Art by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$80 member/$100 non-member, includes Arboretum admission. Bring-your-own supplies; see below.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
Basic watercolor experience recommended
Instructor: Sonja Hutchinson, award-winning artist and long-time watercolor painting instructor
First in a series of three successive, skill-building watercolor classes.
You will draw upon the Arboretum’s tree silhouettes for inspiration and apply skills learned in Finding Your Rhythm to the technique of painting “wet into wet” – painting with watercolor on wet paper.
In this class you will learn:
- How to maintain the light by controlling your water.
- How to build texture within your washes.
- How to blend color on the paper to achieve a glowing wash.
- How to mix strong color to add dramatic flourishes to your painting.
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, Windsor 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
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).
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.during our operating hours.