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• Watercolor for Beginners - Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS

  • Start
    29 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    03 Dec 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Watercolor for Beginners - Susan Stranz
  5-Week Class

  Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
  Date/Time: Wednesdays, October 29- December 3 (no class Nov.26) 9:30am - 12:30pm
  Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)

  DESCRIPTION: 

  Join Susan as she teaches you all about the process of creating a watercolor painting. With over 20 years of painting and teaching experience, Susan will guide you through the complete process at a pace comfortable for beginning watercolor painters. You will learn about the materials, the basic fundamental techniques, and how to develop a good composition. Instruction will also include basic color theory and color mixing to create beautiful and cohesive paintings. A variety of subjects will be painted. Small class size will ensure individual attention for all.

  *INSTRUCTOR IS VERY ALLERGIC TO FRAGRANCE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS.

  MATERIALS LIST
  

  JOIN NOW AND SAVE! Members get a discount on all classes & workshops

   

  

  
  

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• Painting Impressions with Watercolor with Keiko Tanabe, NWS, AWS - 3-Day Workshop

  • Start
    14 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    16 Nov 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Painting Impressions with Watercolor with Keiko Tanabe, NWS, AWS
  3-Day Workshop
  Advanced Beginner/Intermediate

  Instructor: Keiko Tanabe, NWS, AWS www.ktanabefineart.com
  Date and Time: Friday - Sunday, November 14th - 16th, 9:30am to 4pm each day, 30-min to 1 hour lunchbreak.
  Location: RIWS Classroom

  Workshop Description: 

  Do you paint everything that your eyes see? In this class, you will start seeing things differently and learn how to turn reality into a captivating, impressionistic image. The goal is to capture the essence of the subject that conveys a certain mood and atmosphere. Keiko will show you how to take the initial inspiration, through the simplification process, to an expressive painting that is strong in composition and content.

  The introduction focuses on the fundamentals including getting to know our materials and seeing things with an artist’s eye. The areas of topic covered in this workshop include: a preliminary drawing and composition, a variety of watercolor techniques in paint application and brush handling, what makes a good design, understanding of relationship of dark and light values, planning & intuition, and how to edit complex visual information.

  Keiko does a daily demonstration with helpful tips and insights. Reference photos will be provided. There will be plenty of one-on-one guidance/critique and a question-and-answer session on a daily basis.

  Recommended Experience: All levels (basic knowledge & some previous experiences strongly recommended to benefit from this workshop)

  Keiko will be creating a unique composition just for this workshop and we will provide registrants with photo reference ahead of time via email.

  MATERIALS LIST

  
  

  About Keiko Tanabe: Keiko Tanabe, AWS, NWS, AIS, LPAPA. Often working en plein air, her atmospheric watercolors perfectly capture a sense of time and place. Through her use of color, textures, and signature brushwork, Keiko’s landscapes and cityscapes, beautifully convey both the exotic and the simple scenes of the many places she travels. Never attending art school, Keiko took only one drawing class to learn basic technical skills before she started painting in 2005. One year later, after learning basic drawing and watercolor painting skills at a local community school in San Diego, Keiko decided to paint full-time. From then on, she intensely taught herself to be fluent in watercolor painting, just as one would do to master a foreign language. Her subjects include landscape, cityscape, waterscape and interior scenes, which will be demonstrated in the workshop, using representational and impressionistic compositions. Since 2011, Keiko has completed successfully numerous workshops and live demonstrations around the world. She has 4 DVDs and several books of her art and has been featured in many art magazines.

  

   

   

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• PART 1: Color Theory and Color Mixing for Watercolorists with Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS

  • Start
    10 Jan 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    07 Feb 2026
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    0

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  PART 1*: Color Theory and Color Mixing for Watercolorists with Susan Stranz
  5-Week Class
  SIGN UP FOR PART 2 HERE!

  Advanced beginner and beyond
  Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
  Date/Time: Saturdays, January 10 - February 7 (Snow day February 14th) 9:30am-12:30pm
  Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)

  DESCRIPTION: 

  Learn all the basics of color theory and see how much your artwork will improve! You will gain a deeper understanding of the color wheel and the relationships between colors. Instruction will include a series of color studies and exercises in addition to paintings. These will be done both in class and as review homework. Topics will include a variety of color schemes including complementary colors, split-complementary colors, analogous colors, triads, neutrals, and semi-neutrals. Color mixing will be explored for all those plus a special focus on mixing lively grays, browns and realistic greens. While the focus will be on color, instruction will also include watercolor techniques and composition. Learn how to paint with a limited palette while mixing a wide variety of colors that will create both beautiful and cohesive paintings.

