57th Annual Members Exhibit

  Deadline for Entry: Wed., August 26 @ 3 pm

  Judging:  Friday, October 2, 2026

  Reception: Saturday, October 3, 2026

  Exhibit Dates: October 3 - October 31, 2026

  Basic and Student Members: $45

  Premium and Gold Members: Free

  Up to 3 entries allowed

                  57th AME Prospectus 2026

      How to enter your painting into the monthly show:

    1. Read the Prospectus.

    2. Complete this online registration.

    3. Upload photograph(s) of your entries in the registration form.

    4. Review rules for framing in the Prospectus.

    5. On the back of the painting, write your name, contact info, & painting title.

    6. Drop off your painting(s) by Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 3pm.

Gallery Hours are:

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

   If you have any questions, call WAS-H at (713) 942-9966 or

   email ame@watercolorhouston.org or admin@watercolorhouston.org.

Basics of Portrait Painting

Dr. Mohammad Bhatti

Four-Week Class

August 7, 14, 21, 28

1 pm - 4 pm, Friday Afternoons

Tuition $260 Regular / $220 Members

• Learn to capture the essence of those you love—or your own reflection—in watercolor! This hands-on workshop for beginners teaches techniques to create realistic and expressive portraits with layers, washes, and vibrant colors. Every face tells a story—let’s paint yours!

Affordable, student-grade supplies are perfectly suitable.

• Watercolor Paper: Arches 140 lb (300 gsm) Cold-Pressed
• Graphite Pencils: HB, 2B (preferable)
• Round Brushes: Size #6 to #10 (synthetic or natural) 
• Flat Wash Brush: 3/4 inch (for laying larger washes)
• Light weight Drawing Board 
• Watercolor Paints:
• Palette: White ceramic or plastic mixing palette
• Paper Towels or Cotton Rag
• Eraser – masking tape

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #houstonabstractart

Reflect and Refine

Katherine Rodgers

Six-Week Class

Aug 11, 18, 25, Sept 1, 8, 15

6 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday Evenings

Tuition $390 Regular / $325 Members

Take time to reflect on your artwork and analyze the feedback you receive from the instructor and peers.  This course will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your paintings, and use this information to refine your technique and style. Continually challenging yourself to grow as an artist, this class aims to introduce students to the principles of composition and provide them with the necessary skills to analyze and critique artwork effectively. 

Through practical exercises, demos, and discussions, students will develop a critical eye to evaluate and provide constructive feedback on artwork. Class begins with a group critique setting on what the student is currently working on.  The class will then move to simple exercises as a warm- up. Experimenting and trying new things is key to progression in your process and style development as an artist  – it's an essential part of the creative process!

Please email the instructor: Katherinerodgersfineart@gmail.com with any questions.  Please bring your watercolor supplies or use this list as a guide.

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

Introduction to Watercolor

Katherine Rodgers

Six-Week Class

Aug 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16

6 pm - 9 pm, Wednesday evenings

Tuition $390 Regular / $325

Members

Starting at the very beginning, this introduction to watercolor course will go over brushes, paper types, the use of water, negative space, glazing, types of washes, composition strategies, color mixing, and more. Using a limited palette, learn the basics of watercolor painting and develop your own personal painting style in a small group setting. Katherine will teach you shadows, form, and the principles of art.

Supply list

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston

Figure Session - Quick & Long Poses

Model Isabelle

Friday

August 14

6 pm - 9pm

$20 Members

$25 non-Members

Join us to draw and paint from live models, in a variety of poses, with model stand, directional lighting, and props.  Artists are provided with tables & chairs, easels & stools, or artist benches. 

Bring your drawing and water-media painting supplies (no aerosols, solvents, or oil-based paints). No instruction given.

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #houstonmodellab #houstonnudeart #houstondrawing #drawingnude

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

Saturday, August 15

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Heights Neighborhood Library building

1302 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008

This Plein Air event will focus on drawing and painting a building in an artistic representation of a city or urban area.

Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection

Painting buildings in watercolor allows to capture the unique features and atmosphere of architectural structures. The fluidity of watercolor is perfect for capturing the mood and weather conditions around the building from sunny days to rainy scenes. This medium helps convey both the structure and the feeling of the place, bringing the building to life.

The Heights Neighborhood Library building has a pink Stucco Italian Renaissance Revival façade and arches in its doors and windows. It was built in 1926. In 1984 the building attained landmark status when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005 it was designated a protected city of Houston landmark.

This Plein Air event will focus on drawing and painting a building in an artistic representation of a city or urban area.

Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

Below are a few helpful YouTube video demos you can practice with at home before attending the event on location. I typically watch the full demonstration first to understand the process and take notes on key techniques. Then, I replay the video and paint along with it. One of the things I appreciate most about YouTube demos is the flexibility - they can be paused or rewound, allowing me to learn and paint at my own pace.

I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a building in a cityscape in Plein Air!

Watercolor Demonstration by Vladislav Yeliseyev

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmkHmBZfMD8  

Capturing the Beauty of Old French Buildings: Plein Air Watercolor Painting Demo by Tim Wilmot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvRHj3hHlJI

Venice Travel Plein Air Watercolor Painting Demo: Renaissance Building Façade by Ina Xi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzIPip5uer0

This Is the Best Way to Paint Buildings by Robert Mee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GugmXDPiiA4

How to Draw Perspective – A Simple Guide and Sketching Tutorial by Toby at Sketch Loose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9f9shBpNI

Cityscape Painting – En-Plein-Air Watercolor Demonstration by Liron Yanconsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNk87oa6XnY

Perspective Drawing for Painters – Tips Tricks and Techniques by Liron Yanconsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMgBUXfwS0g

How to Paint Architecture in Watercolor Loose Style – Painting Light and Mood by Nina Volk

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

Flower Painting 

Mohammad Bhatti

Two-Day Workshop

August 15 - 16

10 am - 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday

Tuition $215 Regular / $180 Members

Bring blooms to life with watercolor! This beginner-friendly workshop teaches techniques for painting flowers, from delicate petals to vibrant color washes. Explore layering, blending, and brushwork to create expressive, lively floral compositions. No experience required—just a love of color and creativity.

Figure Session - Quick Poses

Model Branko Nastastich 

Wednesday

August 19

1pm - 4pm

$20 Members

$25 non-Members

Join us to draw and paint from live models, in a variety of poses, with model stand, directional lighting, and props.  Artists are provided with tables & chairs, easels & stools, or artist benches. Bring your drawing and water-media painting supplies (no aerosols, solvents, or oil-based paints). No instruction given.

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #houstonmodellab #houstonnudeart #houstondrawing #drawingnude

Find Your Path

Carla Gauthier

Four-Week Class

August 20, 27 & September 10, 17

9 am - 12 pm, Thursday MORNINGS

Tuition Non-Members $260 /

$220 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, techniques, color schemes that will help each artist regardless of their style and subject and often paint together to learn a new technique. 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: 

Please bring regular watercolor supplies, palette, brushes, paper, paper towels, pencil, eraser, sponges, water sprayer etc.

Be prepared to paint outside of class, so that we can critique during class time and keep your painting goals on track.

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston

Find Your Path

Carla Gauthier

Four-Week Class

August 20, 27 and September 10, 17

1 pm - 4 pm, Thursday AFTERNOONS

Tuition Non-Members $260 / $220 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, techniques, color schemes that will help each artist regardless of their style and subject and often paint together to learn a new technique. 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: 

Please bring regular watercolor supplies, palette, brushes, paper, paper towels, pencil, eraser, sponges, water sprayer etc.

Be prepared to paint outside of class, so that we can critique during class time and keep your painting goals on track.

