Learn Watercolor with Amanda Clarke-Peterson

Ready to take your watercolor skills to the next level?
Join Amanda for in-person workshops and creative classes designed to help you grow as an artist. Whether you’re brand new or looking to deepen your skills, these offerings provide structured instruction, hands-on practice, and a supportive space to grow as an artist!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Students are encouraged to bring their own materials and supplies to learn how to work with their own gear. This makes for a more personalized experience.

At the beginning of each course, students who wish to try a professionally curated set of watercolor paints will be offered the opportunity to purchase a kit. This pairs well for beginners with the book Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor.

✍️ What to Expect:

• Step-by-step instruction with demonstrations.
• Small group sizes or individualized instruction for personalized feedback.
• Registered participants will receive an email prior to the projected date of the class or workshop.
• All materials will be provided, unless otherwise noted.
• Hands-on practice with techniques.
• A welcoming space to experiment and develop your style.

INTRO TO WATERCOLOR FOR BEGINNERS

Tuition: $35
Length: 2 hours
Upcoming Dates & Locations:

Overview:
Never picked up a brush? This beginner-friendly class is your perfect introduction to the world of watercolor. You’ll learn the essential techniques of washes, gradients, brush control, color mixing, and basic wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry methods in a relaxed, supportive environment.

What We’ll Cover:

• Overview of materials, supplies, and equipment
• Water control and washes
• Color theory basics
• Hands-on painting practice

Session Goals:

You’ll leave with a solid understanding of core watercolor techniques, the confidence to paint on your own, and a small finished painting to take home.

What to Bring:
Students should bring their own materials (See: Supply List). A small curated kit may be available for purchase at the beginning of class.

INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR COURSE

Tuition: $125
Length: 6 hours total, 3-2 hr Sessions
Upcoming Dates & Locations:

Overview:
Refine your technique and push your creative boundaries in this class designed for those with prior watercolor experience. You’ll experiment with more complex layering, compositional planning, and expressive brushwork using both traditional and contemporary styles.

What We’ll Cover:

• Water control and dynamics
• Controlled glazing and layering
• Values and light logic
• Edge control and lost/found edges

Course Goals:

Explore value, layering, edge control, and composition. This class builds your technical fluency and expressive voice through structured exercises and guided feedback.

What to Bring:
Students should bring their own materials (See: Supply List). A small curated kit may be available for purchase at the beginning of class.

The Intermediate Watercolor Course is a 6-hour, in-depth class designed for artists who are ready to go beyond the basics. You’ll explore layering, color harmony, brush control, and expressive techniques with personalized guidance in a small group setting.

WATERCOLOR PAINT & SIPS @ LOCAL VENUES

Tuition: $30
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Relaxed social event
Skill Level: All levels (no drawing or prior painting experience needed).
AGES/Audience: Where alcohol is present, participants must be at least 21 years of age. Alcoholic beverages (if offered) must be provided by the host venue and served in accordance with local laws. Even where alcohol is not present, participants must be at least 18 years of age to facilitate an enjoyable experience for all attendees. 

CLASS STYLES: There will be two styles of Paint & Sips offered.

• Freestyle: where participants choose from a series of pre-printed watercolor designs to paint. 
• Paint-with-Me Style: Follow a step-by-step guided painting with instructor demos throughout the session. No sketching required—just paint, sip, and relax.

Overview:
Unwind and explore your creative side with this laid-back watercolor experience—perfect for a date night, girls’ night, or solo escape. No prior experience required! No need to sketch! Pre-printed designs on watercolor paper will be provided. Some classes may be guided where everyone paints the same image, others may be more freestyle with a selection of images to choose from (landscapes, animals, or seasonal themes) while enjoying your favorite beverage from the local venue. This makes the focus of the class on the painting and not the image.

What We’ll Cover:

• Basic watercolor techniques
• Color theory & mixing
• Either a freestyle session or guided style painting from start to finish – be sure to check the class posting for details
• Room for personalization and experimentation

Session Goals:

Experience the joy of watercolor in a low-pressure environment. Each class ends with a completed painting and a new appreciation for color and technique.

