Finding Your Rhythm in Watercolor

Finding Rhythm watercolor by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson

Painting by Instructor Sonja Hutchinson

Date

Thursday, Aug. 20, 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

Introductory

Instructor: Sonja Hutchinson, Award-winning painter and long-time watercolor painting instructor

Watercolor is an excellent medium for capturing the essence of your experience in nature at the Arboretum. This class is an excellent introduction to the world of watercolor painting: an Arboretum-exclusive class for learning essential watercolor techniques that allow you to harness this beautiful medium for yourself.

 In this class, Sonja will help you:

  • Understand the interactions between paper, water, paint and brushes in watercolor.
  • Learn the key stages of the watercolor process.
  • Develop understanding of your paint properties.
  • Complete a series of practice exercises to learn how to create special effects.
  • Understand how to achieve the results you desire in your watercolor exploration.

Supplies:  Basic watercolor supplies are provided by students. 

Please bring to class:

  • At least three tubes of watercolor pigment (red, yellow, blue)
  • A pad (9 x 12) of Arches 140# cold press watercolor paper
  • A watercolor brush
  • 2 water containers
  • A palette for mixing your colors
  • Paper towels
     

 

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).

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.