Beginner Watercolor Three-Part Class with Sylvia Gortz

Fridays, April 24, May 1 & 8, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:30pm

Discover the beauty of watercolor in this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop designed to build confidence and creativity. Over three sessions, students will learn essential techniques such as washes, blending, and simple shading while painting a pear still life and a colorful landscape. Step-by-step guidance makes the process approachable, helping you understand how watercolor works while developing your own loose, expressive style. No experience necessary—just come ready to paint and enjoy the process. This three-session workshop introduces the basics of watercolor painting in a relaxed, supportive environment. Students will learn fundamental techniques while creating two simple paintings: a pear still life and a basic landscape.

Session 1: Watercolor Basics & Pear Study
Students are introduced to watercolor materials, brushes, paper, and color mixing. Basic techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, washes, and simple shading are demonstrated. Participants begin painting a simple pear, focusing on shape, light, shadow, and color blending.

Session 2: Developing the Pear & Introduction to Landscape
Students continue refining the pear painting, adding depth and details. The session then introduces basic landscape concepts, including simple composition, sky and ground washes, and creating distance using color and value.

Session 3: Simple Landscape Painting
Students complete a beginner landscape painting using learned techniques. Emphasis is placed on layering washes, creating atmosphere, and maintaining a loose, expressive approach. The workshop concludes with group discussion and guidance on next steps for practicing watercolor at home.

Supplies and instruction for all three sessions are included with tuition. No prior experience is required. All levels are welcome.

Registration closes when workshop is full!

About the Instructor

Sylvia was born in New York. She is a painter/mixed media artist. Earning a BA in Art, from Whittier College in CA, & CE at SVA in NYC, she has been involved in many facets of art throughout the years. Her love of art continues to play a dominant role as her career evolved from neon artist/artist, to art teacher, visual display, and most recently as gallery owner, art consultant, part time realtor, & “pop up” curator. She has always been an artist, through it all.