Workshop Information
Wearing masks is optional and based on your personal situation.
All workshop participants must have an account on our website to register for a workshop. SDWS Members should log in to their account prior to registering. If you are not a member and do not have an account, please click HERE to create a free account.
Workshop prices are discounted for SDWS Members. To receive the discounted price, please log in to your account before registering. If you are not a member or your membership has expired and would like to receive the discounted price, click "Membership" in the main menu to renew your membership or join SDWS prior to signing up.
Please contact our workshops registrar at registrar@sdws.org if you need assistance or the workshops director at workshops@sdws.org with any questions.
In-Gallery Workshops: All in-gallery workshops are held in our beautifully light-filled education center inside the San Diego Watercolor Gallery in The ARTS District of Liberty Station. (Location)
ZOOM Workshops: Virtual workshops will be conducted using Zoom. They will include a combination of live painting demo(s), interactive communication with the instructor, and individual painting time - all from the convenience of your home / studio.
Click HERE for Virtual Workshop Technology Requirements
Click HERE for Workshop Refund Policy
Click HERE for Nearby Hotel Accommodations
Premier Workshops
Premier Workshops are typically four days and take place during the week. They are taught by nationally and internationally renowned artists. Workshops are open to artist of all levels.
Holbein - Watermedia Workshop
Holbein, Legion Paper, and General Pencil Watermedia Workshop
This Brand Ambassador Workshop is a hands-on workshop for artists of all levels and experience from beginner to professional. Along with the instructor, this guided workshop is a learning experience where participants have the opportunity to experiment with and learn about many different materials. The Watermedia Workshop will focus on Holbein’s Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic Gouache, and Watercolor Mediums, as well as Legion’s Stonehenge Aqua and Yupo papers, and an assortment of General Pencil materials. All participants will take home free samples!
| Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM |
|
WAIT LIST ONLYPlease click here to be added to the waitlist. |
Holbein - Acrylic Workshop
Holbein, Legion Paper, and General Pencil Acrylic Family Workshop
This Brand Ambassador Workshop is a hands-on workshop for artists of all levels and experience from beginner to professional. Along with the instructor, this guided workshop is a learning experience where participants have the opportunity to experiment with and learn about many different materials. The Acrylic Family Workshop will focus on several types of acrylic paint, including Holbein’s Heavy Body Acrylic, Fluid Acrylic, Acrylic Ink, “Mat” Matte Acrylic, Gesso, and Acrylic Mediums, as well as Legion’s Stonehenge Aqua and Yupo papers, and an assortment of General Pencil materials. All participants will take home free samples!
| Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Acrylic Marbling on Paper & How to Develop it into a Painting - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Liz Walker
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of acrylic marbling!
Learn to create patterns and special effects that you can later develop into a painting that makes viewers ask “how on earth did you DO that?”
This is a free-form introduction into marbling as a vehicle for creating paintings on familiar substrates, rather than a master class about the finely detailed marbling used by bookbinders. Liz will share her process and show you how she has transformed randomly marbled papers into finished paintings.
Some supplies will be provided in class for an additional $45 fee. These include: marbling paints, miscellaneous supplies, practice papers, and a marbling tray. Please see the additional Supply List for items you should bring to the workshop. There is also a $45 supply fee that will be collected before class. The fee will cover the marbling tray, a tray to carry the marbled paper to the drying station, the methyl cellulose (which is the stuff the paint rests on until you pull the print), the Alum (the fixative), and marbling paints.
Experience Level: Intermediate—experience with acrylic paints useful.
Non Members Fee: $425.00 Members Fee: $400.00
| Date: Monday, February 10, 2025 - Thursday, February 13, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
WAIT LIST ONLYPlease click here to be added to the waitlist. |
Drawing & Painting Birds
Instructor: Ken Goldman
Learn how to draw and paint birds!
Many people already know Ken for his figurative work but are surprised to learn he was also an exhibition designer at the San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego Zoo, with an extensive background in wildlife art and ornithology. Ken drew and painted birds for both organization's magazines, created exhibitions with dioramas and background murals, performed their bird taxidermy, and now brings all his experience to this unique workshop.
