Rhode Island Watercolor Society upcoming events

Beautiful Blues - Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS (Advanced Beginner & Beyond) (02 Sep 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Beautiful Blues - Susan Stranz
5-Week Class

Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
Date/Time: Wednesdays, Sept 2nd - 30th, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)

DESCRIPTION:

Paint beautiful blue hues, from hydrangeas to seascapes and blue skies filled with expressive clouds…

This is a class for all levels with some watercolor experience. Instruction will include compositional thumbnail sketches, value studies and color mixing. Susan will lead you through the entire process of creating a watercolor painting focusing on the local landscape.

*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

Betsey MacDonald: Wash On A Line - 4 Week Watercolor & Ink class (Intermediate/Advanced) (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Wash On A Line - 4 Week Watercolor & Ink class
Intermediate/Advanced

Instructor: Betsey MacDonald
Date and Time: Thursdays, September 10th - October 8th, 10am-1pm (NO CLASS 9/24!)

Location: RIWS Classroom

Description: Drawing improves painting in so many ways and it can be successfully used along with watercolor. Drawing sharpens eye-hand coordination, it improves observational skills, it allows us to simplify complex shapes and establish composition before adding color. First, we’ll study two artists who create beautiful images with line and watercolor. Then we’ll use pens and brushes to draw from life using my dogs as models, a human model, colorful vegetables and fruits as well as our own photographs. We’ll combine our detailed drawings with expressive, soft, loose, translucent watercolor washes, first in monochrome, then a limited pallet and finally in full color. Precise ink lines with loose wet-on-wet watercolor will create a compelling artistic contrast and help us all to be less rigid in our approach to watercolor.

Objectives:

Improve observational skills through drawing from life
Experiment with line in a variety of ways to render objects and create form
Practice the art of contour drawing to learn to better “see”
Use gesture drawing to capture the energy and pose of a subject
Use watercolor in a loose, spontaneous, expressive way
Experiment with a variety of watercolor techniques.
Gain a better understanding of color theory
Learn to work with both monochrome and limited pallet
Observe, critique and discuss student work and master paintings
Gain a greater appreciation of how drawing and painting can be 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, watercolor block or pad(at least 140 lb, 8x 10, 12 x 16, 16 x 20, , hot and/or cold press paper, pad of drawing paper or mixed media paper, jar or two for water, spray bottle, #2 pencil, Micron fineliner pens with fine points and brushes, (a simple set of 4 is fine) or nib pens with waterproof ink, like Speedball that won’t run with water, paper towels. Charlie Mackesy’s book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” or his new one “Always Remember “ $12 on Amazon ( this is not necessary but it’s gorgeous and we will draw from it in class. I’ll project also so you don’t NEED it. We’ll also look at Rien Poortvliet whose books are much more expensive. I will bring several and project but you might want to check them out and possibly buy one.

Materials provided by instructor: Dogs for the first class, still life set up, model for one class, lots of materials for students to try.

Betsey MacDonald Bio

Watercolor Basics 5-week class (For Beginners): Joan Croce (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

WATERCOLOR BASICS (For Beginners) 5-Week Class

Instructor: Joan Croce
Date/Time: September 11th - October 9th 10am-12:30pm every Friday
Location: RIWS classroom

Description:

Love the look of watercolor but you don’t know where to begin? Or have you tried watercolor but feel you need more instruction? Then this class is for you!

You will be learning basic watercolor techniques through a series of paintings and exercises, with one-on-one instruction. This class will help you begin your journey by advising your selection of paint and materials, and setting up your palette. In class, you will learn the basics of color mixing, using a variety of watercolor techniques, and how to design a painting for the best impact. Step by step instructions, photo references, and art vocabulary notes will be provided in an encouraging and low pressure setting.

Joan has taught both youngsters and adults for over 30 years and is a Signature Member of the RI Watercolor society. Joan believes that with a good attitude, practice and the proper instruction, you can learn to paint in watercolor!

MATERIALS LIST

Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Susan Stranz: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Susan Stranz

Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
Date/Time: Saturday, MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 12TH!, 9:30am-3:30pm, with 30 minute lunch break
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)
Materials Fee: $20 (bring to class)

DESCRIPTION:

Learn all the basics of Watercolor Painting in this fun and informative one day workshop. If you have ever wanted to try watercolor but didn’t know where to start...this is for you!

Learn about the basic watercolor supplies and how to use them. Instructor will have a variety of brushes, papers, paints, and more to let you experiment with.

