workshops

color 1

Get intimate with color

Regardless of your level of experience, this is Your class!

If you’ve never painted – this class is for you.  You learn the about the foundation of painting – paint! And it’s a great way to practice laying down color into water – the essence of watercolor – without having to make what you’re doing look like something!

If you’ve been painting for just a short time – this class is for you.  You may have found yourself looking for the “right” color within your tubes of paint, or attempting to mix colors and had “unexpected” results – I’ll help you sort out how to understand how color works and a way to test color mixing that you’ll use forever.
If you’ve been painting for decades – this class is for you.  You may have a whole collection of paints, many you may never use, many you’ve forgotten about. This is a chance to take a break from your “regular” painting to really understand what you’ve got and how to use and mix your paints.

AND If you’ve already taken this class – this is the class for you, TOO!  I learn something new about color every time I teach it. It’s endless. Come reinforce what you’ve already learned and keep your color exploration going.

As artists, understanding color is fundamental to what we do. I have a particular obsession with it, as such I have learned a ton about color, paints and pigments and love to share it.  This is a fun, easy and practical class that gives you confidence in mixing colors and invites your freedom when you sit to paint. I offer you a special price to repeat it too.

This class is fun! – if you are a color addict like me, it’s just pure joy!

This class is very practical – you will leave with tools and methods to use in your paintings

The environment is very safe – there’s no wrong answer, it’s all an exploration

I’m asked all the time “how do I make a good rich, dark green” or “this painting needs something, how can I give it more life?”

Seems that between what I’ve had from the get-go and what I’ve learned over the years of painting with watercolor pigments, I have so much to share about color.

I’m in love with color (in case that’s not plainly obvious!) and am so happy and eager to share that love – and knowledge!

Here’s what you’ll gain

  • You will discover the treasure contained in all those tubes of paint you have – it’s so much more than the color on the tube!
  • You will understand how to interpret information printed on tubes, to really know what is inside, potentially saving you money avoiding buying redundant colors.
  • You will know what colors may fade over time, changing your paintings forever.
  • You will make your own color wheel, based on a special design I’ve created.
    (I provide watercolor paper with the outline of the wheel for you)
  • You will know how to reliably mix clear, vibrant colors, and how to mix the more muted ones too.
  • You will practice mixing colors – including learning the tinting strength of pigments.
  • You will see the whole range of colors that can come from just two pigments.
  • You will begin practicing making the colors for your paintings, based on your own reference materials.
  • I will share with you some of my favorite “recipes” to get you started.
  • You gain confidence to experiment and play with color on your own.
  • You’ll spend hours being fed through your eyes!

testimonials

I am so excited now about my painting and feel more confident about branching out and playing with color. I recommend this class to anyone interested in watercolor! It was a blast!

Sue R.

I have never studied color as I did in your class and I am excited by what I have learned and will continue to learn about the infinite possibilities of color. I also really enjoyed mixing and understanding just how many colors can be made with the primary colors. I feel the information you shared with us was valuable and I will continue to explore, learn and play with Color!

Laurie S.

The Workshop

A weekend workshop that introduces you to color and watercolor paints and pigments and how to mix them, giving you a new (or renewed) relationship with color!

Limited to 10 students.

This class was originally designed for painters who have a collection of watercolor paints. If you don’t already have paints, when signing up, let me know and I’ll provide a basic list. You can add to your paint collection as you are inspired to after the workshop.

Schedule & Cost

In Person: $245
Online: $150

Use the buttons to make a payment online.

Or mail a check to:  Cara Brown, 250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Suite G3, Novato, CA 94949
(Please include your email address with your check.)

In-Person Dates:

 

Saturday-Sunday – June 7-8, 2025
9:45-4:00

Pay online

Online Dates:

No workshops currently scheduled.

Replays of past workshops available for purchase.

Pay online

Location

You will love our beautiful new studio in Bel Marin Keys, in southern Novato. There are lunch options - short walks away. You also have use of the fridge, microwave and toaster oven.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to come to the workshop and let me know two weeks in advance, you can either apply the fee to a future workshop or I can refund you. If you cancel within 2 weeks and I have someone who can take your place, you can apply your fee to a future workshop.  If I cannot fill your spot, the fee is not refunded.

If you paid for a workshop with a credit card, the credit card transaction fees will not be included in the refund.
Thank you so much for your understanding.