Rhode Island Watercolor Society upcoming events

Watercolor for Beginners - Susan Stranz: 5-WEEK CLASS (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Watercolor for Beginners - Susan Stranz
5-Week Class

Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
Date/Time: Wednesdays, May 20th - June 17th, 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 25 years of painting and teaching experience, she 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

Evelyn Bernal: Scenes of Summer in Watercolor - 4 week class (Intermediate-Advanced) (19 Jun 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Intermediate/Advanced
Instructor: Evelyn Bernal
Date and Time: Fridays, June 19th - July 10th, 10am -1pm
Location: RIWS Classroom

Class Description:

In this class we will embrace a more free and loose style in watercolor to create scenes of summer. 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, beaches, 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

INSPIRED BY NATURE: Exploring Landscapes in Alcohol Ink with Mary Wojciechowski: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (Advanced Beginner and Beyond) (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

INSPIRED BY NATURE: Exploring Florals & Landscapes in Alcohol Inks
with Mary Wojciechowski
(Advanced Beginner and Beyond)

Instructor: Mary Wojciechowski
Date/Time: Saturday, June 20th, 10am-3pm
Location: RIWS Classroom (Lower Level)
Materials Fee: $7

This workshop will explore the unique qualities of alcohol inks and how they may be used for flowing abstracted works, representational images and subjects that incorporate both. Landscapes & florals will be the primary subject, taking full advantage of these vibrant colored inks that intermingle in ways that create color and textural effects, often with unexpected results.

In this one-day workshop, with both guided demonstrations and individual experimentation, students will create expressive floral & landscape compositions combining the fluid movement of ‘first pours’ with deliberate mark-making. Expansive views of skies, landforms and water as well as detailed depictions of foreground trees will be developed using the unpredictability of this medium to create unique paintings.

Designed for those with prior experience, students will be given opportunities to learn through exploration with a sense of creative playfulness during the process.

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

Magic Colors & Flowers: Silk Painting Workshop with Lidia Mikhaylova: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (Beginner/Intermediate) (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Magic Colors & Flowers: Silk Painting Workshop

Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Lidia Mikhaylova
Date/Time: Saturday, July 11th, 1pm-4pm
Location: RIWS Classroom

Do you want to explore your creative side? Do you want to experiment with colors without fear of making a mistake? Come join me in this easy, magical, and relaxing adventure into the world of freedom and creativity, after which you will get a masterpiece created by your own hands.

We aren’t going to learn how to paint or try complex techniques but observe how the paint lives and reacts on the fabric, directing it wherever our imagination wants the paint to go. During this master class, you will tap into your creativity and grow your unique Flower, a symbol of feminine beauty and divine blessing.

We will be working for 2.5 – 3 hours in a small group. The maximum number of participants is 12 people. You don’t need to bring anything. All necessary materials will be provided.

Looking forward to painting on silk with you!

Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Susan Stranz: 1-DAY WORKSHOP (25 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Introduction to Watercolor Painting with Susan Stranz

Instructor: Susan Stranz BIO
Date/Time: Saturday, July 25th, 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.

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!

SUPPLY LIST COMING SOON

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

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Lorraine Bromley: It's Just a Sketchbook 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.

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