What to Bring:
All materials and supplies are provided.
Drinks and snacks are typically available for purchase at the local establishment we are partnering with.

Interested in Hosting a Watercolor Class at Your Business?

Looking to bring creative energy into your café, shop, or community space? Partner with Amanda to host a watercolor Paint & Sip or custom workshop that attracts visitors and builds community buzz. All instruction, materials, and cleanup are handled—no art experience required for attendees.

EVENT Goals:

To introduce watercolor in a fun and informal setting using pre-printed designs so that participants can focus on color and technique. These events are designed to be mutually beneficial: they offer guests a relaxing creative outlet while bringing additional foot traffic, exposure, and potential sales to the host venue. By pairing art with local atmosphere—coffee, wine, or snacks—Paint & Sip sessions help build community engagement around your business.

Workshops are low-impact, inspiring, and bring foot traffic and visibility to your location. Whether it’s a one-time event or recurring series, I’d love to collaborate!

📩 Contact Amanda Clarke-Peterson at Amanda@mandakyns.com to start the conversation.

WATERCOLOR PAINT-OUTS

Tuition: $20 (Free community sessions may be offered occasionally)
Length: 2.5 hours
Format: Outdoor, location-based guided painting session

Overview:
Let nature inspire your palette! These relaxed outdoor sessions help build observational skills and comfort painting in natural settings. A short discussion begins each session before you settle into painting on your own or with guidance.

What We’ll Cover:

• Choosing a scene and simplifying composition
• Quick value studies and color sketches
• Optional peer critique at end of session

What to Bring:
Students should bring their own materials (See: Supply List). A small curated kit may be available for purchase at the beginning of class.

IN ADDITION, students may wish to bring the following items:
• Watercolor sketchbook or watercolor block
• Outdoor chair or stool
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc…)
• Water bottle
• Portable setup
• Personal drink (non-alcoholic)

Important Notes:
• Locations vary and will be shared in advance via post to grow awareness about the event
• Events are weather-dependent
• Rescheduling information will be communicated via email and social media channels
• Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from events.

OUTDOOR SESSION LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:
By participating in any outdoor sessions, attendees acknowledge that they are fully responsible for their own safety, transportation, and personal belongings. Mandakyns, Amanda Clarke-Peterson, and any affiliated venues or partners are not liable for accidents, injuries, weather conditions, or lost items that may occur during these events. Participation is voluntary and at the attendee’s own risk.

WATERCOLOR PAINT-OUTS (COMMUNITY EVENT)

Tuition: FREE
Length: 2.5 hours
Format: Outdoor, location-based freestyle painting session
Skill Level: All levels welcome

Overview:
These informal group sessions are perfect for artists who want to enjoy the outdoors, find inspiration in nature, and practice their watercolor skills in a relaxed, unstructured setting. Unlike a traditional class, this is a self-paced, freestyle painting experience — but Amanda will be on hand to offer guidance, demos, and one-on-one feedback as needed.

What We’ll Cover:
• No formal instruction — artists are encouraged to explore their own subjects
• On-location setup and plein air best practices
• Optional composition help, brushwork feedback, and Q&A support
• Group discussion and critique (optional) during final 15–20 minutes

What to Bring:
Students should bring their own materials (See: Supply List). A small curated kit may be available for purchase at the beginning of class.

IN ADDITION, students may wish to bring the following items:
• Watercolor sketchbook or watercolor block
• Outdoor chair or stool
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc…)
• Water bottle
• Portable setup
• Personal drink (non-alcoholic)

Important Notes:
• Locations vary and will be shared in advance via post to grow awareness about the event
• Events are weather-dependent
• Rescheduling information will be communicated via email and social media channels
• Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from events.

OUTDOOR SESSION LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:
By participating in any outdoor sessions, attendees acknowledge that they are fully responsible for their own safety, transportation, and personal belongings. Mandakyns LLC, Amanda Clarke-Peterson, and any affiliated venues or partners are not liable for accidents, injuries, weather conditions, or lost items that may occur during these events. Participation is voluntary and at the attendee’s own risk.

