Watercolor Beginnings

Whether you’re picking up a watercolor brush for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing skills, Watercolor Beginnings offers a welcoming week of exploration, experimentation, and creative growth with artist Stacy Hilton Klutzke.

Throughout the workshop, participants will build a strong foundation in watercolor while exploring the unique qualities that make this medium so exciting—and sometimes unpredictable! Stacy will introduce a variety of wash, color, and texture techniques that participants can use to build toward finished paintings featuring subject matter of their choice.

Students will explore different approaches to applying and controlling watercolor, from transparent washes and layered color to expressive textures and experimental mark-making. Lessons in basic color theory and composition will help participants understand how color, value, shape, and placement can work together to create stronger paintings.

While this workshop is designed with beginning watercolorists in mind, intermediate and advanced painters are also welcome. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace and pursue individual interests, with personalized instruction and critiques throughout the week.

The emphasis is on learning through experimentation rather than striving for perfection. Participants will have plenty of time to paint, play with new techniques, ask questions, and discover approaches they can continue using in their own watercolor practice.

Come ready to experiment, make a few happy accidents, and enjoy a week of unbridled creativity!

Watercolor Supplies

• Watercolor paints — tube paints preferred: at least 1 of each warm and cool of red, blue, and yellow, and a brown

My color preferences are Windsor Red, Quinacrodone Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Antwerp Blue, Quin Gold, Azo Yellow, Burnt Sienna (but you can use whatever colors you prefer). I use a mixture of M. Graham, Windsor & Newton Professional, and Daniel Smith brands.

• Palette with mixing space or white plate/butchers pan (somewhere to mix up paints)
• 1″ flat brush
• Large round brush — size 10 or 12
• Small round brush — size 2 or 4
• Any additional favorite watercolor brushes
• 140 lb. cold-press 100% cotton watercolor paper
  • A 9″ × 12″ or larger pad, or
  • 3-4 individual 22″ × 30″ sheets
• Two water containers — jars, mugs, recycled plastic containers, etc.
• Pencil and eraser
• Paper towels or lint-free towel
• Small spray bottle, pipette, and/or straw
• Masking tape, washi tape, or painter’s tape
• Board large enough to accommodate your watercolor paper

Optional Materials

Participants are encouraged to bring additional materials for experimentation, including:

• Salt
• Sponges
• Toothbrushes
• Sticks or other mark-making tools
• X-Acto knife
• Stencils
• Wax paper
• Plastic wrap
• Reference images of subjects you’d like to paint
• Additional watercolor brushes
• Small cups or jars to mix up larger amounts of paint

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Schedule:

Sunday

• 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Studio Introductions & Workshop Orientation
• 7:00 PM–Evening: Get Settled/Free Time

Monday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Tuesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Wednesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
• Evening: Chef’s Night Off — Explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
• After Dinner: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Thursday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio /Hiking/Explore

Friday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00–11:00 AM: Final Studio Instruction & Painting Time
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Clean-Up, Group Photo & Workshop Review
• 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends

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View frequently asked questions here!