"Creating Depth and Drama in Watercolor" with Artist Kathleen Giles, AWS, NWS-M, TWSA. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. July 14 to July 17, 2026. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch.
4-day Workshop Price: $415 for WSI Members. $475 for Non-Members. Skill Level: Intermediate
This workshop will explore the importance of value and composition, with an emphasis on seeing and painting the contours of subjects. Every object, from flowers to faces, have shadow contours that make them appear three dimensional. This information packed class will help students see and paint values realistically. Using a limited palette, Kathleen will demonstrate the mixing of triads and explain the importance of grays. Color mixtures can be altered by the ratio of warm to cool color used to enhance the glow of the final painting. The first day begins with a short digital picture show and Kathleen will discuss choosing the best references and how she manipulates them to ensure a more successful painting. Each morning and afternoon will begin with a demonstration, with more throughout the day. There will be plenty of one-on-one attention. Critique will take place at the end of each day. Wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing techniques and dry brush will be demonstrated and explained. The class will do several studies of deferent subjects.
Students will learn:
~to read values correctly and alter them when necessary creating a three dimensional look
~create depth with layered wet-into-wet glazes and texture
~how to use neutrals for balance and depth
~create unity by mixing grays and blacks.
~tips on how to lift out lost hi-lights or brighten areas when needed.
Students will receive a palette and supply list. The reference photos and an introductory video from Kathleen will be sent to all registered students about 5 weeks before the workshop.
Level of student: Some previous watercolor experience needed
Kathleen S. Giles ~AWS, NWS-M, TWSA, AWA, PWS, NFWS, WHS
"My art has become such an all-encompassing force in my life that I am always involved in some aspect of it. I am paint scenes that are filled with color and dramatic lighting. My subjects can be beautiful but often have an underlying story. My work captures a moment in time. I strive to draw the viewer into my visual narrative and to create an emotional response. For me, realism is the best way to do that. My teaching has allowed me to meet and work with wonderful artists from all around the world. I value those relationships that have enriched my life so much" - Kathleen
Kathleen’s primary discipline is watercolor and her realistic portrayal of everyday life has won her many awards. She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, a Master Signature of the National Watercolor Society, the Transparent Watercolor Society, American Women Artists, the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the Watercolor Honor Society, North East Watercolor society, Women in Watercolor and the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society. The artist is a member of the International Guild of Realism and an elected member of the Allied Artists of America.
The artist travels the U.S. to teach workshops, in-person and online. In 2025 her painting “Heading Out” won first place in the Artist’s Magazine annual competition. Also in 2025 her painting “Life is Learning to Fly” won first place in the Splash 26, the best of contemporary watercolor, first place in the North East Watercolor Society show and was accepted into the American Watercolor Society Show. In 2024 she also had two paintings included in Splash 25 and has also had work in Splash 24, 23, 21, 20, 17 and 15. In 2024, her painting “Life is Having Time for Nature” won first place in the Richeson Portrait Competition. Her painting "Life is a Reflection of Youth" won the Edgar Whitney Memorial award at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club and the Watercolor USA Honor Society Escoda Brush Merchandise Award at Watercolor USA. Kathleen is a 2023 Arc Salon winning artist for her painting "Tears For Ukraine". The painting "Life Is Feeling Boxed In" won the Bronze Medal from the American Watercolor Society, in 2022. Kathleen was one of the instructors in the 2nd Watercolor Live and in the January 2026 event. She appeared twice on Eric Rhoads Art School Live podcast. Watch the videos here, Painting Faces with Wet-into-Wet Watercolor w/ Kathleen Giles and here Eliminate Clutter for Better Paintings with Kathleen Giles. Kathleen sells prerecorded videos and also teaches live online. She maintains a studio and gallery in her home in Gasport, N.Y. that is open to the public by appointment. https://www.kgilesstudio.com/
*Workshops do not include supplies. Each instructor will send their supply list to students. *There is a 5% cancellation fee when cancelling before the 2-week deadline. *No refunds within 2 weeks of the workshop start date. If you are not able to attend, you may send someone in your place. Thank you!
