Watercolor 101

Top rated icon TOP RATED

4.83 | 29 reviews

278 Have Dabbled

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

This workshop is for those of any experience level who want to try using watercolors to create one or several paintings to gift or keep. Internationally-exhibited artist Kelley Schei focuses on teaching some basic skills while letting you find your own creative style in a fun, supportive atmosphere. In this workshop you will learn to:



  • use a variety of watercolor materials 

  • use basic painting techniques 

  • mix colors using color theory

  • make a dynamic composition



With a little technique (and a little wine) you'll be able to paint one or a series of watercolor paintings. Painting materials and instruction provided, BYOB!


*Please note that there is construction in the neighborhood, but there is a free parking lot to the south of our building. We also have a free lot to the east of the new build (behind AND Collaborative and Meraki Moon.)

Minimum age

All ages welcome

What's Provided

watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.

Cancellation Policy
Location
River North Workshop @ Birdsall + Co.
3040 Blake Street, Unit 131
Denver, CO, 80205

There are currently no upcoming dates scheduled for this Dabble. Log in to an account message the host or add to your bucket list to be automatically notified when new dates are posted.

MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST

Kelley Schei

Top rated icon TOP RATED

Kelley Schei is a Denver-based, internationally-exhibited artist who recently completed artist residencies in central Italy, Iceland, and Sicily. She creates semi-abstract landscape paintings, traveling the world to find inspiration in the colors and forms of extreme natural landscapes, often hiking and photographing her surroundings before heading to the studio to paint. She received an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has taught painting and art history at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and at Craftsman & Apprentice in Denver. As a teacher she believes that a little skill and technique can set personal creativity free.

EXPERIENCE REVIEWS

  • Default user photo
    Lisa V.
    Reviewed on 02/04/20

    This class hit the mark perfectly. Kelley balanced giving us some direct instruction and modeling with lots of time for us to just explore. She exposed us to some higher level art concepts but without overwhelming us. I walked away feeling empowered to go to the art store, get some watercolor supplies, and try it out on my own at home a few times since the class, which was less than a week ago. Thanks, Kelley, for the great class!

    This class hit the mark perfectly. Kelley balanced giving us some direct instruction and modeling with lots of time for us to just explore. She exposed us to some higher level art concepts but without overwhelming us. I walked away feeling empowered to go to the art store, get some watercolor supplies, and try it out on my own at home a few times since the class, which was less than a week ago. Thanks, Kelley, for the great class!

  • Default user photo
    Adrienne R.
    Reviewed on 12/26/19

    Great class! Our class ended up being very small, but I appreciated all the individualized attention and structure of the class. I had a better understanding of the materials and how I would like to experiment in the future after taking this class.

    Great class! Our class ended up being very small, but I appreciated all the individualized attention and structure of the class. I had a better understanding of the materials and how I would like to experiment in the future after taking this class.

  • Default user photo
    Sabina D.
    Reviewed on 11/10/19

    Loved the class - it was a good balance of learning and explanation on techniques and time to paint. Loved the venue as well!

    Loved the class - it was a good balance of learning and explanation on techniques and time to paint. Loved the venue as well!

  • Default user photo
    Lauren A.
    Reviewed on 10/04/19

    This was a really fun class and I walked away with paintings that I'm proud of! I'm definitely going to start painting more: this gave me more confidence to just play with it and develop my own thing.

    This was a really fun class and I walked away with paintings that I'm proud of! I'm definitely going to start painting more: this gave me more confidence to just play with it and develop my own thing.

  • Default user photo
    Katherine R.
    Reviewed on 03/20/19

    The class was great! We learned about different paper, paints, color theory, and basics of design. We had enough time to paint and practice with a couple of ideas. Two hours goes by fast! I haven't used watercolor in a couple years and it was fun playing around again. I'd definitely recommend this to other people for a quick night of dabbling!

