Watercolor Society of Indiana upcoming events

Beginning Watercolor Class (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

"Beginning Watercolor Class" at the Jewish Community Center Indy, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Sunday, May 17 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult Beginners only. Supplies not included, see below.

This class will cover the basics of watercolor painting while working on a special project. Learn about watercolor paints, brushes, paper, palettes, other tools used in watercolor, and techniques of application. Concentration on how to control the paint, how to mix the paint, and how to apply the paint. You do not need to be a member of The Watercolor Society to attend! Space is limited and for Beginners ONLY. Thank you!

Supply List for this workshop:

· 2 full sheets of 140 lb. paper (22 x 30) cut into halves (Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, Bockingford, Stonehenge, Canson Moulin.) If you are unable to find full sheets, any size will work.

· Watercolor paint in tubes (no pan cakes please): reds, yellows, blues, greens (preferably brands such as Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, Schminke, Graham, Holbein, or Qor).

· Brushes - rounds with good points, sizes 2,4, 6 and a mop brush, flat brush, or bigger brush for washes (synthetics are fine, just no plastic fiber brushes). Anything that you already have and like.

· Palette - something that has some wells and flat areas for mixing.

· Painting board - something like a piece of thin masonite, sheet of plastic, drawing board, etc. that is slightly bigger than yourpaper.

· Two water jars.

· Pencil, ruler, and a pair of scissors.

· Jar of masking fluid (rubber cement is fine too).

· Roll of masking tape.

*Workshops do not include supplies. *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!

Workshop with Kathleen Giles (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

"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!

Workshop with Carol Carter (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

"Painting From the Heart" with Artist Carol Carter, AWA, HACS. Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, 2026. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Break for lunch.

3-day Workshop Price: $375 for WSI Members. $435 for Non-Members. Skill Level: All experience levels welcome.

Discover how to paint with freedom, emotion, and flow in watercolor. In this inspiring workshop, Carol shares her signature wet-into-wet, loose watercolor technique through engaging 20 to 30-minute demonstrations designed to spark creativity.

Participants will paint alongside as she offers personalized guidance and support. You’ll experiment with new techniques while refining essential skills such as brush handling, water control, composition, and value. She will demonstrate the “cell” technique of sophisticating a wash.

Throughout each session, Carol will highlight the brilliance of color, the purity of transparent paint, and the importance of imagery, content, and point of view. By the end of every class, you’ll complete a finished painting that reflects both technique and personal growth.

MATERIALS LIST

PAINT:

Winsor Newton French Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Winsor Green (YS) Aureolin, Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Turquoise, Light Cerulean Blue, Opera Rose

Daniel Smith Shadow Violet

Holbein Mineral Violet, Bright Violet

PAPER:

Arches 140 lb. Cold Press 22 x 30 sheet (divided into four 11x15” sheets)

BRUSH:

1” or 2” sable/synthetic brush flat (if you have)

#2, 4, 8, 20 Black Velvet Silver Series 3000S watercolor round brush

#1 or 2 Winsor Newton Cotman Series sable round brush

GEAR:

Palette, Mechanical Pencil, Paper Towels, Water Buckets (2), Masking Fluid Pebeo, Facial Mister (fine spray bottle), iPad or cell phone to photograph the various stages of DEMO.

Please bring what you have, we will improvise!

Carol Carter is an internationally recognized artist whose career has spanned more than 35 years. Carol has taught workshops for over 30 years, as well as in university. Her paintings have been in many national and international exhibitions, both juried and invitational. She has been featured in global publications including, International Arts Magazine, Art of Watercolour, Watercolor Artist, and L’Aquarelle Magazine. In 2012 she was an AIRE fellow for the Everglades National Park. She is part of the Art in Embassies program with art currently in the American Embassy in Montenegro.

In 2019 she was also honored with Master Signature Member status, American Women Artists and Master Signature Member status, Heartland Art Club. She recently exhibited in “Making Their Mark: American Women Artists” at the Booth Western Art Museum. She is the recent recipient of 2020 Snehil Lifetime Achievement Award, Snehilsrijan, India. She has exhibited her work in Europe, China, Hong Kong, USVI, Morocco and throughout the United States. She has lead many symposiums on how to make a living as an artist and marketing art as a career. She has frequently served as a juror in art exhibitions both on national and on international levels. She is on the advisory board of the American Watercolor Weekly.

https://www.carol-carter.com/

*Workshops do not include supplies. 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!