Lavender Farm Workshop-Wednesday July 28

 At last!

This will be my first live and in person watercolor workshop since everything closed down because of the pandemic. I found us a perfect location for watercolor plein air while the summer weather seems consistent. There are super clean facilities, outdoor tables and chairs with lots of room to spread out and spectacular views of the lavender fields and surrounding forests, valleys and mountains. And there is a coffee stand on the premises that has lavender lemonade and ice cream!

10am-1pm - Wednesday July 28, 2021
Weather forecast looks fantastic!

Level

Workshops are designed for all levels of participants from beginners to advanced watercolor painters. Instructor will provide guidance and tips necessary to get started for beginner painters while more seasoned artists will be challenged to further their skills with a fun array of fast-paced subjects and themes. Some previous experience will be helpful but not required.

Registration 

This may be our only outdoor in person workshop for the summer. I’ve learned to be flexible as new information comes to light. We'll see. You can register for individual workshops as they are posted. 

One workshop at a time $55 

Register by emailing michelec12@gmail.com 

You can send your payment by:

1. Venmo (@Michele-Cooper-49)
2. Paypal (https://www.paypal.me/michelec12) 
3. Check to Michele Cooper 

I know this is short notice but please join us in person if at all possible. It’s a rare opportunity. 

My fall classes at KAC are online with Zoom. No class at SVC until winter.

Cancelations

Because of the uncertainty of this time you can cancel any workshop or package at any point for a full refund. Transaction fees will be charged if applicable.

2021 Summer Watercolor Class Begins July 2

  Are you looking forward to getting out of the house and enjoying the long warmer days of summer? I know I am! What will you do on those rainy days when summer storms might keep you home for a while?

Come to class each week on Fridays for fun and engaging watercolor lessons, live and interactive on Zoom. You can improve your skills from anywhere or watch the replay if you miss a lesson. 

We’re focusing on boats, marinas and summer markets this series. Join us!

 Sign up with a friend and both receive 20% off!

More info and registration links at Kirkland Arts Center:

A19.21.SU Intermediate Watercolor

Adult Class | Available

Location

Kirkland Arts Center

Room

Online

Level

Intermediate, Advanced

Date

7/2/2021-8/20/2021

 Download iCalendar

Time

11:00 AM-2:00 PM PDT on Fri

Sign up with a friend

and both receive 20% off!

Enter the code ARTWITHFRIENDS at registration checkout; tell your friend to do the same! 

This offer is valid until June 21 - so hurry!

Spring Watercolor Classes 2021

A. Michele’s NW Studio

3/31, 4/7, 4/14

Spring Mini Series - 3 watercolor classes live interactive online - Replays Available 

Wednesdays 6-9pm PDT

 

Explore landscape, floral and still life in cherry blossom season. Sign up for Spring Mini Series

B. Skagit Valley College 

4/28 - 6/22 

For those who are helping their children with remote learning or working during the day, we have a Wednesday evening class from 6-9pm PDT live on Zoom for a little “me time”.

👋😊watercolor Class is open to all levels of experience. 

Go to https://www.skagit.edu/continuing-community-education/cce-home/

Select creativity and Hobbies, and scroll down to Watercolor Painting where you will find a link to register on the Skagit Valley College Community Ed website

C. Kirkland Arts Center

3/26 - 5/14 

For those who are ready for an Intermediate level watercolor class, we offer a live weekly Zoom schedule on Fridays from 11am-2pm PDT through Kirkland Arts Center 

👩‍🎨Limited seats available 

Information and Registration 

A19.21.SP Intermediate Watercolor

https://reg134.imperisoft.com/kirklandartscenter/ProgramDetail/3635333837/Registration.aspx

January means New Watercolor Classes

Brighten up the rainy dark winter days with a fun, lively watercolor class, safe at home on Zoom. 

A. For those who are helping their children with remote learning or working during the day, we have a Wednesday evening class from 6-9pm PST live on Zoom for a little “me time”.

👋😊Class is open to all levels of experience. 

Go to https://www.campusce.net/skagit/course/course.aspx?catId=26 

and scroll down to Watercolor Painting where you will find a link to register on the Skagit Valley College Community Ed website

B. For those who are ready for an Intermediate level watercolor class, we offer a live weekly Zoom schedule on Fridays from 11am-2pm PST through Kirkland Arts Center 

👩‍🎨Limited seats available 

Information and Registration 

https://reg134.imperisoft.com/kirklandartscenter/ProgramDetail/3633373930/Registration.aspx

Join Me Live on Periscope Sunday, November 22 at 9:00am PST

 👋😎 Hey! It’s been quite some time since we had a chat and a live tutorial on Periscope, hasn’t it?