    The class was great! We learned about different paper, paints, color theory, and basics of design. We had enough time to paint and practice with a couple of ideas. Two hours goes by fast! I haven't used watercolor in a couple years and it was fun playing around again. I'd definitely recommend this to other people for a quick night of dabbling!

  • Default user photo
    Diana G.
    Reviewed on 02/16/19

    I hadn’t really painted in 20 years. Now I have the confidence to get back into paining with the new things I learned.

    I hadn’t really painted in 20 years. Now I have the confidence to get back into paining with the new things I learned.

  • Default user photo
    Stacey L.
    Reviewed on 10/24/18

    Kelley's watercolor workshop was great! She gave us just the right amount of information to help us learn beginning techniques and ample time to play. I really enjoyed it as a way to learn a new skill before jumping all in.

    Kelley's watercolor workshop was great! She gave us just the right amount of information to help us learn beginning techniques and ample time to play. I really enjoyed it as a way to learn a new skill before jumping all in.

  • Default user photo
    Maura K.
    Reviewed on 09/06/18

    I wanted to take this class to make watercolors a little less scary - and mission accomplished! Kelley did a fantastic job focusing on color and composition, but in a way that inspired you to experiment with the things that interested you and ask questions as needed. I would most definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in watercolor - regardless of level! Was definitely a class that encouraged creativity :)

    I wanted to take this class to make watercolors a little less scary - and mission accomplished! Kelley did a fantastic job focusing on color and composition, but in a way that inspired you to experiment with the things that interested you and ask questions as needed. I would most definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in watercolor - regardless of level! Was definitely a class that encouraged creativity :)

  • Default user photo
    Tricia E.
    Reviewed on 08/20/18

    Good instructor, very free form class without intense guidelines on what to paint. She gives loose structure to learn how to watercolor better than you previously knew how to do!

    Good instructor, very free form class without intense guidelines on what to paint. She gives loose structure to learn how to watercolor better than you previously knew how to do!

  • Default user photo
    Lily B.
    Reviewed on 08/08/18

    Kelley was a great teacher for the evening! She explained the basics of watercolor techniques and the necessary materials clearly. She allowed plenty of personal work time to play around. I brought my family with me and it was enjoyable!

    Kelley was a great teacher for the evening! She explained the basics of watercolor techniques and the necessary materials clearly. She allowed plenty of personal work time to play around. I brought my family with me and it was enjoyable!

  • Default user photo
    Andrea T.
    Reviewed on 07/10/18

    Great event! Fun and casual. Will definitely dabble more.

    Great event! Fun and casual. Will definitely dabble more.

  • Thumb anapictues
    Ana C.
    Reviewed on 05/16/18

    The location is great! The class was fun. Kelley was very nice and very informative. She had tons of pallets for us to use and paper. She went over brushes and different types of strokes. I am thinking of taking watercolor up as a hobby now! Thank you!!!

    The location is great! The class was fun. Kelley was very nice and very informative. She had tons of pallets for us to use and paper. She went over brushes and different types of strokes. I am thinking of taking watercolor up as a hobby now! Thank you!!!

  • Default user photo
    Phyllis S.
    Reviewed on 04/29/18

    Fun class with plenty of time to explore what we learned. Easy techniques I look forward to continuing with.

    Fun class with plenty of time to explore what we learned. Easy techniques I look forward to continuing with.

  • Default user photo
    Kristen W.
    Reviewed on 04/23/18

    I loved this class! From the moment we got started and began discussing paper, I was already geeking out. She made me geek out about paper(!). The setup of the class was really helpful, we painted a bit and then discussed color theory, then painted some more while she offered guidance, suggestions etc. It was a great environment for anyone who needs a lot of step-by-step instruction or someone who would rather just wing it and get feedback along the way. 100% would recommend.

    I loved this class! From the moment we got started and began discussing paper, I was already geeking out. She made me geek out about paper(!). The setup of the class was really helpful, we painted a bit and then discussed color theory, then painted some more while she offered guidance, suggestions etc. It was a great environment for anyone who needs a lot of step-by-step instruction or someone who would rather just wing it and get feedback along the way. 100% would recommend.

