Being Bold in Watercolor is a dynamic, hands-on workshop series that empowers painters to break free from hesitation and embrace spontaneity, strong mark-making, and expressive color. Whether you’re stuck in overworking, afraid to ruin a painting, or unsure how to make impactful choices, this series is your invitation to step boldly into watercolor.
We focus on developing trust in your materials, cultivating intuitive decision-making, and leaning into the expressive potential of the medium without fear. Expect a mix of demos, structured exercises, and liberating challenges designed to help you paint with greater clarity, courage, and personality.
Who is this for
This workshop is ideal for artists who want to gain confidence in their process, whether you’re a cautious beginner or a more experienced painter who’s playing it too safe. If you've ever said "I'm afraid to mess it up," this is the course for you.
Workshop Structure
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Understanding what “bold” really means in watercolor
Letting go of perfectionism and outcome-based painting
Warm-up exercises: gestural brushwork, speed painting, and no-pencil starts
Demo: Painting fast, big and fearlessly
Key Techniques:
Working large and loose
Embracing unpredictability
Developing physical confidence in brush handling
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Choosing bold palettes and color contrasts
Mixing vs. layering: how bold color reads differently
Breaking out of safe neutrals
Demo: Painting with a limited but high-impact palette
Key Techniques:
High-chroma color use
Strategic placement of saturated hues
Avoiding overblending or dulling
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Simplifying visual information into dynamic shapes
Understanding boldness through value control
Seeing the subject as a design, not a detail list
Demo: Composing a bold painting from reference
Key Techniques:
Shape design and simplification
Clear dark/light contrast
Blocking in with purpose
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Guided creation of a personal piece using bold approaches
Individual coaching and group feedback
Encouraging sustainable habits for boldness after the workshop
