Please bring colored pencils, and sparkle gel pens to embellish, anad/or medium of your choice.
  

Links to a video recording of each session will be provided, should you miss a class or want to review a session. Links remain available for 120 days.

Level: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate

Click HERE for Supply List.

#zentangle #lolomoczt39

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

December 7

12 pm - 3 pm

Location:  "I love the 11th" Festival

Topic: People, music band, and festival.

Painting people at a neighborhood festival in watercolor captures the lively energy and vibrant atmosphere of the event. How to go about it? You might want to begin with loose sketches to outline the crowd, focusing on gestures, movement, and interactions rather than fine details. Use bright, playful washes to represent colorful clothes, decorations, and booths, blending hues to convey the bustling and cheerful vibe. Add layers to depict light and shadow, enhancing depth while keeping the figures expressive and dynamic. Watercolor's fluid nature allows for spontaneity, perfect for portraying the joyful, ever-changing scenes of people relaxing, chatting, and enjoying the festival. This approach brings out the spirit of community and celebration in a vivid, playful way.

“I Love the 11th Neighborhood Festival” will be showcasing the vibrant spirit of this area of Houston Heights through local music, artists, and over 75 merchants lining 11th Street. The event will be contributing to the enhancement of Lawrence and Milroy Parks, two of the Heights' most cherished green spaces that the locals adore.

This Plein Air event will focus on painting people, music band, festival.

Plein Air - Suggested Supply List.pdf

Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that can be paused and so I can paint and learn at my own pace.

I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting people and musicians in Plein Air!

Advancing with Watercolor: Tonal Values “The Band Played On” by Gary Tucker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeB8kAlMor8

Watercolor painting demo: A dancing Couple with a Street Band by Belveder Watercolor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ouEJPSpDAI

Watercolor Demo: Singer with Guitar by David Becker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua1mmTl5MzM

Watercolor Exercise: How to Paint a ‘Street Busker’ by Stewart Beckett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYl_w97-Dqo

Painting Moving Figures on a Street in Watercolor by Chinese Artist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28zybOP51tA

Painting Figures in a Scene – How to Paint a Group of People by Eric Yi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU9YS6g6ae0

How to Paint Figures – Adding Life to Your Watercolor Paintings by Matthew White

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DiZrqBSro

How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 1 by Trevor Waugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv6aRgPHyhU

How to Paint Figures in Watercolor Part 2 by Trevor Waugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHIOpAg2ybo

Painting a Girl in Bright Sunlight in Studio by Eric Lin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGMd285Y5dI

Flower Painting Workshop

Mohammad Bhatti

One Day Workshop

Sunday, December 8

10:00 am- 4:00 pm

$85 Regular Tuition

$75 Member Tuition

Flower painting workshop is designed for learning to paint flower and floral grouping in watercolor medium. The focus will be upon painting technique, color values, and composition.  Painting flowers is a unique experience; each flower is different. We will paint petals by using flat and pointed brushes for blending color for obtaining soft edges. You may use tracing paper for transferring images of your choice. This class is appropriate for the beginner; intermediate and advanced painters will also benefit. 

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List:
Graphite Pencils: ​HB, 2B (preferable)

Watercolor brushes (natural squirrel hair )

Watercolor paint of your choice, palette

140 Lb Arches ¼-sheet-size paper

Light weight Drawing Board

Eraser – masking tape – sharpener – paper towels etc.

Note: Bring good quality close up photos/prints of flowers (at least 6x6 inches) of your choice

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

Monday, December 9 

11 am - 2 pm

Topic:  Nature Scene

Location:  Galveston, TX

Additional information is emailed to those who register.

Painting cranes in a natural scene with watercolor allows for a graceful representation of these elegant birds in serene landscape. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the cranes, focusing on their distinctive shapes and poised postures. Use soft, delicate washes for their plumage, capturing the subtle interplay of light and shadow on their feathers. For the surrounding environment, apply gentle hues of green, blue, and brown to depict wetlands, tall grasses, or reflective water bodies. The fluidity of watercolor is ideal for rendering the tranquil atmosphere of the scene, with the cranes standing out against the soft, natural background. Pay special attention to the reflection of the cranes in the water, if present, and the soft blending of colors to convey the peacefulness and harmony of nature. The result will be a harmonious composition that highlights the beauty and elegance of cranes in their natural habitat.

Sandhill Cranes come to winter in Galveston. About a few hundred of these elegant birds take advantage of the milder climate and plentiful food resources on the island. In Galveston, they are called affectionately Sandies. Like most cranes, Sandies are monogamous and mate for life, spending 20-30 years together year-round, so it is likely that many of our winter visitors have been returning to Galveston year after year for decades.

This Plein Air event will focus on painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes.

Plein Air - Recommended Supply List:  Plein Air - Supply List.docx

Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.

I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a nature scene and Sandhill Cranes in Plein Air!

5 Techniques for Painting Grasses in Watercolor by Paul Clark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xH3dIoElg

Watercolor Techniques – Dry Brush Painting Flowers and Grasses by Wendy Powel-Jones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBMmcoPbXYY

Simple Watercolor Landscape Painting Using Only One Brush by Karen Rice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0R3_uGgzuM

How to Paint Elegant Sandhill Cranes in Watercolor by Morgaine Rose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIEPg1jAkRA

Atmospheric Watercolor Wetland Marsh and Cranes by Lois and Morgaine Davidson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=LBetUhxyU_s 

Sandhill Crane Portrait: Transparent Watercolor Time-lapse by Bohan Art

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGcF9XK_buM

Sandhill Cranes Scientific Illustration Techniques in Watercolor by Steven Melendrez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd6H_GL-JEY

Portraits

Mohammad Bhatti

Two-Weeks - Tuesday afternoons

Dec 10 & 17

1:00 - 4:00pm

$110 Tuition/$90 members

Beginning Watercolor

Fred Kingwill

Weekend Workshop

Dec 14 & 15

9:30 am - 3:30 pm

$170 Tuition/$150 members

Learn to paint with watercolor!  

