Class Series: Plein Air Watercolor
Fri., May 1, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., May 8, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., May 15, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., May 22, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., May 29, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., June 5, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., June 12, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.Fri., June 26, 2026, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Eight-part series | Public: $375, Members: $350
Various Garden Locations
Participants will paint Huntington landscapes en plein air. The class series is suitable for painters of all levels and will be led by instructor and artist Robert Sherrill.
The following items can be purchased at local art supply stores or online at dickblick.com, cheapjoes.com, jerrysartarama.com, or amazon.com.
Brushes
- Participants may use any brush they like. Sherrill uses BHA Liner Brush Made by Master Xu
- Sable or imitation sable brushes: #8 round, #3 round
Watercolor Paints: Cadmium red, magenta, ultramarine blue, Prussian blue, cadmium lemon yellow, cadmium yellow, and any other colors you wish. Holbein paint is recommended.
Easel: Many watercolor artists prefer to sit and paint with their paper on a clipboard or on a watercolor block in their lap; this works fine. Others like easels, and there are many kinds. The following are recommended.
- Meeden Watercolor Plein Air Easel from Dick Blick
- En Plein Air Pro Watercolor Easel from Amazon
Other Materials to Bring
- Watercolor paper, sheets or a block. Arches Watercolor Paper Block - Cold Press or Rough Surface / 140 lb. / 9" x 12" is recommended
- Watercolor palette
- Paper towels and tape
- Permanent pen (Sherril prefers 0.5, but participants are welcome to use any they like. Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment Pens are recommended
- Water-soluble marker. Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Sets are recommended
- 2B pencils
- Kneaded eraser
- Wide-brim hat
- Plein air umbrella
Key Details
- Registration includes free admission to The Huntington.
- Suitable for all levels; no previous experience is necessary.
- The class series will include sitting and standing in the gardens. Students are welcome to bring a folding stool for sitting outdoors. Hats and sunscreen are encouraged.
- Please bring registration confirmation with you.
- Check in with Education staff at Admission window #10 at 8:30 a.m.
For questions about this event, please contact publicprograms@huntington.org.
Class fees support our mission to promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical sciences.
Top image: A colorful plein air painting of a landscape in watercolor. Courtesy of Robert Sherill.