From Sketching to Painting June 1, 2026

From Sketching to Painting

Register

Required Book:

“Painting Nature: Techniques, Tutorials and Projects”; Gemma Koomen; Quadrille; ISBN 978-1837832750

(All Books Can be purchased at Brewster Book Store)

Suggested Books:

  1. “Botanical Watercolor Painting for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Create Beautiful Floral Artwork”; Cara Olsen; Page Street Publishing; ISBN 978-1645675921
  2. “Wildflower Watercolor: The Beginner’s Guide to Painting Beautiful Florals”; Sushma Hegde; Page Street Publishing; ISBN 978-1645676775
  3. “Thinking in Watercolor: A Daily Practice to Unlock Your Creativity & Discover Your Inner Artist”; Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Artisan; ISBN 978-1648293320
  4. “Watercolor Mixing Deck: Landscapes”; Charles Evans; David & Charles; ISBN 978-1446316726
  5. “Watercolor Mixing Deck: Architecture”; Charles Evans; David & Charles; ISBN 978-1446316719
  6. “Charles Evans’ Watercolour Rescue: Top tips for correcting your mistakes and preventing them in the first place”; Charles Evans; Search Press; ISBN 978-1782219422
  7. “Charles Evans' Pocket Book for Watercolour Artists: Over 100 Essential Tips to Improve Your Painting”; Charles Evans; Search Press; ISBN ‎978-1782216377

Recommended Supplies:

Highly Recommended:

  1. Smartphone camera
  2. Journal with watercolor paper (cold press)
  3. Soft pencil (HB, H, or #2) 
  4. Pencil sharpener
  5. Technical drawing pen
  6. Refillable brush pen
  7. Colored pencils (watercolor pencils work well)
  8. Watercolor set (Art Toolkit)

Optional:

  1. Backpack or shoulder bag
  2. Binder clips
  3. Small ruler
  4. Small mixing palette
  5. Small sponge 
  6. Small rag 
  7. Small water bottle 
  8. Small water spray bottle
  9. Small syringe (no needle)
  10. White gel pen 
  11. Color wheel
  12. Small hand lens or magnifier

June 1, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am – From Sketching to Painting – Brewster Book Store

Description: This session is about synthesis and expression. Participants select sketches, notes, and inspiration gathered from earlier sessions and use them as the foundation for a finished watercolor painting.

We explore how to move from observation to composition—considering focal point, balance, scale, and use of negative space. Participants are guided in simplifying complex scenes, emphasizing mood, and making creative choices that reflect their personal perspective.

There is also a focus on storytelling—how a painting can convey not just what was seen, but what was felt. The session concludes with reflection and optional sharing, celebrating each participant’s unique interpretation of nature.

Topics Covered:

  1. Select and refine subject matter from previous sketches and notes
  2. Develop a composition for a finished watercolor painting
  3. Apply learned techniques to create a cohesive piece
  4. Make personal, creative decisions about color, mood, and style
  5. Participate in reflection and optional group sharing