Bring any bird photos, thumbnail studies or sketches you'd like to draw or paint from. You will be encouraged to work in either an expressive way, or in a more classical manner (learning about the contours, cross contours, planes and underlying anatomical landmarks that make representational bird drawings look volumetric).Ken will demonstrate, with any watermedia you bring in - including pencil, watercolor, acrylic or mixed mediums. Watching Ken demonstrate from the photos of others is a great way to learn several varied approaches and techniques. Choose your own preferred watermedium for this class.
Experience level: All are welcome.
Non Members Fee: $185.00 Members Fee: $165.00
| Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 - Sunday, February 23, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
WAIT LIST ONLYPlease click here to be added to the waitlist. |
Advanced Beginner Watercolor Class - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Julie Anderson
Advanced Beginner Course of Study Note dates - March 6, 13, 19, and 27
This class consists of four 3-hour classes to be held from 6 pm to 9 pm.The class has several objectives. Expanding students’ brushwork and use of paint skills is the first to be achieved.Designing a composition using several different devices;creating a focal point; making and using value plans will follow.
Use of several of the elements and principles of design will be woven into the lessons.
Recommended experience level: All levels are welcome.
Non Members Fee: $185.00 Members Fee: $165.00
| Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 - Thursday, March 27, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Meandering Line & Wash - ZOOM WORKSHOP
Instructor: David Lobenberg
Meandering Line and Wash
No portraiture skills needed. Learn my photo/tracing technique to create eye catching portraits. We will integrate flowing black line work with bright expressive color washes.Follow me step-by-step as you learn this stunning style!
Experience Level: All levels welcome.
Non Members Fee: $350.00 Members Fee: $300.00
| Date: Monday, March 10, 2025 - Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Painting Interiors - The Inside Scoop! - LIVE IN GALLERY
Instructor: Mike Kowalski
Painting interiors is something I love to do.
I am often inside somewhere (especially when it is hot outside! ), sketching and painting. Interestingly, you only see a few interior pictures. It may be because students are hesitant to attempt an interior subject. The interior is another thing to paint. How best to begin to think and paint a convincing, exciting, or intimate interior scene?
The painting elements are the same for any watercolor: a brush-load of color, solid technique, knowledgeable mixing skills, and using values to your advantage. Painting an interior can be challenging because we need a sense of perspective and good light ( or some light ) to help create a 3-dimensional space.
My workshop will touch on these skills. We will start drawing to get comfortable with simplified aspects of perspective. Our painting will include value studies that help prep your mind and hand for actual watercolor painting to come. The more confident you are in your approach to a watercolor painting, the better.
Experience Level: Intermediate and above.
Non Members Fee: $475.00 Members Fee: $450.00
| Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - Friday, April 25, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Portraits & Animals in Watercolor - LIVE IN GALLERY
Instructor: Lisa Wang
Join Lisa for her Portraits & Animals in Watercolor class!
Day one will focus on how to transform your drawing into watercolor with studies of door knobs and statues. Day two will reinforce drawing to watercolor techniques with horses and their trainers. Finally, day three will culminate in subject matter with baristas and/or portraits. Lisa will direct your learning experience to focus on the following skills and techniques.
- Introduction of drawing and painting equipment
- How to choose your subject that reflects your style
- Reference photo vs painting
- Composition and focus of your work
- Drawing from basic shapes to details
- Warm up with some basic watercolour washes
- How to use and control water to get variety of brush work
- Mixing your colours the better way by knowing complementary colours (colour temperature is more important than you thought)
- Creating light and atmosphere in your painting
- Tonal contrast and edge contrast
- Clear explanation and step by step demonstrations
- Individual help to meet each student on their level
Experience Level: All are welcome!
Non Members Fee: $650.00 Members Fee: $600.00
| Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Landscape Masterclass - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Joseph Zbukvic
My workshop starts with a theoretical lesson on how I see watercolor as a medium, its good qualities and limitations. I also explain the basic rules of good composition, how to see shapes rather than objects and master basic drawing skills.
