Watercolor Painting: Rhythm & Hues – Prairie Skies

Rhythm and Hues class - Prairie Skies, art by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson

Art by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson

Date

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fee

$80 member/$100 non-member, includes Arboretum admission. Bring your own supplies; see below.

REGISTER

Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)

Age

Adult 18+

Skill level

Basic watercolor experience recommended

Instructor: Sonja Hutchinson, award-winning artist and long-time watercolor painting instructor

Summer storms are fascinating to watch – the colors and turbulence of the clouds and the changing light of the stormy sky all contribute to drama worth capturing in watercolor!

Now you can start pulling it all together. In this third class you will concentrate on:

  • How to manage both hard and soft edges
  • How to mix beautiful neutrals
  • How to build atmospheric perspective into your landscape

Supplies:

Bring to class your watercolor kit from Finding Your Rhythm class – or, if you already have similar supplies, bring your own kit.

  • Watercolors (a minimum of 5 colors such as Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Permanent Rose, Yellow Ochre, Winsor or Azo Yellow)
  • Watercolor brushes (one large, one small round)
  • 3-4 sheets of 140# cold press paper, 100% cotton (such as Arches), 9 x 12 is a good size for this
  • Two water containers (24-oz yogurt containers work fine)
  • A palette for mixing your colors
  • Paper towels
  • Pencil, sketch paper and an eraser

 

 

Maximum participants
20
Arboretum entry instructions

We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.

Address: Farm at the Arb Entrance Gate

If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).  Note: in winter months 3-mile Drive may be closed, please check before arrival.

Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.