BASIC WORKSHOP
(no experience necessary)
Home Studio - Tucson, Arizona​
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WORKSHOPS  RESUME  AUTUMN  2025

​Workshop Overview

Every exercise is aimed at working on location quickly-anywhere-fearlessly.  The class immediately enters advanced watercolor technique because of the water soluble pen.  Editing  the visual experience and working amid strangers without being bothered are  emphasized.  You should leave  this workshop able to sketch anywhere, quickly & fearlessly.  There is an added benefit for most people of entering a meditative state while sketching.  AND THERE IS NO CLEAN-UP!   Ideal for travel, hiking, strolling, biking, horseback riding, opera, jazz or dull lecture.
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Kath, so many thank you's for our workshop!  It was a wonderful week for me.  ​You are an inspiring and nurturing teacher - a rare combination.

May-Delle H.

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One of the most positive experiences I have ever had.  For four days not a negative, angry remark. You are too fabulous! ​Thank you.

Nancy O

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A remarkably comprehensive workshop.  I loved every day and learned more watercolor techniques and tips than I'll ever use.  ​Amazing!

Bo Makison

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We went biking in Europe...and I did a whole lot of sketches in the 4"x6" little book. It is better than photos because I can remember so much more.

Petey

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I tried a watercolor class before and I left thinking watercolor wasn't for me. Kath's workshop changed my mind. Really well organized, fun.  ​We learned a ton.

Bob C

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Learn and use:
  • Speed - to avoid multiple focal points, excessive detail, ruining freshness
  • Characteristics of the water soluble pen which allows the range of value seen in the work of Ansel Adams
  • Being invisible & undisturbed when working in the middle of public places
  • Visual editing,  on location, to get the  essential  quality of what you think you see  (not necessarily what  is there)
  • Journaling your words with your personal  view  for your own record alongside your illustration
  • Frequent use of watercolors of J. S. Sargent
  • ​Constant, encouraging critique sessions, demonstrations and hands-on help

Lesson Plan

Day 1  ​Technique with the Water Soluble Pen & Landscape
Morning - Studio
  • Learn the technique for sketching  with water soluble pen
  • Combine the pen with color using watercolors (involves advanced watercolor and requires no previous experience)
  • Perspective lessons of contrast and color
Afternoon - Studio
  • Work from photographs (provided) in 25 minutes using both previous perspective lessons
  • Focal point
  • Editing
  • Use of wax a la John Singer Sargent's watercolors
  • Day ends with a ridiculously easy exercise (which gets great results) Just for Fun!

Day 2  Still Life and People        
Morning - Studio
  • Begin with a simple  still-life, emphasizing color, contrast, focal point & the peculiar aspects of the water soluble pen
  • Learn how to edit things in & out of a 'gathered' still life (essential preparation for working outdoors on location)
Afternoon - Studio
Learn how to include the human  figure

Day 3  Plein Air (on location)
Weather Dependent (interior in-studio exercises may be substituted in case of rain)
If Outdoors: (demonstration by instructor)
  • Experience working among strangers
  • Architecture & color
  • Emphasis on using the technique fearlessly anywhere​​​
If Indoors:
  • Journaling in  a sketchbook
  • Calligraphic pen
  • Vignette
  • Working with minimal color and the monotone
  • Sketching with dilute paint & several other techniques (if time)

Pocket Sketching® Workshops

Learn enough to play for a lifetime!