You will learn how to mix basic colors and complete a color chart to use at home. In addition, basic watercolor techniques will be demonstrated and you will create a techniques page for your reference. Finally, the instructor will guide you through a step by step process to create a small landscape painting.

Supplies will be provided for a small materials fee of $20. This is paid to instructor in cash or credit card at class. These supplies are required to attend the class. You will take home your palette loaded with paint, a #8 round watercolor brush, a 1/2” flat brush, sketchbook, HB pencil, plastic eraser, foam core board, instructor handouts, two reference charts and a painting.

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

It's Just a Sketchbook: 1-DAY WORKSHOP - Lorraine Bromley - (All Levels Welcome!)(Hosted by 19 on Paper) (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

It's Just a Sketchbook - Lorraine Bromley - 1-Day Workshop
ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

Hosted by 19 on Paper in conjunction with their show at RIWS "Paper in the Park" (August 22nd - September 25th)

Instructor: Lorraine Bromley www.lorrainebromley.com
Date/Time: Thursday, September 24th, 9:30am-12:30pm (with possible extension to 1pm)
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level)

Starting a sketchbook practice is an excellent way to rapidly improve and hone your art skills. In this workshop, I will share examples of how sketchbooks can be used for studies, experimenting with different mediums, collage, composition, landscapes, still lifes, lettering, color, patterns, and textures. Drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and layout design, we will work through several morning challenges featuring demonstrations and ideas for personalizing your sketchbook.

Participants should bring a new sketchbook to class. I will email suggestions for sketchbooks and a full supply list to all participants prior to the session. I will also provide some additional supplies to share.

INKS IN MOTION: Alcohol Ink Workshop: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (ALL Levels Welcome!) (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

INKS IN MOTION: Alcohol Ink Workshop
with Mary Wojciechowski
(ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)

Instructor: Mary Wojciechowski
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26th, 10am-3pm
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level)
Materials Fee: $7

Alcohol inks, highly pigmented and quick drying, differ from other fluid mediums as they flow, intermingle and create distinctive textures, often with unexpected results. One of the benefits of painting with alcohol inks is the opportunity to begin with an abstract composition and then, as the alcohol evaporates and the ink pools, to develop the abstraction or possibly insert realistic elements.

INKS IN MOTION is designed for all levels of experience. Instruction is designed to accommodate all, introducing beginners to strategies in working with this exciting medium and, for those with experience, designed to build upon their prior experience. introducing these students to more advanced techniques in painting with this medium and an opportunity to work in a larger format, if desired.

During this workshop students will explore the unique qualities of alcohol ink and how it may be used for flowing abstracted works or using these abstracted initial pours as inspiration for adding representative elements. Attention to design and color will be emphasized and opportunities to create florals or landscapes using brushwork will be included for those who wish. Class time will be divided between demonstrations of the unique possibilities in painting with this medium and time for personal exploration., experimentation with a sense of creative playfulness encouraged.

Materials student will need to provide: A paint shirt or apron and a snack or lunch
Materials provided by instructor: ALL materials supplied

Materials Fee (This is collected by the instructor): $7

Landscape Painting - Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS (Advanced Beginner & Beyond) (03 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Landscape Painting - Susan Stranz
5-Week Class
(Advanced Beginner & Beyond)

Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
Date/Time: Saturdays, October 3rd - November 7th, 9:30am - 12:30pm (NO CLASS OCTOBER 17TH)
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level Gallery)

DESCRIPTION:

Paint the beautiful New England landscape from the local farms to the cranberry bogs and shoreline. Instruction will include the entire process of creating a well executed landscape painting. A series of technique, color and compositional exercises will help students create beautiful andcohesive paintings.

Suitable for advanced beginner and beyond.

*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

Kendra Ferreira - Watercolor Pencils & Colored Pencils: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (All Levels Welcome!) (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Kendra Ferreira: Watercolor Pencils & Colored Pencils 1-Day Workshop
ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

Instructor: Kendra Ferreira www.kjfdesign.com
Date/Time: Saturday, October 17th, 10am-3pm
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level)

This workshop will explore working with colored pencils and watercolor pencils, perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their artistic skills. Students will learn essential techniques such as layering, blending and burnishing techniques with colored pencils, as well as how draw and paint with watercolor pencils to achieve vibrant washes and delicate details. We will also explore color, composition, and methods for combining both mediums to produce vibrant, expressive artwork. Some drawing experience is helpful but beginners are also welcome.

Materials for RIWS WC and CP workshop.pdf

Painting Land, Sea, and Sky in Watercolor with Iain Stewart, AWS, NWS - 3-Day Workshop (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

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