The rest of the workshop consists of at least two demonstration paintings per day, with students repeating them while I give individual help and guidance to each student. I start with a simpler subject like a landscape or seascape. Subject matter then progresses to more complex scenes with streetscapes and figures.
I very much encourage individual talent. My teaching concentrates on how to interpret the subject in terms of visual language and how to see it through artist’s eyes.
Joseph Zbukvic
Experience Level: Advanced
Non Members Fee: $850.00 Members Fee: $800.00
| Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 - Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Painting Impressions with Watercolor - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Keiko Tanabe
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 strongin 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.
Experience level: A basic art knowledge & some previous experiences strongly recommended to benefit from this workshop.
Non Members Fee: $425.00 Members Fee: $400.00
| Date: Monday, May 19, 2025 - Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Pet Portraits in Watercolor - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Jayne Spencer
Calling All Pet Lovers!
Have you always wanted to capture a beloved dog or cat’s likeness and personality in a watercolor portrait? This is your opportunity to learn how. A pet portrait is a perfect gift for yourself, a friend or family member.
In the Pet Portrait Workshop, we will be focusing on head and shoulders. You’ll be able to paint the dog or cat of your choice and will learn how to:
- Paint fur with depth and light source, including how to handle long, short, curly, straight or fluffy fur
- Paint the eyes, nose, mouth, ears and whiskers
- Mix your colors
- Incorporate the background with your pet
- Handle small details, including painting a metal tag and collar
While you’ll have time to do your drawings prior to the class, I will check your drawing for accuracy before you start painting.
Experience Level: All levels welcome.
Non Members Fee: $185.00 Members Fee: $165.00
| Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 - Sunday, June 15, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Color, Composition, and Collage - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Kathleen Conover
COLOR, COMPOSITION AND COLLAGE:
I invite you to join me for creative exploration, artistic growth and fun with color and composition through collage and mixed water media.
Starting with preparing your own permanently colorful collage papers, unique techniques and processes will be shared for rich embellishments, with design and composition tackled for the completion of your pieces.
Demonstrations, lectures, handouts, directed exercises, quiet work time, and individual attention will enable artists to understand and apply the new information to your personal artwork.
As always, I will generously share my knowledge as a professional artist for 40 years, teacher, exhibition judge and gallery owner.
Let’s play, work hard, explore, have fun and call it “Art”.
Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate or advanced artist, this is an opportunity to develop your artistic skills, including design and composition … that elusive element that elevates a painting from ordinary to award-winning.
Non Members Fee: $575.00 Members Fee: $550.00
| Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 - Thursday, August 14, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Opaque Watermedia - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Danny Griego
The goal of this workshop is to help demystify the mediums of casein, gouache, acrylic and water miscible oil paint. Each medium behaves in a different way and you will learn the process of how to manage the application of paint to get the effect you desire. I will help you to interpret your subject by using color and light to give form. The workshop will focus on shapes, edges and the importance of composition and drawing. There will be a brief demo each day with routine student instruction.
Experience Level: Beginner to experienced.
Non Members Fee: $185.00 Members Fee: $165.00
| Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 - Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Abstracts in Watermedia - LIVE IN GALLERY WORKSHOP
Instructor: Pat Moseuk
Have you always wanted to know how to begin an abstract painting?
In this workshop you will experience the instructor's hands-on demonstration, fundamental compositional layouts, technique, color, value, line, form, collage and mark making. Imagine painting with a credit card and found objects around your house. We will learn the joy and freedom of abstraction and to tap into our intuition. At the end of each day there will be a group critique.
This class is for all levels. If you make a mistake so what, it's a happy mistake! There are some rules and there are no rules!
Experience Level: All are welcome.
Non Members Fee: $400.00 Members Fee: $375.00
| Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 - Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM |
|
| Login and sign up |
Financial support is provided
by the City of San Diego.
© 2024 San Diego Watercolor Society
SDWS Tax ID Number is 95-3153264
To contact us, Click Here for our support form.
For help with the International Exhibition please email: ishowinformation@sdws.org
PHONE
(619) 876-4550