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

#houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston

Two-Day Workshop

August 22 and 23

9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday

Tuition $215 Regular / $180 Members 

Home portraits make great gifts, and recipients love the memories of their homes recreated in a beautiful painting. We will go step-by-step through a simple process to take a photograph and create a painting. The first day, we will paint the same house together from a photo I provide, and you will gain confidence in the process. I’ll provide tips for setting up the drawing, favorite paint color mixes, suggestions for adding enhancements, and a nice way to present the finished painting. The second day, you will paint from your own photograph, and you will leave with the skills to paint house portraits independently.

Student Supply List:

• Watercolor paints in tubes, any brand. Suggested colors: Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Hansa Yellow, Burnt Sienna and Permanent Rose. Nice to have Yellow Ochre, Carmine, Quinacridone Gold, and Titanium White.
• Watercolor brushes: #6 or #8 round, #10 or #12 round and any other brushes you like to use.
• Palette · Pencil, kneaded eraser and masking tape · 140llb Watercolor Paper like Arches, at least 2 quarter sheets (11”x15”)
• Board to mount paper
• Paper towels 
• Sketchbook for notes

Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

Rae Andrews 3-Day Workshop

Watercolor with New Directions

August 24, 25, and 26

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Non-Members $445

WAS-H Members $395

9 am - 4 pm

Join Rae Andrews for a dynamic three-day workshop exploring expressive watercolor techniques, playful design, and bold use of color. Each day offers a different focus, giving students the chance to experiment, stretch their creativity, and develop stronger compositions.

Day 1: Fun with Semi-Abstract Florals 

Rae will show students how she designs her close focus florals to be exciting, using a Wet Into Wet approach. She discusses Balance and Imbalance, Design, Composition and how to use the light with her playful use of color and value contrast.

Day 2: Landscape Settings

Rae will concentrate on depth and how she leaves the white of the paper, a trademark process of hers. 

Rae’s loose style of painting will be a feature in this lesson using her method of working a painting in sections, to maintain the white of the paper.

Try not to use reference that is too distant or panoramic, we want to bring the viewer right into the painting.  Please bring reference photos if you have some, Rae will also have some to share.

Day 3: Creative Design
The final day will focus on creative design maybe using shells or an animal such as a bird or even a floral made into a design or another rendition of a landscape. This will be a very creative interpretation where we focus on drama and isolating the subject with some geometry framework 

To see the student supply list, click HERE.

Instructor Bio

Rae Andrews loves drama and is a colorist first and foremost. Her sense of strong color and value, resonates in all her work.

This multi-award winning artist has been a teacher of watercolor and other mediums for over 50 years.

Born in Australia, Rae moved to the Hawaiian island of Maui in 1990 and lived there for 12 years before moving to Austin, Texas in 2002.

She has two art degrees from the University of Sydney and has been a past owner of a 400-student art school in Sydney, two art galleries on the island of Maui and now teaches online and overseas workshops.

Watercolor Boot Camp for Beginners

Cheryl Evans

One-Day Workshop

Saturday, August 29

9:30 am- 3:30 pm

Tuition $110 Regular / $90 Members

Watercolor Boot Camp will get you started with all the tools and techniques you need to set you on the trail for a successful journey as a watercolorist.

We will learn all the basic techniques (wet-on-wet, flat wash, graded wash, radual wash, gradual wash, dry brush, lifting), color mixing and application and special effects.  We will investigate materials and supplies.  

In the afternoon we will put all the watercolor tools together to create a finished painting that will have you saying, "Wow, I did that!"

The goal is to get you started on the right foot and build your confidence.

