Beginner Watercolor

Presented by: Amanda Clarke-Peterson
Location: Gaffney Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery in the CAVA Basement Studio
210 W. Frederick St. Gaffney, SC 29340
Hosted by: The Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA)
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm EST

What to Expect:
I’m excited to invite you to a special 30-minute talk where I’ll be sharing the foundational magic of watercolor—what makes this medium so luminous, fluid, and beloved across generations.

We’ll explore the essential qualities that give watercolor its distinct personality, from the way pigment flows across the page to the way it interacts with paper and light. I’ll also walk you through a live demonstration of how watercolor paint is made from scratch using traditional ingredients—an eye-opening (and surprisingly simple!) process that gives you a deeper connection to the materials we often take for granted.

We’ll spend a few moments looking at some core tools and supplies you’ll want to be familiar with—like papers, brushes, and pigments—so you feel more confident building your own creative setup, no matter your experience level.

At the end of the session, I’ll be sharing a free digital resource: The Ultimate Watercolor Product Guide—a downloadable tool I created to help beginners and budget-conscious artists choose quality materials. I’ll also briefly introduce my book, Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide, for those who want to continue learning at their own pace.

(I will have a few copies on hand, should anyone desire to purchase a signed copy of Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor at the event. I am able to accept cash at $86.39 including taxes and credit or debit card through the website.)

Whether you’re new to watercolor or simply curious about the craft behind the paint, I’d love to have you join me for this warm, beginner-friendly introduction!

Image is courtesy of the Cherokee Chronicle.

🗓️ Event Details:

Talk Title: Fundamentals of Watercolor
Presenter: Amanda Clarke-Peterson
Length: ~30 minutes
Includes: Live demo, Q&A, and FREE resource
Cost: Free to attend

Creating Comprehensive Watercolor wasn’t just about writing a book—it was about creating a bridge. A bridge between overwhelmed beginners and the joyful, intuitive flow of watercolor painting. The origin of Comprehensive Watercolor lies in my own journey. When I first began painting, I struggled with materials, misunderstood techniques, and books that offered static images instead of actionable help. I wanted to change that. That’s why this book:

Integrates over 200 interactive video lessons
Uses QR codes to link every concept to a visual demonstration
Encourages hands-on practice through step-by-step guides
It’s more than a reference—it’s a studio companion.

Comprehensive Watercolor - An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor — Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor

why I wrote the book

I wrote it for the self-taught artist, the visual learner, and anyone who’s felt stuck or intimidated by traditional art instruction. I believe watercolor should be accessible, playful, and deeply personal — and Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor definitively reflects that belief from cover to cover!

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE!

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the book will be published on may 1, 2025!

Comprehensive Watercolor is not just a book—it’s a fully interactive watercolor learning experience designed for beginners, hobbyists, and self-taught artists.

Created by artist and educator Amanda Clarke-Peterson, this guide goes beyond traditional art instruction by combining clear step-by-step lessons with over 200 embedded video demonstrations accessed via QR codes. Readers can watch brushstrokes, color mixing, and watercolor techniques unfold in real time, then immediately try them with guided practice.

The book introduces readers to essential watercolor techniques, color theory, timing concepts, and creative expression. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning to watercolor after years away, this resource is designed to build confidence, encourage experimentation, and support visual learners at every step.

Also included is a free downloadable Ultimate Watercolor Product Guide, covering recommended materials, tools, and supplies for all budgets and experience levels.

PREORDER NOW