DATES/TIMES: Saturday, January 17th, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm

Snow date: Saturday, January 24th, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00pm

AGES: 18+ (unless accompanied by a participating adult) 

Workshop Description:   

After introductions, and a look at various winter inspired examples,  students will be introduced to or review  a substantial # of watercolor techniques  through instructor  demonstration. They will attempt and practice each of the techniques on small papers. Comparing these to their selected photos, they may want to note where techniques will be used in a sketch of their painting and number the order in which they will be applied. The instructor will assist each studentsin this process. Paint!  During several breaks the instructor will address problems  found in common as the composition progresses. Towards the end, students will display their work and discuss the techniques, problems executing them, successful areas and photo graph the works. 

Instructor bio (1 paragraph): 

Barb Steele majored in painting at The Maryland Institute College of Art and taught art in high school for 15 years. She left teaching to found Alloway Creek Gardens where she continued teaching many workshops on plants, companion planting,  dyes and tinctures from plants, and painting plants. She continues to publish articles about plants and is active in teaching in courses like Plants Speak! In it s third year during Week 1  of Common Ground on the Hill June 23-28, 4-5:30 each afternoon.  Students are encouraged to consider registering for that classcommongroundonthehill.org! Barb is teaching acrylic or watercolor  water based painting techniques in “Plants and Their Polinators” Week 3 July 14-18 in the mornings. 

Materials Student Should Bring from home  

Please bring a bag lunch and beverage in a cooler. 

A work apron, cup for water and any watercolor supplies  you already have, including tube paints, brushes, plastic palette or   a ceramic plate to use as a watercolor palette. Pencil, sketchbook.  Bring photos of your favorite winter scenes preferably with snow and sky!