UC Watercolor: Beginning & Intermediate

Learn to harness the beauty of pigment, water, and paper in this watercolor class focused on skill-building and observation. Students will paint landscapes, florals, animals, and more while developing confidence with foundational watercolor techniques.

Step into the expressive world of watercolor painting and discover the beauty of working with pigment, water, and paper! In this class, students will learn essential watercolor techniques including color mixing, transparent layering, wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting, and ways to build depth, light, and atmosphere in a painting.

Throughout the course, we’ll explore a variety of fine art subjects such as landscapes, florals, still life arrangements, a few animal studies, and one portrait. Each project will begin with a basic drawing lesson to map out the painting’s composition. From there, students will practice careful observation while learning how to create luminous washes, soft transitions, and rich textures that bring watercolor paintings to life. The instructor will demonstrate watercolor techniques and guide students through exercises while allowing time for personal interpretation and creative exploration.

Whether you are new to watercolor or looking to refine your technique, this class offers a supportive environment to practice, experiment, and develop your skills step by step.

This class is for artists ages 12+. Those who register should have a strong interest in painting and basic drawing, but they do not need to be highly experienced. Class time will pass by quickly! Students should be engaged in their projects, and able to maintain a focused environment during work time.

Monthly Topic Breakdown:

Week 1-3: Creating Dimension with Value and Contrast (monochromatic painting)

Week 4-6: Mixing Colors and Designing Great Color Combinations

Week 7-9: Creating Unique Textures with Water, Different Brushes, and Paper

Week 10-12: Adding Gouache Details to a Watercolor Painting

Skills Taught in This Class:

-How to build contrast and capture correct values
-How to mix and change colors, and neutralize saturated colors
-When to use different shapes and sizes of brushes
-When to paint wet-on-wet paper or wet-on-dry paper
-How to create sharp and “lost” edges
-How to create a variety of textures
-How to go back and improve undesired mistakes in watercolor

SUPPLY LIST:

-Basic set of watercolor tube paints - (this is a good option: https://a.co/d/03mDnEWa)
-Mixing tray (something like this: https://a.co/d/01UfJsbb)
-Set of watercolor brushes (this is a good option: https://a.co/d/026LOkEP)
-Pad of cold-press watercolor paper (this is a good option: https://a.co/d/0hbesJ3v)
-Roll of paper towels
-Roll of masking tape
-A few pencils with erasers

LOCATION:

Highland Community Center

5378 W 10400 N St., Highland, UT

If using maps, search for "Highland Community Center."

INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Adriana Vawdrey. Learn more about our instructors at 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