Art Supply List for Watercolor Boot Camp for Beginners – Cheryl Evans

Graphite Pencils:     #2

Watercolor brushes – 1in. flat

#8 round

#10  or #12 round

Watercolors of any brand (tubes)

            New Gamboge

            French Ultramarine Blue

            Cerulean Blue

            Alizarin Crimson

Palette,  with large mixing area

140 Lb. Arches  ½ sheet for the finished painting 15x22

Light weight Drawing Board large enough to hold the 1/2 sheet (22x15)

Masking tape or blue painter's tape

Sketchbook or note pad for notes

Bring a roll of paper towels

 September Show registration

 Exhibit Theme: 

 The Shape of Belonging

 Judge: Melinda Narro (Bio)

  Deadline:  Wed., Sept. 2 @ 3 pm

  Judging:  Saturday, September 5

  Reception: Sunday, September 6

  Show Dates: September 6 - 26

  $10 per entry, up to 3 entries allowed.

   To read the show rules, click September 26 Prospectus

    How to enter your painting into the monthly show:

    1. Complete this online registration.

    2. Upload photograph(s) of your entries in the registration form.

    3. On the back of the painting, write your name & painting title.

    4. Drop off your painting(s) before the deadline.

Gallery Hours are:

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

   If you have any questions, call WAS-H at (713) 942-9966 or

   email gallerydirector@watercolorhouston.org or

   admin@watercolorhouston.org.

General Meeting and Demo

"Just Say Yes to Yupo"

Sunday, September 6, 2026

2 pm - 3:30 pm 

Demo Artist: Fontaine Jacobs

Join Fontaine Jacobs as she shares her passion for painting on Yupo!

Fontaine Jacobs is a self-taught artist who has shown in galleries and won awards for both her commercial and fine art throughout the United States. Her most famous commission was of Octavia Spencer from The Help. She was honored to present the painting and meet the actor at a Cancer Fundraiser in Memphis, Tennessee.

Fontaine is a Signature Member of WAS-H, who is working diligently to achieve her Elite Signature status. She has been accepted into IWE, where she has been selected for Fall Foliage, Blue-Faced Iguana, Iguazu Falls, and The King.

Fontaine paints portraits, landscapes, animals, and abstracts. She strives to merge impressionism with realism to capture an image or go completely abstract. From time to time, she gives instruction in watercolor. Visit http://www.fontainefineart.com to see additional works.

This registration is for both In-Person attendance and Live-Stream.

To receive an email with the link on or before the morning of the event, you must complete this online registration.

Safety Alert:  Individuals attending this activity in person should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.

September Show Opening

Sunday, September 6

3:30 - 5 pm

WAS- H Gallery, 1601 Alabama Street Houston

Theme:

   

Join us for the free monthly Gallery show.

Experience art, wine and bites, and community!

Gallery Hours are:

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

   If you have any questions, call WAS-H at (713) 942-9966 or

   email gallerydirector@watercolorhouston.org or

   admin@watercolorhouston.org.

Plein Air for Members

Alla Adams, Coordinator

Monday, Labor Day, September 7

11 am - 3 pm

Glenwood Cemetery

2525 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007

Our Motto:  Progress over Perfection

This Plein Air event will focus on a sculpture in an outdoor setting

Additional information is emailed to those who register.

Join us for an inspiring day of art and creativity at Glenwood Cemetery, located at Washington Avenue overlooking Buffalo Bayou. Its iconic design was based on principles of garden cemeteries.  

This Plein Air event will focus on painting a sculpture in an outdoor setting.

Click here to see the supply list for watercolor painting in Plein Air

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 pace.

I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting an open-air artwork in Plein Air!

Watercolor Glazing Technique by Liron Yanconsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1CZSbWk1fTQ&t=0s

Watercolor Painting Tips and Techniques: Sculpture by Achintya Hazra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=C_6XAzmFSik&t=0s

How to Paint a Statute Bust in Watercolor by Paint Basket

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHkOmSZRK-8

Expressive Watercolor painting Tutorial: Stone Sculpture by Gee Massam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZDFAANLRM0c&t=0m23s

Getting the Right Contrast in Watercolor: Angel Statue by Liron Yanconsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74C8A1Ya29s