Join me live on periscope.tv/michelecoopart this Sunday, November 22 at 9:00am for a tutorial on binding and making a cover for your DIY watercolor journal/sketchbook. Just drop in to say hello or play along with this fun and easy craft project.

I’ve been sketching comfort food with my watercolor class lately and I have to make a cover for my DIY sketchbook.

If you want to do this along with me, see below for a materials list. You probably have everything you need right there at home.

DIY WATERCOLOR SKETCHBOOK

• 3 or 4 sheets of 140lb watercolor paper (8x10 or up to 11x14)
• an empty cereal box or other recyclable cardboard 
• scissors, ruler, pencil, bone folder
• thumb tack or push pin
• yarn/string/waxed binders’ thread, Choose one
• long needle with large eye for the thread, like a darning needle or book binder’s needle
• You can use wrapping paper or fabric big enough to cover the cardboard.
• Elmers glue will work to glue the paper or fabric to the cardboard cover but takes time to dry. Extra strong glue stick is nice. Fabric Tac glue works great but it’s expensive. 

I think that’s it. See you there! 😊

Fall Watercolor Classes Begin Sept 30

Classes are all held live via Zoom.

Zoom is an easy videoconferencing program we’ve chosen in order to create the feeling of being with your instructor and classmates while you’re safe and healthy at home. 

What kind of technology do I need? I’m a little nervous!

You can use Zoom with a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera! We promise, it’s easier than it sounds and we’re here to help.

Skagit Valley College

Painting Watercolor class details https://www.campusce.net/skagit/course/course.aspx?catId=26

Painting Watercolor with Michele Cooper, Wednesday 6 - 9pm Live Online

10/7 - 11/11,  2020

If you have taken classes at Skagit Valley College, here is a quick link to register

You may call CouriAnne for more information or to register  Call (425) 822-7161

Kirkland Arts Center

Intermediate Watercolor with Michele Cooper, Friday 11:00am to 2:00pm Live Online

10/2 - 11/20, 2020

Information and Registration 

Contact Ashlie Beach for more information or to register  Call (425) 822-7161

Kirkland Arts Center

Introduction to Watercolor Workshop, Saturday and Sunday  10:00am to 4:00pm Live Online

11/21 - 11/22, 2020

Information and Registration

Contact Ashlie Beach for more information or to register  Call (425) 822-7161

Make a Pocket Sketchbook for your Travels

 Many of my artist friends are taking a little extra free time this summer to make a few road trips. Along with your usual snapshots wouldn’t it be nice to have a pocket sketchbook with you and spend an hour under the shade of a roadside tree sketching the colors of summer?

Take a few of these in your day bag while traveling.

Choose your favorite watercolor paper for your DIY pocket sketchbook.

It’s fun to choose decorative papers to create a theme for each little pocket sketchbook.

At the end I share a flip through of my sketches from Roosengarde in my own DIY pocket sketchbook.

Here’s my YouTube tutorial on how to make one for yourself or as a gift for a friend. 

Tomorrow I’m leading an online on location watercolor workshop at another stunning garden. Join us!

More info on the summer workshops here.

Fun with Watercolor on Location at Langus Riverside Park

Friday, July 10, 2020

It was a beautiful afternoon for a watercolor workshop along the banks of the Snohomish River. The scent of wild roses hung in the air as kayaks silently glided across the ripples and reflections in the lazily flowing water.

The hum of traffic in the distance could be heard now and then but the twittering of wild birds captures ones attention as they go flitting among the branches of the trees. Now and then a couple in quiet conversation strolls by.

A man walking his dog on the sidewalk past my car stops for a moment to compliment my work. He says his wife enjoys painting watercolors, too. He wears a face covering and keeps about 10 feet away. I have had my mask on while we talked and put it in my pocket in case I feel the need to wear it again.

I'm parked in a good spot, a safe distance from most passersby.

It's so nice to see the smiles on the faces of my online students, safe and comfortable at home, yet together here with me at the park.

I have detailed knowledge of all my favorite spots for summer outdoor painting. I have decades of experience in painting on location and teaching watercolors.

I'm going through dozens of practice runs on how to set up my filming and broadcast equipment for live interaction. So far, so good. Except once in a while the internet gremlins show up with a new glitch. Still, it's pretty close to being there face to face.

PS. I'm still training my assistant, but if you hear snoring from under a distant tree, it's NOT the internet gremlins.

Here are my 3 little ATCs from our location at Langus Park. We are collecting these for each of our summer workshops. At the end of the series, we'll have a swap among those who attended.

