Two-Day Watercolor Workshop

This two-day immersive drawing and watercolor painting workshop takes place on-site at the historic Kykuit estate at Pocantico. Using its stunning gardens, architecture, and landscapes as inspiration, participants will explore key aspects of watercolor painting, including light and shadow, color relationships, structure, and atmosphere. Emphasis will be placed on creating vibrant, rich colors and applying them to the paintings.

Through demonstrations and personalized instruction, the workshop will cover essential watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering to create depth and luminosity. Working on location allows for dynamic observation, helping students capture the fleeting qualities of light and mood while developing a deeper connection to the subject.

Students will be encouraged to experiment, compose, and play to access moments of discovery. The workshop fosters both technical growth and creative exploration through individual feedback and group discussions, supporting a range of skill levels. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a collection of studies and paintings that reflect an evolving understanding of watercolor and personal artistic voice.

A boxed lunch will be provided. Participants should bring their own materials.

The workshop is most appropriate for an intermediate beginner student with some drawing and painting experience. Each student will be asked to submit a two-paragraph statement describing their art background and what they hope to accomplish in the workshop.

Some parts of this workshop require walking uphill, on uneven terrain and gravel paths, and up and down stairs. Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.

The rain dates for the workshop are June 11 and 12, 2025.