Watercolor After Dark
with Patti Kelly at Juniper Rag Contemporary
This workshop is about experimenting with saturated pigments, unexpected color combinations, fluid washes, and the happy accidents that make watercolor so compelling. Explore the relationship between water and pigment, learn to build depth and atmosphere, and discover how a little unpredictability can lead to something extraordinary.
Some of the most interesting work happens when we stop trying to control every brushstroke. Explore blooms, bleeds, backruns, layered washes, and other wonderfully unpredictable effects while learning how to work with watercolor rather than against it. Whether you're new to the medium or looking to break out of familiar habits, this is an invitation to experiment, loosen up, and let the paint surprise you.
Designed for beginners or advanced artists. The class is also for artists that are curious about trying something new, emphasizing exploration over perfection. No prior experience is really necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment and have a good time.
What you'll take away
Experiment with saturated pigments
Creating unexpected color combinations
Learning about fluid washes
Embracing the watercolor magic that occurs with this medium that makes watercolor so compelling.
Explore the relationship between water and pigment
Learn to build depth and atmosphere
Discover how a little unpredictability can lead to something extraordinary. Come curious. Leave with something uniquely yours.
No prior watercolor or drawing experience is necessary.
This is an introductory, hands-on workshop designed to help beginners and curious artists get comfortable with the medium through demonstration, experimentation and practice. If you have ever wanted to try, we promise you will have fun and explore the medium in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere.
ABOUT PATTI KELLY
Patti Kelly is an accomplished Worcester-based watercolorist whose work has been exhibited throughout New England and recognized for its sophisticated use of color, abstraction and expressive technique. Drawing on decades of artistic practice, exhibition experience and her deep understanding of the medium of watercolor as both a traditional and contemporary, Patti brings a thoughtful, technically grounded approach to teaching, empowering students to expand their visual language while developing their process.
Material List for Watercolor After Dark Workshop
Paints: a set of tubes or pan watercolors featuring warm & cool, red, yellow & blue and burnt sienna
Sketchbook: For this class, an unlined watercolor sketchbook would be best. A few pieces of watercolor paper are ok to use as well if you don’t have time to get a new sketchbook.
Brushes: An assortment of small to large brushes of your preference. Inexpensive sets will do.
Palette: a mixing tray or palette for creating colors and washes.
Board: A light weight plastic or masonite board to tape paper down.
Tape: Artist masking or painters tape
Pencil: 6B or whatever you have.
Optional:
Salt
Alcohol
Clear or white wax crayon
Frisket
CC Lowell in Worcester on Pleasant Street can set you up with everything you need.
We will provide water vessels and paper towels.
*Feel free to bring wine or a beverage of your choice.
Thursdays and some Saturdays are workshop days at Juniper Rag! We welcome you to our boutique gallery for intimate, welcoming space for making art, learning new techniques, and trying something different. Each week brings a new workshop and another reason to pick up a brush.