  ~INSTRUCTOR IS VERY ALLERGIC TO FRAGRANCE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS ~

  There is no substitution for the 6 tubes of paint listed on the materials list. Please have them for the first class.

  *This is a two -part class for a total of ten weeks. It is divided into part 1 and part 2 for ease of payment. Part 1 is a pre-requisite for Part 2.

  This class is suitable for advanced beginner and beyond.

  MATERIALS LIST
  

  JOIN NOW AND SAVE! Members get a discount on all classes & workshops

  

  

  

  
  

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• Betsey MacDonald: See The Light - 4 Week Watercolor class (Intermediate/Advanced)

  • Start
    15 Jan 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    05 Feb 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    7
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  
  

  See the Light: A 4-Week Watercolor Class
  Intermediate/Advanced 

  Instructor: Betsey MacDonald
  Date and Time: Thursdays, January 15th - February 5th, 10am-1pm (Snow day February 12th)

  Location: RIWS Classroom

  Description:

  In January, just when we’re ready to see more light, we’ll use watercolor as our medium, to study light and how it hits our subjects to create a sense of luminous form. Watercolor is transparent, fluid and luminous. It glows because light moves through it and reflects off the white paper, unlike an opaque medium. In this class, we’ll work with a single light source, using our own objects and then our own photos to create the illusion of luminous dramatic light and paintings that glow.

  Objectives:

  • Acquire skills with a variety of watercolor painting techniques
  • Learn about clean color mixing and layering
  • Learn to better see the light as it creates highlights and shadows
  • Create a variety of values using simply the addition of water to watercolor
  • Create a variety of values through the use of colors
  • Improve observational skills through painting from life
  • Use value/color to render objects in light and shadow
  • Understand how values can be used to create form
  • Render objects by selectively and knowledgably using color
  • Observe, critique and discuss student work and master paintings
  • Gain a greater appreciation of how light and painting are connected

  
  Materials student will need to provide:  Watercolor set(an inexpensive tray is fine but a set of tubes with palette is great, too), variety of brushes, masking fluid, watercolor block or pad(at least 140 lb, 8x 10, 12 x 16, 16 x 20 or a few sheets with a gator foam board for stapling or some other support or 300 lb paper which doesn’t need mounting , hot or cold press or even rough can work, jar or two for water, spray bottle, sponge or two, #2 pencil or mechanical pencil, paper towel. Several printed 8 x 10 photos taken by the student of light on the subject of choice. Also bring in several objects, such as fruits, toys, glass or metal, reflective objects

  Betsey MacDonald Bio

  

   

  

  
  

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• Evelyn Bernal: Wet on Wet Techniques in Watercolor - 4 week class (Intermediate-Advanced)

  • Start
    16 Jan 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    06 Feb 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    10
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Intermediate/Advanced
  Instructor: Evelyn Bernal
  Date and Time: Fridays, January 16th - February 6th, 10am -1pm (Snow day February 13th)
  Location: RIWS Classroom

  Class Description: 

  In this class we will embrace a more free and loose style in watercolor. We will allow water to express itself by using spraying and will drop pure pigments on wet paper and let them mix freely. These wet on wet techniques are perfect for capturing vast skies, flowers, and trees.

  Definition: Wet on wet painting is wet paint applied onto wet paint, so that the colors will spread into one another producing soft edges and blending. 
  

  SUPPLY LIST: Evelyn Bernal Supply List.pdf

  
  

  

  

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• PART 2: Color Theory and Color Mixing for Watercolorists with Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS

  • Start
    21 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    21 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  PART 2*: Color Theory and Color Mixing for Watercolorists with Susan Stranz
  5-Week Class
  SIGN UP FOR PART 1 HERE! Part 1 is REQUIRED to take this class!

  Advanced beginner and beyond
  Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
  Date/Time: Saturdays, February 21st - March 21st (Snow day April 4th) 9:30am-12:30pm
  Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)

  DESCRIPTION: 

  Learn all the basics of color theory and see how much your artwork will improve! You will gain a deeper understanding of the color wheel and the relationships between colors. Instruction will include a series of color studies and exercises in addition to paintings. These will be done both in class and as review homework. Topics will include a variety of color schemes including complementary colors, split-complementary colors, analogous colors, triads, neutrals, and semi-neutrals. Color mixing will be explored for all those plus a special focus on mixing lively grays, browns and realistic greens. While the focus will be on color, instruction will also include watercolor techniques and composition. Learn how to paint with a limited palette while mixing a wide variety of colors that will create both beautiful and cohesive paintings.

