Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn the basics of watercolor in a three-afternoon course at Beginning Watercolor on Thursday through Saturday, June 5-7 from 12 to 4 p.m. in The Studio (June 5-6) and the Greenhouse Auditorium (June 7).

Students will start by getting comfortable with the special qualities of watercolor paint, then explore different ways to set up a painting. Instructor Deb Marrett will walk students through the different tools and techniques aimed at making paint shine and pass along some photography tips for finding reference material.

$170/person* (ages 15+). Register by May 28. All sales are final.

*Students should bring:
— Watercolor paper – suggested brand: New York Central; 10 sheets of 5×7 and 5 sheets of 9×12 or 11×14
— Mixing tray (without wells or dividers is best) – suggested brand: Dick Blick
— Watercolor paint set – suggested brand: Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor OR this similar pallet
— Sketchbook 4×6 or larger
— Watercolor brush set (not waterbrush pens), including a flat brush at least 1-inch wide and large mop brush – suggested set: ARTIFY
— Mechanical pencil
­— Waterproof ink pen
— Eraser small in diameter

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Deb Marrett is a professional artist whose work focuses on equestrian and figurative scenes as well as portraiture. She always travels with her watercolors and a travel journal.

“It is an amazing way to remember moments of the trip, and spend time soaking up the places I visit,” she said.

Deb loves sharing her knowledge by teaching and finding ways to make painting and drawing fun and accessible to those wanting to explore their creative side.