Learn the basics of painting with watercolors in the 8-week class. Watercolor has a reputation for being a difficult medium to master and our Beginning Watercolors for Adults course is designed to debunk that myth! Yes, it can be finicky, but with a little patience, you too can learn how to paint beautiful watercolor paintings. Students will be introduced to different watercolor techniques including utilizing different papers and mediums, water-to-paint ratios, hard and soft edges, and preserving paper-white highlights. The first class of the term will review supplies and some basic techniques. If you have never painted with watercolors, it is important that you attend the first day of class. This course is open to continuing students as well as new students. If you are new to watercolor, please let the process unfold. You may feel intimated in the beginning, but we work hard to meet your individual needs. Our lessons are designed to teach you the basic skills that will help you achieve success. This class is taught in English. MONTHLY TOPIC BREAKDOWN: New topics are presented weekly. We will cover the basics of beginning watercolor SKILLS TAUGHT IN THIS CLASS: Students will learn various techniques used to control watercolor as well as basic composition, design, and drawing skills. SUPPLY LIST FOR BEGINNERS: PAPER: One Sheet Arches #140 lb of Hot Press WC Paper (at Blick’s in Sugarhouse) One pad of student watercolor paper. Preferred brand: Bee Paper Watercolor Artist Studio Pad 9 x 12 in. This paper is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at Walmart. PAINT: If you are new to painting and do not want to invest in a lot of paint, start with a kid’s set of Crayola or Prang Paints (DO NOT BUY OTHER BRANDS). These paints are inexpensive yet full of vibrant colors. If you decide to stay with watercolor, you’ll want to invest in more expensive paints. Tube paint if desired. The following colors are suggested (you will probably buy more later). This basic list is considered a split primary palette, which means a warm and cool of each primary color. Hooker’s green, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna are add-ons. Lemon yellow Cad yellow light or medium Yellow ochre Cad red light Alizarin crimson Ultramarine blue Prussian blue Hooker’s green Burnt sienna BRUSHES: One medium (#8) and one large (#12 or 14) round brush. Optional: one #4. I prefer Escoda Perla Torey white synthetic. Order online from Blicks. PALETTE: Something to mix your paints on. I recommend Mijello Fusion airtight watercolor palette (18 wells) or John Pike 10.5 x 15” watercolor palette. OTHER ITEMS: Pencils: #2B pencils are fine. #4H pencils are good for detail work. Erasers: A grey, kneaded eraser. Paper towels: VIVA blue paper towels are great, but any work well Tape: Masking tape to tape down paper. White or cream colors are preferred. Cotton rags: may be used instead of paper towels Board: Something to tape your paper on to. No need to purchase an expensive drawing board. Plexiglass, MDF board, Sintra boards (google it!), or gatorboards all work A carry tote or box: to stay organized!
THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING!!!!
LOCATION:
Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah
Please park on the NORTH side of the building and enter up the ramp to the front office. It is the really colorful side of the building.
INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Barbara Kidd. Learn more about our instructorsat https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty
DROP-INS:
This class IS open for drop-in students. Students can register online for a specific date or purchase a Flex Pass. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.
REFUND POLICY:
We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.
TRANSFER POLICY:
We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.
CLASS CANCELLATION:
We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.
MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:
When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:
Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.
DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?
Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796 or email us at [email protected]
Participants must be 12 years to 110 years old when the program starts.
Registration starts on 04/15/2026 and ends on 10/28/2026.
Please contact Visual Art Institute if you have any questions.