PRIVATE WATERCOLOR LESSONS

Tuition: $75/ 2 hrs Session – Individual
$110 for 2-person session | $140 for 3-4 person mini group
Scheduling: By appointment only

Overview:
Whether you’re a total beginner or refining advanced techniques, private lessons are customized to your needs and goals. Sessions include focused coaching, personalized exercises, and flexible content. Choose your own focus—landscapes, florals, portraits, abstract washes, or technical refinement.

What’s Included:

• One-on-one feedback and coaching
• Flexible pacing and content
• Personalized homework or follow-up suggestions

What to Bring:
Students should bring their own materials (See: Supply List). A small curated kit may be available for purchase at the beginning of class.

PUBLIC DEMOS & ARTIST TALKS (FREE EVENTS)

Amanda occasionally offers free public demonstrations and community presentations, such as “The Art of Handmade Watercolor Paints.” These talks highlight watercolor’s history, process, and charm.

If your organization is interested in hosting a talk, contact Amanda.

Be Notified When Class Dates Open

We’re actively planning our first round of workshops and classes across Cherokee County and the Upstate. If you’d like to be notified when registration opens near you, join the interest list below:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Recommended Watercolor Class Supply List

This list is ideal for those attending a guided class or a class where supplies are not provided. Each class offered is different. Carefully read each class description. Please bring these items if you’d like to use your own supplies.

✅ Student Supply List:

(For students who need to bring their own materials, per class description)

• Watercolor paper – Cold press, 140 lb (preferably 6×9″ or 9×12″, 1–3 sheets or a pad)
• Watercolor paints – Basic set (with at least a warm and cool of each: red, yellow, and blue) or 12-pan palette
• Brushes – One small detail round, one large detail round, and one flat brush with at least a 1/4″ width for broader applications.
• Water container(s) – I recommend silicone collapsible travel cups, but plastic cups work also.
• Mixing palette – Plastic palettes are recommended for traveling with.
• Paper towels or shop towels – For use in absorption, blotting, and cleaning.
• Pencil and kneaded eraser – For light sketching.
• Clipboard  – To keep watercolor paper flat and use as a firm backing.
• Masking/Painter’s tape – To adhere paper to backing.

OPTIONAL:

• Sketchbook – Less expensive paper for making quick value studies
• Watercolor pencils – Excellent sketching tools whose lines will fade into the background. Reduces the need to lift, but also may be harder to remove.

Private & Custom Workshops

Looking to host a unique watercolor experience for your group or organization? Amanda Clarke-Peterson offers custom-designed watercolor workshops for small groups, creative events, and community organizations. Whether it’s for a team-building event, a private retreat, or a special gathering, each workshop is tailored to your group’s needs and skill level.

Custom Image Selection

During the planning phase, Amanda will work with you to select or design a painting subject that fits your group’s interests. Custom illustrations or themed artwork can be created upon request, with additional time and fees assessed accordingly.

Planning & Requirements

To ensure a smooth event, please note:

• A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date
• A minimum lead time of 4 days is needed to prepare materials
• An accurate guest count must be confirmed in advance

Cost Considerations

Final pricing will vary depending on the scope of your event. Additional costs—such as venue rental, travel, or specialty materials—will be clearly outlined in your quote and may require advance payment before booking is confirmed.

Catering is not included. For certain venues, food may be available for purchase on-site.

A complete estimate detailing all costs and inclusions will be provided prior to your event. Any remaining balance is due before the workshop begins.

Where are MOST Events Located?

Classes are typically located in the basement Studio of the Gaffney Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery. However, some classes may be on-location with an address specified or presented in collaboration with local venues.

Please check the location, dates, and times to ensure that you can attend before signing up!

Gaffney Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery
Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA)
210 W. Frederick St.
Gaffney, SC 29341

• West Frederick Street

General Participant Waiver:
By registering for or attending any Mandakyns workshop, class, or event, participants agree to assume full responsibility for their own actions, safety, and belongings. Mandakyns, Amanda Clarke-Peterson, and any partnering venues are not liable for personal injury, illness, loss, or damage sustained during participation. By attending, participants release and hold harmless all involved parties from any claims or liabilities arising from their attendance. Participation in all events is voluntary and at your own risk.