Schedule Updates for Outdoor Online Workshops

Until it is practical to meet in groups, our workshops will be live online through Zoom

This summer I am sharing some of my favorite outdoor painting spots through a series of 5 watercolor workshops. Check here for updates on Location and start times for our live online interactive summer sessions.

Registered students will receive a private video of the scene the evening before the workshop. This will help you get familiar with some of the subjects available, ambient sounds, etc.

Register for workshops 

Tentative schedule (there is room for adjustment due to weather, unforeseen circumstances or request by participants-i.e. switch from am to pm) Updates will be published here on my blog, Facebook Art Page and Instagram linktr.ee/michelecooperart 

1. Friday, July 10 (the majority favors pm) 2:30-5:30 pm

Location: River reflections, trees, mixing greens, kayaks in action, basic composition on location

Zoom live interactive on location 

2. Tuesday July 21 -- 2:30-5:30 pm

Location: Coastal scene, embankments, inlets, wildflowers, meadows and marshland, clouds, driftwood beach, foreground composition on location

Zoom live interactive on location

3. Wednesday August 5 — 2:30-5:30 pm

Location: Picturesque vintage harbor, tidal estuary. Options include boats moored in the marina, wildlife in the estuary, boardwalk, old harbor and buildings, dry dock and along Union Slough leading out to Gardner Bay.

Zoom live interactive on location 

4. Monday August 17 (9:30am-12:30pm) has been switched to (9:30am-12:30pm) because of weather watch for extreme heat (TBD by registered members of the class)

Choose Dates

#4 Aug 17, 2020 $45.00 USD #5 Sept 16, 2020 $45.00 USD Both Aug 17/Sept 16, 2020 $90.00 USD

Location: A secluded area in a public garden. 

Options include mass plantings of perennial flowering shrubs, ancient trees, an English garden complete with phone box garden seat, fishing pond with lilies, a cool shaded creek with small wooden bridge, drought plantings, vegetable garden, children's garden and more.

Zoom live interactive on location 

 

5. Wednesday Sept 16 (2:30-5:30pm)

Location:  Rural scenery

Options include: barns, fields, farm equipment, animals, winding country roads, early fall color

Zoom live interactive on location 

 

I am flexible on the start time for classes. Initially I plan am classes from 9:30-12:30   and  pm classes from 2:30-5:30. This takes advantage of the light conditions in summer. Please let me know your preference.

I don’t expect especially large attendance, so we can check in the day before and see how it goes with the weather and the group. It really will be like a small group of friends planning a pai9nt outing for the day.

 

Choose Dates

#4 Aug 17, 2020 $45.00 USD #5 Sept 16, 2020 $45.00 USD Both Aug 17/Sept 16, 2020 $90.00 USD

Register for Summer Watercolor Workshops 2020

Save your spot, register now for our summer series of Five Online Watercolor workshops. Each workshop will be 2.5 to 3 hours depending on subject matter and student engagement.

There will be two workshops in July, two in August and one in mid September.

Tentative schedule (there is room for adjustment due to weather, unforeseen circumstances or request by participants-i.e. switch from am to pm)
Friday, July 10 pm                           Wednesday August 5 pm
Tuesday July 21 pm                         Monday August 17 pm

Wednesday Sept 16 am

Choose Dates

#4 Aug 17, 2020 $45.00 USD #5 Sept 16, 2020 $45.00 USD Both Aug 17/Sept 16, 2020 $90.00 USD

Participants will receive full details about the virtual meeting place, materials, expectations, and other useful tips before each workshop. Scroll down for information about registration, level, and cancellations policy. For questions contact Michele Cooper michelec12@gmail.com

Level

Workshops are designed for all levels of participants from beginners to advanced painters. Instructor will provide guidance and tips necessary to get started for beginner painters while more seasoned artists will be challenged to further their skills with a fun array of fast-paced subjects and themes. Some previous experience will be helpful but not required.

Registration 

You can register for individual workshops, take the entire series of 5, or pick and choose any 3.

One workshop at a time $45

I am All In (Take all 5 workshops at $37/workshop) $185

Pick and Choose 3 ($40/workshop) $120

Avoid fees and register by emailing michelec12@gmail.com with your choice of workshops.

You can send your payment by:

1. Venmo (@Michele-Cooper-49)
2. Cash App ($MicheleLCooper)
3. Paypal (https://www.paypal.me/michelec12) Keep in mind PayPal charges a small fee unless you use the "friends" option. 
4. Check to Michele Cooper 

Cancelations

Because of the uncertainty of this time you can cancel any workshop or package at any point for a full refund. Transaction fees will be charged if applicable.