Beginner Drawing and Watercolor 1
Next session: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Details:
This eight-week, beginner-friendly series starts with basic drawing exercises before moving into step-by-step instruction in watercolor techniques, such as color mixing, washes, and layering. Experienced instructor Vivian Jones-Schmidt teaches from curriculum designed by Linda Abbey. No experience necessary.
Class fee: $240. Materials fee: $42, payable to instructor at first class.
Register on MyActiveCenter.
Required materials:
- 9” x 12” sketchbook, 50 sheets
- Drawing tools, your choice of pencils, micron pens, and/or charcoal
- Erasers [I recommend kneaded and firm.]
- White artist’s tape
- Tubes of Watercolor Paints: Cerulean blue, Ultramarine blue, Cadmium yellow light, Yellow ochre, Cadmium red light, Alizarin crimson, Burnt sienna, Burnt umber, Hooker’s green light
- Mixing palette with at least 12 wells and a large mixing area
- Brushes: round [32 or 36, 10, 6], flat [3/4”], rigger [#2 or #3]
- Spray bottle and a sponge
- Compass [geometric, inexpensive] and a 15” ruler [cork-backed metal rulers are the easiest to work with]
- Paper towels
- Painting boards—I’ll have large painting boards for you to borrow, but if you have your own, please feel free to bring them.
Please choose the brands you prefer, but avoid the cheapest paint [e.g., Artist’s Loft] because it doesn’t contain the amount of pigment you’ll need. Your work is worthy of the respect implied by quality materials!
The $42 materials fee will pay for 8 sheets of Arches paper, mats for the end-of-class exhibit, and the illustration board you'll need for your final painting.
Instructor Bio:
Vivian Jones-Schmidt has over 25 years of experience teaching art to students in grades K–8 and currently teaches middle school art online, as well as art classes at The Center.
Members only.
Location:
The Center
Cancelation Policy: Please notify us at least 5 business days in advance of the program’s start date. Cancellations made less than 5 days in advance will not be eligible for a refund or credit.
Note: Many art, music, and language programs are structured as a series, with a specific number of sessions scheduled over a defined period of time. Missed sessions within a series are not eligible for refunds.