May 5-8, 2025

(Re)Discovering Sketchbook Creativity

Instructor: Elizabeth Zimmerman

Skill: beginner to intermediate

Media: watercolor in sketchbook

This workshop is geared for beginning artists looking for new techniques or seasoned artists seeking to get reignited again with art. Get out of your daily surroundings and be inspired by the rustic lodge and forest surroundings of Menucha. During this three day workshop we will go over techniques, such as creating textures, mark making, playing with composition, and experimenting with different art materials. You will (re)discover how your sketchbook practice can strengthen your art.

We will be working in our sketchbooks, which gives freedom from perfection. This will give the space needed to sketch, doodle, paint, and draw what makes your heart happy. There will be optional extra sessions in the evening that will be about making your own sketchbook with your favorite paper.

Demonstrations by Elizabeth will include creating textures with watercolor and gouache paint, harnessing negative shapes, redefining composition, drawing from life and photos, value studies, and more. You will leave this workshop with techniques that can carry on outside of your sketchbook.

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About the Artist

Elizabeth Zimmerman is a sixth generation Oregonian with roots in the rural lifestyle. She has worked in various art mediums while attending college, but fell in love with watercolor paints even before studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Oregon College of Art and Craft. Her paintings have been featured on St. Paul Rodeo Poster, various vintages of wine bottles, she has illustrated children’s books, taught watercolor painting classes, and now travels to events to sell her art. She travels the Willamette Valley and teaches her Watercolors Made Easy classes to anyone who is interested in learning how to paint in watercolors with step by step instructions. She also brings along a compact plein air watercolor kit to capture the sights and memories of her travels. She shares her adventures on her YouTube channel and has online watercolor painting tutorials available.

Elizabeth works from her backyard studio in Salem, Oregon, and lives there with her husband, daughter, dog, and rabbits. She may live in the city, but her heart belongs to the country and someday hopes to once again call the country (with a couple horses) as her home. You can see more of her work on her website: www.westernrosestudios.com

A basic schedule - updates will be sent out closer to arrival.

Cost to Attend

All inclusive of 3 nights lodging, 9 meals, and instruction. Limited to a maximum of 16 participants.

Cost is dependent on the choice of room. A shared room will have 2 occupants - you can request a roommate or let us assign one for you.

Single Occupancy - $955 (in room or shared bath)

Shared Room - $855 (bathroom will be in room or just across the hall)

Couple Room  $1135  (one person takes the class the other enjoys Menucha and all meals)

Commuter $693  (class, lunches and dinners, no overnight lodging)

Lunch-Only Commuter $663  (class, lunches but not dinner, no overnight lodging)

 

Check-in begins at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 5

Depart at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 8

 

Photos from past watercolor classes