Traditional Watercolor (Session A)

Instructor: Leslie Watkins

Dates: Fridays, April 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Ages: 18+

Members: $223.20

Non-Members: $248.00

(Registration deadline: April 7)

Description:

Learn the foundations of traditional watercolor through materials, limited palette color mixing, and essential techniques including wet-in-wet, dry brush and glazing. Working from life, students will develop strong observational skills while exploring value, form, atmosphere and multi-layered washes. Demonstrations and personalized guidance are provided to support each student's individual growth. 

*NOTE: There are two, four-week sessions of this workshop offered, participants may take either Session (A), Session (B), or both! The instructor will work with each artist at their skill level. 

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Materials:

Provided by participants: 

• Watercolor paints - suggested colors: Cadmium Lemon, Permanent Rose, French Ultramarine and Burnt Umber

  • Instructor recommends Winsor Newton Watercolor Professional Quality paint tubes

• Watercolor brushes - sizes 4, 6, 8 or larger

  • Instructor recommends Winsor Newton Sceptre Gold Pointed Round Watercolor Brushes

• Watercolor paper

  • Instructor recommends Saunders 22” x 30” 90# Hot Press (HP) White watercolor paper - Available from instructor at $10 per sheet (payable to the instructor)

• #2 pencil

• Kneaded rubber eraser

• 2 pint-sized containers

• Clean, unused cellulose kitchen sponge

• Paper towels

• Any preferred materials at hand

Instructor Bio:

Leslie Watkins is a fine artist and instructor with 35+ years of teaching experience. Trained in the classical tradition at the Art Students League of New York, she brings deep knowledge of traditional techniques, color theory, and observational painting to her classes. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, The Columbus Museum, The National Arts Club, The Salmagundi Club, the Hudson Valley Art Association, the Brookly Botanical Gardens, the Lyme Art Association, and in galleries throughout the US and Japan. Her illustrations have been featured internationally on postage stamps, textiles, books, and magazines.

Instructor's website: https://lesliewatkinsdesign.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here