1:00 - 4:00 pm, for Adults 18 and over  

$50 for members /$55 non-members per session

DESCRIPTION:

These sessions are designed to build upon concepts of watercolor painting developed in the Atmospheric Watercolor Painting series. Participants do not need to have attended the previous sessions to join the classes. Participants may attend any one or selection of dates as desired.
The goal is to continue building on the basics learned, develop enhanced the effects of blending wet-into-wet painting, glazing and direct painting culminating in a multi-layered approach. The addition of value studies will assist participants in editing what is seen into primary and secondary elements required to build a strong composition. Finished paintings will combine a variety of painting approaches and students will evaluate and determine which approaches best facilitate their preferred painting style.
Continuing with the 1-2-3 approach previously introduced, participants will gain a greater understanding of how to use color theory to achieve depth of color, explore the addition of new elements to their compositions which may include street scenes, inclusion of people and (weather permitting) plein air experiences.

SUPPLIES TO BRING:

Students will bring their own watercolors, brushes and paper (quality watercolor paper 140 lb. in various sizes) and any photo references desired. Instructor will provide resource images and may provide specialized materials as needed. The option to use gouache, pen and ink or other water based media may be involved but not required.
NOTE: Previous attendance in the Beginning Watercolor class is not essential, but helpful. This option is open to any or all interested individuals who may be beginners or intermediate and wish to expand their abilities with watercolor as a medium. It is not required that students attend all sessions, and my register for the week or month as they are able.

TEACHER:

Gretchen (Geri) Hurlbut is an artist and art therapist living and working in Winter Garden, FL. Geri holds a master’s degree in art therapy and continues to develop her artistic skills. She has taught Watercolors at the college and community level and enjoys painting and sketching on-site focusing on local landmarks and landscapes. A lifelong student of art, she has studied with leaders in the field including Gretchen Lopez, Carla O’Connor, Don Andrews, Frank Webb, Cheng Khee Chee and Thomas Schaller. Her works have been exhibited at the San Diego Watercolor Society, Converse College Milliken Gallery, Upstairs Artspace, Winter Garden Town Hall and the SOBO Gallery.

“I’ve grown into a professional artist, and I’m honored to hold signature memberships with the Kansas and Southern Watercolor Societies. I’m also a Platinum Signature Member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society and a Distinguished Signature Member of the Florida Watercolor Society. My belief in the power of the arts has led me to serve on the boards of both the Florida and Gold Coast Watercolor Societies, including as president and in other leadership roles. I teach at the  Boca Raton Museum Art School and in workshops across the country—helping others discover the joy of creative expression.”-Teresa Kirk

Teresa Kirk, FWS, KWS SW, GCWS
Teresakirk.com
teresakirkartist@aol.com

As an Artist we have our own language of mark making. which is unique to ourselves.

In this workshop, students will do exercises that will help them make their own unique marks as a surprise element for their work. You will build upon that mark making process through negative painting, Color mixing and design formats.

Students will play with  these ideas along with the possibilities that will open as they work transparently to opaque paint in Watercolor and gouache.   Anything goes:  landscapes , still life’s, figurative work or abstract, This workshop will engage your intuitive creativity. Demos, group discussion and constructive critiques along with painting time are a part of this workshop.

This CFWS Workshop will be held March 2-4, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 South Boyd St. in Winter Garden, Florida.

Sign-up for members will be $350 for the 3 day workshop until February 2, 2026;
After February 2nd, members fee will be $375;
Non CFWS members fee is $400.

register now at:
https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/cfws-workshopthe-beauty-of-the-mark/

Date: Saturday, March 21st
Time: 10am-3pm
Price: $60
Location: SOBO Studio Gallery 127 S. Boyd St.

Class Description:
We will discuss still life drawing, composition, lighting, enhancing your drawing skills, color application and mixing
and layering color.
We will learn how to select your color palette from your reference photo
Participants will receive a color and black and white photo reference.
The purpose of this class is to acquaint the student with the elements of making a successful still life painting.

Instructor:
Mary Beth Lesko has been creating colored pencil art for over 30 years. She has an Associate Degree in Commercial Art and
has studied with many professional colored pencil artists from around the country.
She has won awards and is published in two editions of “Strokes of Genius” publications and online publications by Ann Kullberg.
Since moving to Florida, she has been active at the Winter Garden Art Association teaching workshops and Technical Tuesday Classes.

