Level: Beginners and intermediates

March 11 - April 1, 2026

Wednesdays

12:30-3:00pm

4 weeks

Instructor: Nina Suggs

Instructor's website

Fee: $160

Watercolor for Beginners and Beyond

NOTE: THE DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR THIS CLASS SINCE ITS ORIGINAL POST. IT’S NOW A  4WK CLASS STARTING MARCH 11 AND ENDING APRIL 1

Whether you are just beginning your journey into watercolor or you’ve been painting for a while and want to strengthen your skills, this class is designed to meet you right where you are. Watercolor can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, no matter your level of experience. Many painters—new and returning—find themselves wondering: Where do I even begin? Am I using the right materials? Which techniques matter most? How do I mix colors without creating mud? And what do I do when something goes sideways on the page?

This class will answer all of those questions.  Nina’s warm, inviting personality, paired with her extensive knowledge and teaching experience, makes this a fun and worthwhile experience for everyone—whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or circling back to watercolor with fresh motivation.

In this class, Nina will guide you through paintings from start to finish. Each project begins with creating a line drawing from the image provided. You’ll then learn how to paint an underwash to maintain vibrancy in your colors and avoid that flat, washed-out look that so many beginners (and even experienced painters) struggle with. Throughout the paint-alongs, you’ll work with techniques such as wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, and lifting highlights, while learning how to use value to create depth and form in a natural, approachable way.

By the end of this class, you’ll have a number of beautiful paintings that reflect all the techniques you’ve practiced—giving you a strong, confident foundation for wherever your watercolor journey takes you next.

This class is ideal for brand-new beginners, painters who have some watercolor experience but want more clarity and confidence, and returning students who enjoy learning from Nina’s thoughtful, accessible teaching style.

Suggested Supplies:

For convenience, all of the supplies except the brushes, can be purchased online at dickblick.com where a supply list has been set up for this class. 

Dick Blick art materials list: https://www.dickblick.com/myaccount/blicku/02X8S0L5WHXB3/

For brushes, I recommend ordering through Rosemary & Co.  Click the links below for my suggestions. Or, you can purchase watercolor brushes in sizes 2,4 and 6 from your favorite art supply store.

Rosemary & Co. Brushes: Nina’s favorites: https://www.rosemaryandco.com/wishlist/shared/index/code/lT55tPGoAcahIJTrH8ZPGn7KRzePZWyl/categoryId/1752156273554_554/

About the Instructor

Nina Suggs is a watercolor artist known for her stunningly detailed, photo-realistic paintings. Her journey into art began at a young age, where she found joy and relaxation in creating things with her hands. Whether it was crafting, drawing, or simply experimenting with materials, the act of making something from nothing became her favorite way to spend time. Eight years ago, she discovered watercolor, and it quickly became her medium of choice. Captivated by its unpredictable yet graceful nature, she embraced the challenge and never looked back.

A self-taught artist with a love for realism, Nina, is drawn to the intricacies of her subjects, striving to capture even the smallest details in her work. Her dedication and skill have earned her recognition in several exhibitions, including the Stamford Art Association’s Winter Thyme and Spring Awakening, the Green Mountain Watercolor Association Exhibition, and the Newton Watercolor Association Exhibition, where her painting Sunday Sauce took first place.

Having experienced the challenges of learning watercolor on her own, Nina is passionate about helping others navigate their artistic journey. She believes that understanding the  fundamentals—like paper, brushes, paint, and basic techniques—is key to painting with confidence and enjoying the process. Through her approachable and friendly teaching style, she has created a supportive space where beginners can learn and grow without fear.

Whether she’s painting in her studio or sharing her knowledge with others, Nina brings warmth, expertise, and an infectious enthusiasm for watercolor to everything she does.

 

Below are some examples of Nina’s work –