Past eventWed., May 13, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.–Wed., June 17, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Six Wednesdays, May 13–June 17 | Public: $375, Members: $350
Education and Visitor Center, Roger’s Classroom, Steven’s Classroom, and various garden locations
Artist John Singer Sargent called painting watercolors outdoors “making the best of an emergency.” The emergency? A moment of perfect, fleeting light. In the fourth session, Scott will teach participants a fun technique to paint with watercolors outdoors and how to capture fleeting sunlight before it changes. Later, participants will apply what they learned as they paint the architecture and gardens. This session will take place in the studio classroom and the South Terrace.
June 10: How to Express Light with a Paintbrush
Scott will show participants how to paint the visual effects of light in watercolor. Participants will learn a variety of practical techniques with brushes and other tools and apply them. This session will take place in the studio classroom and the North Vista.
June 17: The Poetry of Watercolor
In the final session, participants will learn to distill a subject to its most beautiful and expressive essence and apply what they have learned as they paint. This intuitive and practical approach helps the artist express their own interest with greater skill and produce artworks that elicit an emotional response from the viewer. This session will take place in the studio classroom and the Library Lawn.
*Locations subject to change depending on weather
Participants are welcome to use any materials and brands they prefer. For those interested, below is a list of the gear and materials the instructor will use in class.
Brushes: Expensive brushes are not necessary. Synthetic brushes (listed below) are excellent and inexpensive.
Watercolor Paints
Paints (and watercolor blocks) are available online at jacksonsart.com. This is Scott’s favorite art supply source. Although based in England, they typically process orders and ship quickly.
Watercolor Block: Scott recommends not compromising on paper quality. The following “Blocks,” 20 sheets of watercolor paper glued together on all four sides to keep the paper flat while painting, are recommended.
Both brands are available locally at Blue Rooster Art Supplies in Pasadena.
Watercolor Palette: Scott recommends the Portable Painter Palette. If participants desire extra wells for additional paint colors, Scott recommends the “Classic Plus Kit.” Enter promo code SCOTT at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your order (promo code is case-sensitive).
Other Materials to Bring
For questions about this event, please contact publicprograms@huntington.org.
For questions about this event, please contact the Public Programs team at publicprograms@huntington.org.
Class fees support our mission to promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical sciences.
Top image: Watercolor illustration of a succulent plant. Courtesy of Richard Scott.
