Ready to conquer the quirks of watercolor?

This four week Watercolor: Do Not Be Afraid workshop at Tri Arts Project in Castle Rock is designed for intermediate students who already know the basics and want to gain confidence with more advanced techniques. It is a supportive class for artists who want to create cleaner washes, stronger layers, and more controlled edges without losing vibrancy.

Instructor Paul Valdez helps students move past common frustrations such as creating mud, overworking paper, or losing highlights too early in the painting process. You will practice essential techniques that strengthen your foundation and help you paint with intention and ease. This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to refine their watercolor skills in a fun and encouraging environment.

What You Will Learn in This Intermediate Workshop

This workshop introduces higher level watercolor skills that improve clarity, control, and color handling.

Layering and Washes

Learn how to apply smooth washes and build color through multiple layers without disturbing the underlying paint.

Control and Edges

Strengthen your understanding of the water to pigment ratio to create sharp edges, soft transitions, and controlled blending.

Lifting and Preserving Whites

Practice lifting pigment to correct mistakes, and learn how to preserve the white of the paper for highlights and bright focal points.

Fun and Confidence

Continue building your watercolor skills in a relaxed atmosphere where experimentation and growth are encouraged.

What Participants Should Bring

Watercolor has a reputation for being a difficult medium but the better the materials you use the easier it will be on you. As you move up from beginner to intermediate to experienced you can move up in the quality of materials.

Below are supplies for the beginner to intermediate.

• PAPER: Arches 140# cold press. Buy a full sheet, fold in half and tear then fold in half again. We generally paint on quarter or eighth sheets. Arches is perfect for the beginner as the sizing on the paper allows for paint movement and is more forgiving.
• BRUSHES: Please start small and build up as you need. Initially 3-4 brushes is all you need; #8 or #10round, ½ inch flat and a inch and a half to two inch wash brush. Make sure they are exclusive to the watercolor medium. Lowes-Cornell 7020 #8 or 10, Jack Richeson is also a good brand.
• PAINT: Instructor uses Holbein watercolor tubes, but Van Gogh makes a good beginner paint. Please buy tubes rather than pans as they go on better and are easier on the brushes.
  • Here are the basic colors you will want to start:
    • Cad Yellow Medium
    • Lemon Yellow
    • Cad Red
    • Yellow Ochre
    • Burnt Sienna
    • Ultra-marine Blue
    • Alizarin Crimson
    • Pthalo Blue.
• PALLETE: Any palette that allows for paint storage and a substantial mixing area. Robert Simmons is a good one, John Pike is another option.
• BOARD: You will need a board to paint on. I take two foam boards and glue them together, tape the outer edge and spray or brush on some varnish to make it water proof. Using gator board is better and lighter and you don’t need to glue together but more difficult to find.
• MISC: Water containers, paper towels, small sponge.
• Supplies can be purchased locally at Guiry’s or Meinengers, but to save money you can purchase online: www.jerrysartarama.com  or   www.journeyartstuff.com

Continue Exploring Painting at Tri Arts Project

If you want to build your watercolor skills even further, explore the full collection of Painting Classes at Tri Arts Project.