This four-week class will provide an overview of the watercolor medium, including numerous exercises to help you better understand materials, brush strokes, composition, glazing, saving whites, and some of the magic associated with transparent watercolors.  Critiques are not part of this beginning watercolor class.  You are invited to explore the world of watercolor and most of all, have fun!

Beginners/Intermediate students

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

Saturday, December 21 

10 am - 1 pm

Topic:  Buildings, Gardens, People

Location:  Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive

Conceptual Drawing

Myke Venable

Two Tuesday Mornings

January 7 & 14

9 am - 12 pm

$110 Tuition/$90 Members 

This class will explore the diversity of Line, Circles and Color in a conceptual focus1, using basic materials like, pencil, color pencil, pen/ink, compass.

We will play with these materials and create uniques designs that stretch the idea of what drawing can exist as, outside of the traditional genres. 

Supplies

• Graphite Pencils
• Drawing/Sketch book: 11x14 CANSON Bristol paper - smooth surface
• Color Pencils
• Stablio Pens (assorted colors) - point 88 / fine 0.4
• Staedtler Confort - Compass (circle maker) *the better the quality, the better the circle made.
• Pentel eraser block and caps 

#drawing #drawingfundamentals #mykevenable #drawwhatyousee #gettingtothebasics

Water, Skies and Seagulls

Les McDonald

Weekend Workshop

January 25 & 26

9:30 am- 3:30 pm

$170 Regular Tuition

$150 Member Tuition

Award winning artist, Les McDonald, will show students how to paint water, skies and seagulls.  All levels invited to attend.  Reference image is in the downloadable supply list below so you can pre-sketch the image.  He will have his projector in case you need to sketch it in class.

Water Skies Seagulls Supply List - Students.doc

Bird Drawing

Myke Venable

Two Tuesday Mornings

February 4 & 11

9 am - 12 pm

$110 Tuition/$90 Members 

Welcome to Bird Drawing for the Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced student.

We will start with a little history of bird drawing and painting through time, and

then practice with our own studies and drawings from color photographs

(supplied by the instructor).

Using basic materials, we will focus on perfecting our skills using techniques to

develop masterful drawings from the bird genre.

Supply List:

1 - Sketch Book - CANSON Artist Series 9x12 in.

1 - STAEDTLER 12 graphite pencil set (6B-4H)

1 - STAEDTLER - 2 hole pencil sharpener

1 - PENTEL - Block Eraser

1 - PENTEL - Eraser Caps

1 - Prisma Color COL-ERASE pencils (24 pack)

Water Color - optional

#drawing #drawingfundamentals #mykevenable #drawwhatyousee #gettingtothebasics

Stephen Zhang 4-Day Workshop

Expressive Watercolor Portraits Based on a Solid Foundation 

March 8-11, 2025

9 am - 4 pm

Registration opens on Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Members $500, Non-Members $550

Join Stephen Zhang as he teaches an exciting four-day workshop focused on capturing the lively essence of portrait subjects in watercolor. Titled “Expressive Watercolor Portrait Based on Solid Foundation," this workshop will guide students through creating dynamic portraits, combining structured technique with spontaneous brushwork. Artists will explore both detailed and sketchy approaches, practicing the balance between control and free-flowing expression.

Stephen’s teaching style emphasizes mastering the fundamentals while encouraging creative experimentation. This workshop is perfect for artists seeking to bring their portraits to life through vibrant, expressive brushstrokes, while still maintaining a strong foundation. Expect hands-on practice and thoughtful feedback that will help you unlock new artistic possibilities.

Stephen Zhang is an award-winning watercolor artist and designer. He is currently an assistant professor at University of North Texas. His creative exploration has spanned across a broad range of projects and collaborations. His watercolor paintings have been exhibited internationally in shows such as the American Watercolor Society, Watercolor USA, Chinese National Art Exhibition, Art Olympia in Japan, and the US Embassy in Equatorial Guinea. In workshops, Stephen works with artists on both fundamentals and creative expression through thoughtful process and insightful feedback.

Portrait Drawing

Myke Venable

Two Week Class

March 18 & 25

9 am - 12 pm

$110 Tuition/$90 Members 

Drawing portraits can be rewarding when the right techniques are applied.  This two-day class will focus on the basics of portrait drawing with the use of graphite pencils.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List: 
*Paper: Canson 9" x 12" in. 70 lb. Smooth surface

*Graphite Pencils:  2H, 2B

*Pencil Sharpener: Staedtler

*Eraser:  Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser (White or Pink)

*Eraser Caps:  Pentel Hi-Polymer Eraser Caps 10 pack

*Eraser: FACTIS BM2 Eraser

#drawing #mykevenable #portraits

Sacred Geometry

Myke Venable

Two Week Class

April 8 & 15

9 am - 12 pm

$110 Tuition/$90 Members 

Drawing portraits can be rewarding when the right techniques are applied.  This two-day class will focus on the basics of portrait drawing with the use of graphite pencils.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Supply List: 
*Paper: Canson 9" x 12" in. 70 lb. Smooth surface

*Graphite Pencils:  2H, 2B

*Pencil Sharpener: Staedtler

*Eraser:  Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser (White or Pink)

*Eraser Caps:  Pentel Hi-Polymer Eraser Caps 10 pack

*Eraser: FACTIS BM2 Eraser

#drawing #mykevenable #portraits