Painting & Drawing
Code: D1225-23
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II
Level II
Students have basic knowledge of 2-D art making including form, negative space, value and line.
Watercolor: Abstractions in Nature
Aug 21 - 25, 2023
9AM-5PM
Concept
In this class, students learn to capture what they see and translate their responses, interpreting nature with fluid watercolor. They learn to simplify and abstract subject matter with minimal marks and a broad spectrum of techniques, creating bold and captivating works on paper, and developing color palettes and imagery to stretch preconceived notions of these elements and their initial meaning. This workshop explores how inspiration translates observations into abstract, graphic, and bold watercolors. Students learn how to economize their mark-making and focus on elements like pattern and color through watercolor, observing details in nature with a fresh perspective.
Media & Techniques
Watercolor, drawing, painting, abstraction, color mixing, design, composition
Supply ListFaculty

Jan Heaton
Jan Heaton is a professional watercolor artist. Her paintings celebrate nature, and then abstractly reach beyond the obvious. Art dealers and galleries in Austin, San Francisco, San Antonio, and Atlanta represent her work. In the classroom, Heaton believes all students are individuals with their own story and library of inspiration. Her teaching methods are formed by her belief that everyone learns and makes art in their own way.

Jan Heaton, Laguna
Join Waitlist for Watercolor: Abstractions in Nature
Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.
Painting & Drawing
Make, reflect, consider, engage—these are all critical elements of the Painting and Drawing workshops at Anderson Ranch. Our exceptional workshops combine focused, hands-on art making with critical feedback for artists of all levels. Painting and Drawing guest faculty are phenomenal artists and educators with experience supporting students by offering technical knowledge and encouragement.
The bright, natural light of the Wyly Painting and Drawing Building provides an inspiring environment where students can explore and expand their artistic practice. Our facilities are equipped with individual worktables, wall space, easels, rolling palettes, odorless solvents, a wide range of hand tools, computer access with Adobe software, wifi, printing, scanning, and projection capabilities. Spend a week here— or several—and engage in a variety of activities that will fuel your practice throughout the year.
Workshop Details>
Workshop Supplies
For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.
If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Lindsey Yeager, [email protected].
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.

Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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