  ~INSTRUCTOR IS VERY ALLERGIC TO FRAGRANCE. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS ~

  There is no substitution for the 6 tubes of paint listed on the materials list. Please have them for the first class.

  *This is a two -part class for a total of ten weeks. It is divided into part 1 and part 2 for ease of payment. Part 1 is a pre-requisite for Part 2.

  This class is suitable for advanced beginner and beyond.

  MATERIALS LIST
  

  JOIN NOW AND SAVE! Members get a discount on all classes & workshops

  

  

  

  
  

  Show details
• Capturing the Beauty of the New England Coast with Joel Popadics, AWS, ASMA - 3-Day Workshop

  • Start
    29 May 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    31 May 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  
  

  Capturing the Beauty of the New England Coast with Joel Popadics, AWS, ASMA
  3-Day Workshop
  Advanced Beginner/Intermediate

  Instructor: Joel Popadics www.watercolorpop.com
  Date and Time: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, May 29th - 31st, 2026 9am-4pm each day, with time for a lunch break
  Location: RIWS Classroom

  Workshop Description: 

  Join acclaimed watercolorist and marine painting master Joel Popadics for an immersive three-day workshop dedicated to capturing the timeless beauty of the New England coastline. Designed for advanced beginners to intermediate-level painters, this workshop will focus on developing techniques to express the drama, light, and atmosphere of coastal scenes.

  A signature member of the prestigious American Society of Marine Artists, Joel brings decades of experience painting the Northeast’s iconic shoreline — from the soft dunes of New Jersey to the rugged, windswept rocks of coastal Maine. His deep knowledge of maritime subjects and masterful control of watercolor make him an inspiring and insightful instructor.

  Through live demonstrations, personalized guidance, and plein air studies, you’ll learn how to confidently paint a variety of boats — from weathered working vessels to elegant schooners — with accuracy and expression. In addition, Joel will guide you through the techniques for rendering crashing waves, foamy surf, dramatic skies, and the rich textures of a rocky shore.

  Whether you're looking to refine your marine painting skills or gain a deeper understanding of capturing water, light, and movement, this workshop promises to elevate your work and deepen your appreciation for coastal watercolor painting.

  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of today’s leading marine watercolorists and be inspired by the ever-changing beauty of the New England coast. Spaces are limited — reserve your spot today!

  

  
  

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• Painting Land, Sea, and Sky in Watercolor with Iain Stewart, AWS, NWS - 3-Day Workshop

  • Start
    13 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    15 Nov 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Rhode Island Watercolor Society Classroom
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  
  

  Painting Land, Sea, and Sky in Watercolor with Iain Stewart, AWS, NWS
  3-Day Workshop
  Advanced Beginner & Beyond

  Instructor: Iain Stewart stewartwatercolors.com
  Date and Time: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 13th - 15th, 2026 9:30am-4pm each day, with time for a lunch break
  Location: RIWS Classroom

  Workshop Description: 

  In all my workshops I like to try and cover subject matter you will find useful as you move through your painting journey. Dramatic skies, water in different forms, landscape, and the urban environment including entourage, people, cars, boats, etc. At the beginning of every workshop I ask all students to say a few words about what they would like to take away from the time spent together. I take that information and begin to compile a particular methodology where I can touch on everything the students have said is important to them. For me at least, I teach the way I would enjoy being instructed. I am no fan of pulling rabbits out of hats. I want my students to understand my decision making process and why I make certain choices when working.

  I demonstrate wet on dry, wet in wet, dry brush, basic and complex washes, as well as how to break down complex forms into their most basic geometry and build from there. “We are so good at adding detail by nature. We are rarely as adept at letting that detail go. Similarly we are fantastic at finding the bad portions of our paintings and much less so the passages that can be quite beautiful.”

  The real goal is to see things simply and from there add detail. This structure allows for a deeper understanding of composition, editing, and allowing yourself the freedom to change and rearrange objects within your painting to strengthen your unique voice within the work. I always work from a study sketch as I plan so I can make informed decisions when I do choose to edit.

  My thought process is to give the students a well rounded understanding of how I approach as many different subjects as possible which will allow them to try these techniques on their own long after the workshop is over. My goal is simple. I am there to teach. I am not there to blow you away with a few deft brush strokes and leave you wondering what the heck happened.

  I believe creating an environment where the students feel relaxed and comfortable is key to letting them find what they have to say. We all have a unique inner voice. I try to demonstrate the importance of that and how valuable it is in creating artwork that speaks to others.

  MATERIALS LIST

  JOIN NOW AND SAVE! Members get a discount on all classes & workshops
  

  

  

   

  
  

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