Watercolor: Portrait & Landscape
Adult Class | Registration opens Monday, July 6, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
Discover the limitless possibilities of watercolor in a supportive, community-centered studio environment. In this beginner-friendly course you will learn watercolor techniques to help you make the art you want to create! Explore artistic concepts through fun exercises and painting from life. Be inspired by the work of historic and contemporary watercolor artists and illustrators. Start your own watercolor sketchbook and experience the joy of being able to paint wherever you go. Practice the basics of watercolor landscapes and portraits – and end the session by developing a painting of your choice.
La profesora habla español.
What You Will Learn:
- Selecting and using watercolor materials
- Techniques including brushstrokes, washes, color mixing, glazing, reserving whites, and lifting
- Concepts including basic color theory, value & composition
- Keeping a watercolor sketchbook & introduction to plein-air painting
- Appreciation and observation of work by watercolor artists
- Fundamentals of watercolor landscapes and portraits
All students should bring the materials listed below to the first class. The brands and products are suggestions to help students who do not already own watercolors shop more confidently. Students who already own watercolor materials do not need to buy any of the specific products on the list as long as they have a sketchbook, a brush and the 6 artist-grade paint colors listed.
- A watercolor-paper journal or sketchbook. Look for: Acid free, cold press paper, 90lb minimum paper weight. Budget-friendly option: Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 7”x10”. Instructor’s favorite: Hand Book Paper Co. Travelogue Watercolor Journals.
- One watercolor brush (“round”, between size 6 and 12). Budget-friendly option: Princeton Velvet Touch. Good investment: A travel style brush like the Princeton Neptune Series 4750.
- Artist-quality watercolor paints (tubes or pans) that include these 6 colors: A warm “sunflower” yellow, a cool “lemon” yellow, a warm “purple-leaning” blue, a cool “green-leaning” blue, a warm “orangey” red and a cool “pinkish” red. Not sure what all that means? That’s ok! This recommended set has it all! Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor Essentials (Set of six 5ml tubes.) Blick and other stores carry the set online. If you prefer to shop in person you can get it from Plaza Art in West Philly or at Blick in store packaged with a bottle of watercolor ground for a few more dollars.
- A mixing tray/watercolor palette with wells. Budget and travel-friendly option: A lightweight plastic palette. Good investment: A porcelain palette.
- Two clean cups or containers for water
During the first class students will be introduced to a range of other watercolor materials, including free, low-cost and artist-grade options. No other supplies are required, but students may wish to buy small quantities of tape, additional paper, and other optional materials over the course of the class.
Lindsey Benitz
Lindsey is a Philadelphia-based printmaker and watercolor artist. She is inspired by the people and places that make her feel at home — including her kids, the house she grew up in, her mother’s garden, and her neighborhood. She creates still life paintings in watercolor and gouache, and etchings using both traditional and experimental processes. She is an active member of Fleisher Art Memorial and is grateful for the community of artists there.
https://www.lindseybenitz.com/