The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is holding a variety of new online art classes beginning today, Tuesday, July 21.
There are watercolor classes for all skill levels, including a foundational level for beginners with little to no experience, a beginner level for those looking to learn more techniques, an intermediate level for those with more experience, and an advanced masters class for those looking to fine tune their skills.
The classes will be held online via Zoom.
All classes are suitable for anyone 16 and older.
The cost is $78 per four-week series. Each watercolor series fills quickly as spots are limited.
For more information, please call 716.827.1584 ext. 730 or email education@buffalogardens.com.
The classes will be taught by the Botanical Gardens’ newest art instructors, Judith Kosinski and Deanna Weinholtz. Kosinski most recently worked as an educator for Alden Central Schools for 23 years, teaching art and life skills to grades 9-12. Weinholtz is a water media artist who is best known for her luminous landscapes and seascapes in watercolor and acrylics.
The classes require students to provide their own supplies. Supply lists for each series are available online on the page for that series.
The series are listed below. In addition to the series, single-session workshops on botanical art will also be held.
Watercolor I- Foundations will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 11 through Sept. 1 or Sept. 15 through Oct. 6 Participants will explore watercolor painting materials and basic techniques that will help build an excellent foundation to master this inspiring and expressive form of painting. Over the four-week sessions, students will get an introduction to watercolor painting; learn how to work with color, value and texture; explore watercolor techniques, and discover how to find their inspiration to paint. Watercolor I is suitable for those with little to no painting experience and will be taught by Judith Kosinski.
Watercolor II- Beginner Techniques will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 12 through Sept. 2 or Sept. 16 through Oct. 7 Participants will learn the principles of design, composing and sketching; explore color; learn how to apply washes; learn how to control watercolor to get the effect you want, and learn how to apply the finishing touches to your projects. Taking Watercolor I is recommended but it is not required. This class is suitable for those with little to no painting experience and will be taught by Judith Kosinski.
Watercolor III- Intermediate Expression will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 21 through Aug. 11 or Aug. 18 through Sept. 8. Participants will expand on their skills and learn luminescent, glazing and texture techniques. Students will work on their own watercolor painting from start to finish with help from an expert every step of the way. This series will take students on a creative journey to recreate and enhance an image of their choice with the option of Inspired Landscapes in Watercolor (Session I) or Reflective Sunsets (Session II). This class is suitable for anyone 16 and older with some previous watercolor painting experience who would like to move beyond the basics and will be taught by Deanna Weinholtz.
Watercolor IV- Masters will be offered 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, July 22 through Aug. 12 or Aug. 19 through Sept. 9. Participants will focus on landscapes or seascapes created in watercolor from their own photos that inspire them or one the instructor supplies. Students will utilize advanced techniques such as wet in wet, wet in dry, and glazing to create textures and depth within a refined composition with the option of Sunset Inspired Cloud Formations (Session I) or Agricultural Landscapes (Session II). This class is suitable for anyone 16 and older with a working knowledge of color theory and design elements as well as intermediate to advanced watercolor painting experience and will be taught by Deanna Weinholtz.
