Workshops

Abstractions in Watercolor
Oklahoma Arts Institute, Quartz Mountain, Oklahoma | October 3 – 6, 2024

Capture what you observe as you interpret nature with fluid contemporary watercolor. Learn to simplify and abstract subject matter with minimal marks, and a broad spectrum of techniques to create bold and captivating works on paper. Develop color palettes and imagery to stretch your preconceived ideas of these elements and their initial meaning. This workshop guides artists through how inspiration translates observations into abstract, graphic, and bold watercolors. Students learn how to economize their mark-making and focus on elements such as line, color mixing, pattern, and composition with watercolor, observing details in nature with a new perspective. The program is unique in that all Oklahoma public school teachers attend on full scholarship. Registration on the Oklahoma Arts Institute website opens on August 1.

Mexican Culinary Traditions: Watercolor & the Oaxacan Table
Oaxaca City, Mexico | November 8 – 14, 2024

Registration is now open at Mexican Culinary Traditions. A  culinary and art-filled trip to Oaxaca City with Iliana de la Vega, James Beard award winning chef  (Best Chef: Texas 2022), Isabel Torreabla, food journalist and anthropologist, and Jan Heaton, professional abstract watercolor artist. Oaxaca, an inspirational, and delicious food and art destination. The market, the agave fields, the colors, a cooking class, delicious meals, shopping, and painting every day… the absolute perfect retreat. The painting element of this tour is tailored for all levels of painting experience. Beginners are welcome! Jan believes all students are individuals with their own story, and library of inspiration. Her teaching methods are formed by her belief that everyone learns and makes art in their own way. For more information please email info@mexicanculinarytraditions.com.

Watercolor | Abstract Flora
Anderson Ranch Art Center, Snowmass Village, Colorado | July  14 – 18, 2025

Observe flowers with an exciting new perspective using abstraction interpreted in watercolor. Capture not only what you see using watercolor, but also your personal response as you paint form, line, shape, and work in color. One day of the workshop will be spent on color theory and mixing. Daily demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing what you have painted provide the foundation for a dynamic exploration of this nuanced medium. This is a Level 2 class, and not designed for beginners. Registration opens in January, 2025. More information to come with enrollment dates.

Watercolor | Watercolor: Color, Nature & Abstraction
Anderson Ranch Art Center, Snowmass Village, Colorado | September 15 – 19, 2025

This workshop invites students to find the balance between spontaneity and control within the watercolor medium. We explore the evolution of abstract form from the observed reality of nature, with an emphasis on color palette. Each student completes a series of work that explores one central subject. This course focuses on the line, color, structure, and form in relation to natural objects. Various experimental techniques and tools that can be utilized to create a finished painting are demonstrated. Activities include presentations of visual images, discussions of abstract painting, and student-instructor consultations. This is a Level 2 class, and not designed for beginners. Registration opens in January, 2025. More information to come with enrollment dates.