Watercolor 101 | 3 Week Workshop | Portsmouth

Watercolor 101: A Three-Week Beginner Workshop
Ready to learn watercolor the right way? Whether you've never picked up a paintbrush or you've dabbled a little and want a stronger foundation, this three-week workshop is designed to give you the confidence and skills to continue painting long after class is over.
Over the course of three weekly sessions, you'll learn the fundamentals of watercolor in a relaxed, encouraging environment while completing projects that build upon one another. Rather than simply copying a painting, you'll gain a true understanding of why watercolor works the way it does, making it easier to create your own artwork with confidence.
Each class is 2 hours and held at my studio, where you'll paint alongside me with step-by-step instruction. All supplies are provided, so all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to learn.
Week 1: Building Your Foundation
We'll start by demystifying watercolor supplies and discussing what you actually need to paint successfully (hint: it's not nearly as much as you think!). You'll learn proper brush handling, essential brush strokes, color control, and foundational watercolor techniques before putting everything into practice by completing your first watercolor still life.
Week 2: Understanding Depth & Layering
This week focuses on one of watercolor's most important concepts—working in layers. You'll learn how to preserve highlights using negative space, create beautiful depth in your paintings, and paint trees that look dimensional instead of flat. We'll finish the class by creating a watercolor bookmark you'll be proud to take home.
Week 3: Bringing It All Together
Our final session combines everything you've learned as we explore simple landscape composition and create a beautiful botanical wreath. We'll also discuss resources, practice guides, and ways to continue developing your watercolor skills long after the workshop ends, giving you a clear path forward on your artistic journey.
What You'll Learn
Choosing watercolor supplies without overspending
Brush control and essential brush strokes
Water control and paint consistency
Layering techniques
Negative space painting
Creating depth and dimension
Simple landscape composition
Botanical painting fundamentals
Building confidence with watercolor
This workshop is intentionally paced to give you time to practice between classes while building a solid foundation that prepares you for future watercolor workshops. By the end of the three weeks, you'll have completed several finished projects, gained a deeper understanding of watercolor, and developed the confidence to continue painting on your own.
Workshop Details
Three weekly classes
2 hours each session
Held at my studio
All supplies provided
Beginner friendly
Workshop Policies
Please be sure you're able to attend all three classes before registering. Each week builds upon the previous one, and because workshops are intentionally kept small to provide a personalized learning experience, each seat is reserved specifically for you.
All workshop registrations are final. No refunds, credits, transfers, make-up classes, or rescheduling will be offered for missed classes, schedule conflicts, illness, or other circumstances.
By registering, you acknowledge that you are committing to attend all three workshop sessions.

Workshop Starter Kit (+$60)
A $90 value for just $60!
Take home the same professional-quality supplies used in class and save over $30 when purchased as part of your workshop registration.
Your Workshop Starter Kit includes:
🎨 Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Watercolor Set #1 (Retail: $49)
🖌️ Two professional mop brushes (Retail: $25)
🧵 Happy Painter accessory pouch (Retail: $16)
📄 Five sheets of premium watercolor paper
Simply choose the "Workshop + Starter Kit" ticket option when registering. Your kit will be waiting for you at the workshop.