  • Default user photo
    Caroline L.
    Reviewed on 11/13/17

    Such a great class for beginners! We learned technique and color theory, which was a wonderful review. This isn't a cocktails and painting class, so come with your own ideas if you want a solid finished product.

    Such a great class for beginners! We learned technique and color theory, which was a wonderful review. This isn't a cocktails and painting class, so come with your own ideas if you want a solid finished product.

  • Default user photo
    Nicole K.
    Reviewed on 11/11/17

    The class was great! I wen't to art school for college and hadn't done watercolor in years so this class was a wonderful refresher course. Definitely geared a little more towards the basic beginner but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

    The class was great! I wen't to art school for college and hadn't done watercolor in years so this class was a wonderful refresher course. Definitely geared a little more towards the basic beginner but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • Default user photo
    Mackenzie S.
    Reviewed on 11/11/17

    Kelly provided so much knowledge in such a short period of time. I've been painting for several years, and left with new skills in color mixing and blending. The class was fun, interactive and relaxing all at the same time. Highly recommended!

    Kelly provided so much knowledge in such a short period of time. I've been painting for several years, and left with new skills in color mixing and blending. The class was fun, interactive and relaxing all at the same time. Highly recommended!

  • Default user photo
    Danielle F.
    Reviewed on 06/25/17

    It was a lot of fun to paint!

    It was a lot of fun to paint!

  • Default user photo
    Valerie M.
    Reviewed on 05/30/17

    My friend was in from out of town and we decided to Dabble together. A watercolor class gave us an introduction to a new art and a great girls night out! Kelly is a lovely artist, informative and encouraging.

    My friend was in from out of town and we decided to Dabble together. A watercolor class gave us an introduction to a new art and a great girls night out! Kelly is a lovely artist, informative and encouraging.

  • Default user photo
    Laura F.
    Reviewed on 04/27/17

    This class was so informative and fun! I'd take it again in a second!

    This class was so informative and fun! I'd take it again in a second!

  • Default user photo
    Jasmine G.
    Reviewed on 03/02/17

    I really enjoyed this class! I've never painted before, and I feel like I learned enough in this class that I can practice painting with watercolors on my own. I also got to create some things during the class that I'll enjoy having in my home.

    I really enjoyed this class! I've never painted before, and I feel like I learned enough in this class that I can practice painting with watercolors on my own. I also got to create some things during the class that I'll enjoy having in my home.

  • Thumb img 9696
    Katie K.
    Reviewed on 01/26/17

    A very open forum to learn at any level. Basic overview of materials, types of watercolor and techniques!

    A very open forum to learn at any level. Basic overview of materials, types of watercolor and techniques!

  • Default user photo
    Rachel S.
    Reviewed on 11/14/16

    Kelley was very knowledgeable and encouraged lots of creative exploration!

    Kelley was very knowledgeable and encouraged lots of creative exploration!

  • Default user photo
    Leigh P.
    Reviewed on 06/06/16

    This class was a lot of fun! Kelley was engaging and encouraging especially for those of us that are a little hopeless with paining! I would certainly do this class again and recommend to friends!

    This class was a lot of fun! Kelley was engaging and encouraging especially for those of us that are a little hopeless with paining! I would certainly do this class again and recommend to friends!

  • Default user photo
    Jasa R.
    Reviewed on 01/15/18

    The space is really cool and
    I loved shaking up my routine to try something new.

    The space is really cool and
    I loved shaking up my routine to try something new.

