The Coachella Valley Watercolor Society is pleased to offer
A Taste Of Watercolor Workshop
DESCRIPTION
This workshop consists of five individual workshops, each lasting one day. Each day will feature a different CVWS instructor teaching a single topic. These classes are geared to the advanced beginner and intermediate painter. The attendance/pricing scale has been set to encourage you to select those topics most appealing to you and that fit within your timeframe, interest, and budget. We welcome you to join us for the whole week or choose those days that fit best for you.
- January 5 - 9, 2026
- 9-4 with a lunch break on your own. Morning coffee and a few snacks will be provided.
- Best Western Conference Room, 74695 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA. ph 888-961-9802
- A supply list will be sent upon receipt of your application and the beginning of the season.
Instructors And Schedule
MONDAY
Jan 5, 2026
'Watercolor Pouring with Stencil Techniques’
Buffy Kaufman is a watercolor pour artist working in transparent watercolor using a variety of methods. Her watercolor pouring and stencil techniques create atmospheric watercolors. She serves as a Brand Ambassador for Daniel Smith Watercolors and holds the status of Signature Member with the Louisiana Watercolor Society and Women in Watercolor.
The goal of this workshop is to explore watercolor pouring with stencil techniques – focusing on connected shapes and the powerful dance between negative and positive space.
TUESDAY
Jan 6, 2026
'Design and Composition’
Connie Zane has given private and small group watercolor classes for over 20 years. Connie says, “Nothing is more fun than picking up a brush and seeing what happens”.
The goal of this workshop is to present a broad, yet easy-to-remember overview of the Principles and Elements of Design.
WEDNESDAY
Jan 7, 2026
'Surface Stories:
One-Day Abstracts with Water Media & Texture’
Alleyn Yasskin will provide a playful day exploring how water media and textured surfaces can transform your abstract art. Using watercolor, fluid acrylics, and inks, you will work on a variety of materials (some will be provided) – like Yupo, watercolor paper and textured collage backgrounds, to create layered and expressive pieces.
The goal of this workshop is to experiment with different surfaces and create surprising effects; to add texture with stamping, stencils, and collage; to loosen up and trust your creative intuition; and to build strong abstract compositions with color and shape.
THURSDAY
Jan 8, 2026
'Portrait Painting in Watercolor’
Jim Nelson has always loved watercolor, studying the works of John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth and others, as well as the paintings of the impressionist and post-impressionist period. Since retiring as a cancer research biochemist, Jim is now able to devote his time to painting and travel, studying art and artists from around the world. He earned signature status in Watercolor West in 2017 and CVWS Painter of the Year in 2015-2016.
The goal of this workshop is to learn to model the face with color and value.
FRIDAY
Jan 9, 2026
‘Exploring Gouche with Watercolor’
Ellen Jean Diederich has been painting professionally since 1985 and holds a BFA in Fine Art. She exhibits widely and is the author and illustrator of “Progressive Painting – Your Creative Journey”, and two children’s books, and is a popular workshop instructor.
The goal of this workshop is to explore gouache with watercolor. The techniques learned and practiced will extend your versatility and can give new life to failed watercolor paintings or recycled paper.
*COST FOR CVWS MEMBER: $100 for 1 day; $90 for each additional day
* COST FOR NON-CVWS MEMBER: $120 for 1 day; $100 for each additional day
