Classes and Workshops

Line-Shape-Color-Paint!
2-day on-line ZOOM workshop 
Saturday & Sunday May 23 & 24, 2026  9:00 am to 1:00 pm Pacific time
Information and registration: 
https://valleywatercolorsociety.org/events/#!event-list

Use your familiar watercolor pigments and papers in a new way. By using acrylic matte medium, our watercolor paintings can soar to new heights. This medium allows us to create a new painting surface from which we can easily lift out color and put new color down in its place (without creating “mud”). Learn to enhance your traditional watercolor methods by creating texture and areas of visual interest in your paintings.

In addition, you’ll learn about how to revive and transform old paintings and turn them into eye-catching works of art. This is a great way to try minimal acrylic techniques without having to purchase all new paints and papers. Class time will consist of demos and critiques where needed—with plenty of time to paint (and a day in between the two sessions to practice the techniques).

Creating Paintings With Impact
(Acrylic Workshop) 
What makes us stop in our tracks and examine a painting? Color, value, composition, and even subject matter are important, but more than that, a successful painting tells a story that makes us want to linger awhile longer—and keep looking. In this workshop we'll explore how to construct a strong, connected composition and make your art memorable and personal. Subject matter is the choice of each artist, so participants are free to paint figure, landscape, still life, abstract or non-objective work. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will benefit from this hands-on workshop, gaining a new perspective on how to build and design a better painting.

Topics covered include:
  • How to prepare your paper for acrylic painting
  • How to plan for and work in a series
  • Using opaque and/or transparent pigments to revive your painting
  • Subtle use of stencils/stamping to create unique patterns
  • The impact of adding line (either drawn, or scratched into paint)
  • Repurposing old paintings into new works of art (retaining the “good parts”, while obscuring areas that aren’t working)






 
Custom-Made Watermedia Workshops
If you, or a small group of artists are interested in taking a customized workshop in acrylics, watercolor, or mixed media, please contact me for more information.

Student Testimonials

What Liz's students say about her classes and workshops:
"Opens Up A New World" 
 I had never worked with acrylics before and, in fact, had rarely painted in any medium. Liz's total support from beginning to end has opened my eyes to the unlimited possibilities. Liz constantly tries out new methods and materials and shares the results via email.  (Be sure to get onto her e-mail list!)  Dip into a class with Liz. Bet you'll get hooked. - Joan Andon

"Liz Makes It So Easy"
Liz makes everything seem soooooooooo easy and it is! She's great at motivating you to "jump in" and get going on a painting. She
encourages you to let go and paint, paint, paint!  - Shelley Lebel

"Renewed Enthusiasm"
I cannot thank you enough for this week’s workshop.  I am really enthusiastic to be whole-heartedly back into my work.  I am pleased with several of the finished starts I did in class.  I am excited to share these with family and friends and I have not been able to say that (although they always support my efforts) in a long while. Thank you, thank you! - Susan Gross

"Take a class with Liz!"
 Liz is a natural-born teacher and a wonderful artist. She's obviously having fun when she's teaching--just tremendous enthusiasm for art. Some of the things  I've especially liked about her classes (I've taken 2 and will take more in the future) are: she is constantly circulating amongst the students versus spending the class time painting her own projects--constantly involved--making suggestions, asking questions, pointing out things you might not have seen; the classes I've been in have had novices and artists who have been painting for years--she makes it all work, no matter what your level of expertise happens to be. - Susan Nestor 

Picture
Liz with marbled papers/paintings
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Liz with fellow marbling artist and friend Rene Eisenbart