  • Show more
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{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Lauren A.","created_at":"over 4 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a really fun class and I walked away with paintings that I'm proud of! I'm definitely going to start painting more: this gave me more confidence to just play with it and develop my own thing.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Katherine R.","created_at":"about 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great! We learned about different paper, paints, color theory, and basics of design. We had enough time to paint and practice with a couple of ideas. Two hours goes by fast! I haven't used watercolor in a couple years and it was fun playing around again. I'd definitely recommend this to other people for a quick night of dabbling!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Diana G.","created_at":"about 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I hadn’t really painted in 20 years. Now I have the confidence to get back into paining with the new things I learned. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Stacey L.","created_at":"over 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Kelley's watercolor workshop was great! She gave us just the right amount of information to help us learn beginning techniques and ample time to play. I really enjoyed it as a way to learn a new skill before jumping all in. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Maura K.","created_at":"over 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I wanted to take this class to make watercolors a little less scary - and mission accomplished! Kelley did a fantastic job focusing on color and composition, but in a way that inspired you to experiment with the things that interested you and ask questions as needed. I would most definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in watercolor - regardless of level! Was definitely a class that encouraged creativity :) ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Tricia E.","created_at":"over 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Good instructor, very free form class without intense guidelines on what to paint. She gives loose structure to learn how to watercolor better than you previously knew how to do! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Lily B.","created_at":"over 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Kelley was a great teacher for the evening! She explained the basics of watercolor techniques and the necessary materials clearly. She allowed plenty of personal work time to play around. I brought my family with me and it was enjoyable! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Andrea T.","created_at":"over 5 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Great event! Fun and casual. Will definitely dabble more. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/473605/thumb_anapictues.jpg","reviewer_name":"Ana C.","created_at":"almost 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The location is great! The class was fun. Kelley was very nice and very informative. She had tons of pallets for us to use and paper. She went over brushes and different types of strokes. I am thinking of taking watercolor up as a hobby now! Thank you!!! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Phyllis S.","created_at":"almost 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Fun class with plenty of time to explore what we learned. Easy techniques I look forward to continuing with. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Kristen W.","created_at":"almost 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I loved this class! From the moment we got started and began discussing paper, I was already geeking out. She made me geek out about paper(!). The setup of the class was really helpful, we painted a bit and then discussed color theory, then painted some more while she offered guidance, suggestions etc. It was a great environment for anyone who needs a lot of step-by-step instruction or someone who would rather just wing it and get feedback along the way. 100% would recommend. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Caroline L.","created_at":"over 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Such a great class for beginners! We learned technique and color theory, which was a wonderful review. This isn't a cocktails and painting class, so come with your own ideas if you want a solid finished product. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Nicole K.","created_at":"over 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great! I wen't to art school for college and hadn't done watercolor in years so this class was a wonderful refresher course. Definitely geared a little more towards the basic beginner but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Mackenzie S.","created_at":"over 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Kelly provided so much knowledge in such a short period of time. I've been painting for several years, and left with new skills in color mixing and blending. The class was fun, interactive and relaxing all at the same time. Highly recommended!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Danielle F.","created_at":"almost 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"It was a lot of fun to paint!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Valerie M.","created_at":"almost 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"My friend was in from out of town and we decided to Dabble together. A watercolor class gave us an introduction to a new art and a great girls night out! Kelly is a lovely artist, informative and encouraging. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Laura F.","created_at":"almost 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was so informative and fun! I'd take it again in a second!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Jasmine G.","created_at":"about 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I really enjoyed this class! I've never painted before, and I feel like I learned enough in this class that I can practice painting with watercolors on my own. I also got to create some things during the class that I'll enjoy having in my home.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/471111/thumb_IMG_9696.jpeg","reviewer_name":"Katie K.","created_at":"about 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"A very open forum to learn at any level. Basic overview of materials, types of watercolor and techniques! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Rachel S.","created_at":"over 7 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Kelley was very knowledgeable and encouraged lots of creative exploration! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Leigh P.","created_at":"almost 8 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was a lot of fun! Kelley was engaging and encouraging especially for those of us that are a little hopeless with paining! I would certainly do this class again and recommend to friends!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Jasa R.","created_at":"about 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eWatercolor 101\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":null,"review_content":"The space is really cool and\r\nI loved shaking up my routine to try something new. ","teacher_response":null}

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