Man oh man, I am just over the moon to share photos from my last watercolor workshop and tell you a little bit more about exactly what it’s like to attend one of my classes. (Spoiler alert: I’m just as crazy in real life, and yep, I’m a hugger.) Kathy of Kathy Beaver Photography took all these sweet photos, and I'm so glad I hired her to capture the day!
It’s been on my bucket list to host a workshop at Morning Glory Farm with my Pop. I mean, how cool is it to get to teach watercolor alongside your dad since he’s the one who taught me? (Check out his work at gwebbgallery.com.) And of course, anyone who’s visited Morning Glory Farm can see just how special it is the moment they enter through the gates because the charm and blooming flowers really do take your breath away.
This is the little mountain paradise where I grew up running barefoot through the garden, eating billions of sun-sweetened blueberries and staying up late telling ghost stories with my cousins around the campfire. When I think about all of my childhood memories, I’m pretty sure I grew up in *actual* summer camp, and I am so thankful to my parents for creating such a special place that gave me lots of room to wonder and plenty of creative freedom. (And of course, the dreamiest wedding location of all time. Alex really had no choice in where we would get married haha.)
Of course Papa G. did all the floral arrangements, just like he did at my wedding!
Anywho, reminiscing aside, I knew I had to have a watercolor floral workshop at the farm because the inspiration here is just as lush as Pop’s gardens. To make the day even more special, I served my favorite donuts from the best donut shop this side of the Mississippi (and the other side too) The Donut Friar and homemade biscuits and jam that my Nana made that morning. (Oh, and fresh-picked blueberries too. We don’t mess around when it comes to snacks.)
This class was extra-fun for me because I had an entire table full of family members and my best friend Elisabeth of ElisaAnne Calligraphy came up for the weekend to attend. I also met so many amazing “Insta-friends,” and it was a joy to spend time with them in person and paint together!
Bethany of Joy Unscripted is the cutest!
It’s always so fun for me to see how each student progresses in just the snippet of time we have together and the way their face lights up when they make the perfect brushstroke and something creative just clicks. I truly do feel like a proud mama bear!
Each class always starts with chatting all about the best supplies and then diving right into watercolor techniques. We go over each one and learn the magic of the real fancy watercolor paper and how it instantly improves every artist! From there, we dive into loose florals and composition (always a fave!) and then the real meat-and-potatoes is when get to realistic florals, and I teach my 10-step watercolor rose from pencil sketch to finished piece. (Even my Nana (shown below) was super proud of her artwork at the end of class!)
I always like to give my students lots of one-on-one attention because, let's be real, it can be SO much easier to see the technique right in front of you on your own paper rather than squinting to see an easel 15 feet away. I'm always walking around and getting my steps in at these workshops! (And it's why I like to keep the classes small and intimate. I want to get to know you!)
See? Total proof that my jokes are funny.
All my students receive my Intro to Watercolor Florals booklet that details all the watercolor techniques and tip and tricks they learned in class, and this was the ONLY place the booklet was available. However, I am so excited to announce that I've officially released the booklet so anyone and everyone can learn my secrets to realistic watercolor florals, even if they can't attend a workshop!
I'm so excited for y'all to get your hands on this and start creating beautiful watercolor blooms on your own! Watercolor seems so intimidating, but I promise you, it's so much easier than you think; you just need a little guidance to get started.
And of course, if you want to attend one of my workshops, sign up for my mailing list below to get first dibs on seats!
Where should I teach next? Let me know of any fun places in your city that would be a good fit! I'd love to meet you and paint together!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Kelly Almer
July 21, 2021
Hi Cami!
I’d love to know when you are thinking of possibly hosting another painting workshop at the farm. Any time in 2022?
Thanks!
Kelly Almer
columbinewatercolors.com