Join me on Friday 10/9 at 5pm MST for a relaxing and therapeutic class on mindful art-making. We will talk about different strategies for creating mindful art and using art-making as a form of   Generally I think this class really caters to using a fluid art medium, such as watercolor or India ink but any type of medium or materials can work. I like to have watercolor on hand along with some Micron pens. Get ready to create by setting up a work space, gathering your materials and supplies, setting out paper (watercolor, bristol, cardstock, etc) and having an open mind! 

I recommend using Unsplash.com to find a reference photo. I am choosing to paint a raccoon. I think animals are great practice for learning how to paint! But feel free to choose your own reference photo. Try to print it out the size you will paint it if you plan on transferring the image to your panel (the other option is to freehand sketch it).  We will have time together in class to either sketch or transfer our images. Below you will find a complete supply list. There are a couple of substitutions you can make, for example if you are unable to get carbon transfer paper you can make your own with a piece of printer paper and a pencil. If you don't have an embossing stylus you can use an ink pen instead. For the acrylic spray, any kind will work - gloss or matte depending on the finish you want. This is necessary as gouache will always be reactivated with water. Spraying our painting will seal it and make it so moisture cannot damage it. You can work on any size wood panel you want. You can buy a specific wood panel for painting or even just use a piece of wood from Lowe's or Home Depot. I will be using a 10"x10" wood panel (I will crop this image into a square) for my painting. Let me know what questions you have in the comments!

Join me tomorrow at 2PM MST to learn how to draw birds! All you'll need are the reference photos from Unsplash (you can download them here or view them below), some paper and a pencil. Feel free to bring other drawing supplies along that you like to use, but they aren't required. We'll focus on drawing the basic shapes and contour lines of the birds and then work to add it detail.  From there you'd be able to add value or color with the medium of your choice - graphite, colored pencil, paint, etc. If you have suggestions for future topics in our "Draw with Me" classes please let me know in the comments below! 

The images I am referencing for this class can be printed from Unsplash.com here and here. If you are unable to print them, no need to worry - I will have a reference photo on the screen as I am painting. I will be using 7"x10" watercolor paper in cold press (see video below for set up) but any size paper can work. I will use both tubes and pans of watercolor to show different techniques, but just one or the other will work. For tubes you'll need red, yellow and blue at minimum but various shades of these colors can be helpful as well as some black. Grab a variety of brushes and a sponge if you have it. Masking tape or washi tape, a pencil, a cup of water and a paper towel will be needed as well.  See below for a quick demo on sketching out your landscape with pencil on your watercolor painting before we get started. 

Join me on Friday at 2PM MST for an introductory live class on watercolor pencils. I will be using Prismacolor watercolor pencils, a handheld sharpener, Canson XL watercolor in coldpress, a cup of water, a paper towel and a variety of paintbrushes. Feel free to have some reference photos on hand of some flowers or birds, even landscapes can work. If you are unable to make the live event, it will be available on demand to view any time you'd like. If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment!

Join me tomorrow (Saturday) for a fun and interactive lesson on mixing tints, shades and tones with acrylic paint.  Bring along some white, black and at least one color of your choice such as magenta, blue, green, etc. As always you'll want a variety of paint brushes, a palette knife if you have one, a cup of water, a paper towel and a surface to paint on - I'll be using Canson coldpress watercolor paper. If you can't make the live event, you can watch this class anytime on demand.

On Sunday at 2PM MST I will be teaching a live class on the power of complimentary colors in art, specifically acrylic painting but many of the concepts apply to other areas of painting and drawing as well. Bring along your primary color paints to follow along with me, or you can watch and try on your own later. If you can't make this event, it will also be available on demand for you to watch anytime! 

Starting on July 11 I will begin teaching weekly live "Paint With Me" classes on Saturdays at 10AM MST. You can register for this class now under "Upcoming Events." For each class I will provide a reference photo and a materials list so you can gather your supplies and paint along with me on Saturdays! These classes are beginner friendly, although artists of all levels and abilities will enjoy these classes. I will provide step-by-step instruction and guidance, while offering lots of options and choices for you to exercise your own creative voice. If you are unable to make a live class, you'll be able to watch them on your own by visiting the "On-Demand Classes" page. Please email me or leave a comment below suggesting a "theme" for a future Paint With Me class, I would love your recommendations. Our first class will be on painting these lovely red tulips in acrylic. 

Join me for a fun and relaxing acrylic painting techniques class on Sunday 6/21 at 10AM MST. Whether these techniques are familiar or not, you're sure to learn some new information along the way as we explore texture and blending methods with acrylic paint. There will be time for Q&A as well. Feel free to grab your paint brushes and acrylic paint and join me, or just watch and try on your own later. I will also have some sponges, palette knives, scrapers, a cup of water, paper towel and a paint palette on hand. I hope to see you there but as always you can find this class on demand after the event.