Adult Beginner Watercolor Workshops

from $50.00

The first two classes of autumn 2026 are sold out. The full beginner series will repeat, starting in January. You can see the schedule and register below.

Join artist Emily Wilson Gillespie for a two-hour workshop on beginner watercolor painting. These adult watercolor classes are geared towards beginner and first-time watercolor painters. Classes meet on select Thursday evenings and cover a variety of topics and techniques. Scroll down to see the full schedule.

Session:
Class:

The first two classes of autumn 2026 are sold out. The full beginner series will repeat, starting in January. You can see the schedule and register below.

Join artist Emily Wilson Gillespie for a two-hour workshop on beginner watercolor painting. These adult watercolor classes are geared towards beginner and first-time watercolor painters. Classes meet on select Thursday evenings and cover a variety of topics and techniques. Scroll down to see the full schedule.

Session Schedules:

  • Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 PM

    September 10 -  Getting Started

    Learn the key basics to start painting with watercolors including beginner wash techniques, how to mix paint, and more.

    September 24 -  Washes + Layers

    Attendees will learn brush techniques, additional wash techniques, and more.

    October 8 - Color Theory

    Dive into color and learn the basics of color theory. Workshop attendees will learn how to layer paints and create a cohesive color palette.

    October 29 - Intuitive Painting

    Come relax and learn how to paint intuitively. This beginner-level class will focus on using watercolor paints as a way to explore and experiment with materials, texture, color, and mark-making.

    November 5 - Abstract Landscapes

    Come paint a landscape you love! We will learn a variety of techniques while working intuitively to paint original abstract landscapes. Each attendee will provide an image of their choosing.

    November 19 - Botanical Still Lifes

    Let’s paint a still life! This class will walk you through how to paint a botanical still life while looking at a variety of flowers and leaves.

    December 3 - Pet Portraits *6:30-9:00 PM*

    Learn to paint your favorite four-legged pal and capture their personality in a unique portrait. This beginner-level class will focus on finding your style + planning a painting. Each attendee will bring an image of a pet to paint. Please note: this is a 2 ½ hour class with heavy snacks provided.

    December 10 - Holiday Workshop

    Let’s get in the holiday spirit! In this class, we’ll make watercolor holiday cards and a small watercolor painting you can give to a loved one.

  • Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 PM

    January 7 -  Getting Started

    Learn the key basics to start painting with watercolors including beginner wash techniques, how to mix paint, and more.

    January 21 -  Washes + Layers

    Attendees will learn brush techniques, additional wash techniques, and more.

    February 4 -  Art + Gratitude

    In this class, we’ll reflect on art as a way to show gratitude to another. Attendees will create a watercolor painting to give to a loved one. We’ll also create watercolor cards inspired by Victorian Valentines.

    February 18 - Color Theory

    Dive into color and learn the basics of color theory. Workshop attendees will learn how to layer paints and create a cohesive color palette.

    March 11 - Intuitive Painting

    Come relax and learn how to paint intuitively. This beginner-level class will focus on using watercolor paints as a way to explore and experiment with materials, texture, color, and mark-making.

    April 1 - Abstract Landscapes

    Come paint a landscape you love! We will learn a variety of techniques while working intuitively to paint original abstract landscapes. Each attendee will provide an image of their choosing.

    April 15 - Botanical Still Lifes

    Let’s paint a still life! This class will walk you through how to paint a botanical still life while looking at a variety of flowers and leaves.

    April 29 - Pet Portraits *6:30-9:00 PM*

    Learn to paint your favorite four-legged pal and capture their personality in a unique portrait. This beginner-level class will focus on finding your style + planning a painting. Each attendee will bring an image of a pet to paint. Please note: this is a 2 ½ hour class with heavy snacks provided.

    May 6 - Travel Sketchbooks

    In this class, we’ll learn how to document our summer adventures and travels through a watercolor sketchbook. This workshop will focus on starting your sketchbook, daily drawing prompt ideas, and adding pen to watercolor. We’ll also learn how to travel with your watercolor paints.

    Please note: This class will be partially outdoors at Rose Hill Cemetery (weather permitting). Your class registration includes an additional fee of $15 which covers the cost of a watercolor sketchbook. If you would prefer to purchase your own, please contact me for a $15 discount on the registration fee.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Workshops will be capped at twelve students for optimal instruction.

• Unless otherwise noted, all classes meet in person at 727 W. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington, IN.

• Watercolor workshops are geared to students ages 18+. Attendees aged 15+ are welcome so long as a parent or guardian also attends or is present at pick-up/drop-off.

• Discounts are available to those registering for multiple watercolor classes.

  • Register for three or more classes and receive 5% off your total. Enter the discount code “WC3” at checkout.

  • Register for four or more classes and receive 7% off your total. Enter the discount code “WC4” at checkout.

  • Register for five or more classes and receive 10% off your total. Enter the discount code “WC5” at checkout.

• Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.