Supply List:
Professional Grade Colored Pencils (Prismacolor) - No Prisma Verithins pencils,
Derwent, Caran D’Ache, etc.
Kneaded Eraser
No. 2 graphite Pencil
Battery-operated or electric pencil sharpener
Bring a snack or lunch

Date: Saturday, March 28th & Sunday, March 29th 
Time: 9:30am-4:30pm
Price: $260
Location: SOBO Studio Gallery 127 S. Boyd St.

Class Description:
This two-day workshop focuses on expressive watercolor painting through simplification, strong values, and confident brushwork. Day one is dedicated to drawing, composition, and understanding light and contrast. Day two emphasizes color harmony, fluidity, and personal expression through live demonstrations and guided practice. The goal is to help artists loosen their technique and develop a more spontaneous and authentic approach to watercolor.

Instructor:
Jean-François Arnaud is a French watercolor artist, a graduate of the National School of Fine Arts in France. A lifelong traveler, he moves across Europe and the United States in a van, painting on the road and working primarily from life. Deeply attached to sketchbooks and travel journals, his work reflects a nomadic practice where observation, place, and personal experience are at the core of the creative process.

Supply List:
Watercolor tubes or pans
Royal Blue (sennelier)
Cadmium Yellow (winsor newton)
Cadmium Red (winsor newton)
Indigo (sennelier)
Quinachridone sienna (daniel smith)

⸻

Materials
100% cotton watercolor paper (300 gsm) brushes (on big natural hairs, one medium, one small)
HB or 2B pencil
Eraser
Mixing palette (I use a white plate)
Sketchbook / travel journal
Absorbing Paper

Date: Saturday, April 18th 
Time: 6pm 
Price: $50/55
Location: SOBO Studio Gallery 127 S. Boyd St.

Class Description:
Join me for a paint night that’s equal parts creative escape and seriously fun night out. This class is designed for everyone — total beginners, “I’m not artistic” skeptics, and seasoned doodlers alike. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the painting process while teaching approachable techniques like color mixing, brushwork, and simple composition so you can confidently create a piece you’re proud to hang up.
Expect a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere with plenty of encouragement, zero intimidation, and lots of room to make your painting uniquely yours. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s helping you tap into your creativity, surprise yourself, and walk out thinking, “Wait… I made that?!”
You’ll leave with a finished canvas, new skills, and creative confidence you didn’t know you had!

Instructor:
Drew Masangkay is a creative instructor and entrepreneur who believes art should feel inviting, never intimidating. Known for her upbeat style and encouraging approach, she makes painting feel less like a class and more like a night you didn’t know you needed. Through clear guidance and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Drew helps students of all skill levels build confidence and discover abilities they didn’t know they had.
She believes creativity is for everyone, and her mission is simple: help people relax, have fun, and leave a little more confident than when they walked in.

Supply List:
All Supplies and Wine included.

Our non-profit bar will be accepting tips if you are willing and able. Thank you!

Date: Saturday, April 9th, 16th & 23rd
Time: 5:30pm 
Price: $30/35 (or all 3 classes for $90)
Location: SOBO Studio Gallery 127 S. Boyd St.

Class Description:
These three beginning sessions of Lettering and calligraphy,, using the old method of pen and ink or the use of more modern pens and markers, deals with the fundamentals of freehand lettering that are in use today as they were many centuries ago. A brief history of the evolution of lettering and calligraphy will be discussed. Students will learn the difference between lettering and calligraphy opposed to printing and writing. By the end of the three classes students will be able to letter the full roman alphabet and Chancery Cursive while demonstrating the fundamentals of setting up a piece of calligraphy. No experience necessary.

Instructor:
Robert L. Brown graduated with a BS in Art Education from University of Dayton, where he went on to work at the University of Dayton Graphic Arts and Printing departments as a graphic designer, artist, and manager, for 27 years. Anyone receiving an Honorary Degree from University of Dayton during those 27 years, received hand lettered degrees by Robert, including Elie Wiesel, Erma Bombeck, and Jonathan Winters. He taught Technical Graphics at University of Dayton, and both lettering and calligraphy at Adult Night Classes in the Kettering Schools. A professional calligrapher for over 50 years, Robert along his wife of 50 years, Kathleen, participated in art shows and galleries throughout Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia, winning numerous awards. He designed a mural over the entrance way of the Bay View Community Living Center located in the Veteran’s Affairs in St. Petersburg along with interior signage for different areas within the Center. Robert currently makes his home in Winter Garden, FL, enjoying creating new graphics and sharing his love of lettering and calligraphy with others.

Supply List:
Pencil, Scale (ruler). blue lined paper for practicing lettering, a flat edged nibbed pen and black Ink or flat chiseled black markers