Watercolor Painting

Whether you are curious about watercolor painting or would like to hone the skills you already have, you can explore the soft flow of watercolor in this class. In each class, a new painting and watercolor technique will be taught using a new image. Participants will learn how to paint the image through a demonstration and will be introduced to color theory, various mixing and glazing techniques, composition, and assorted subject matter. It is recommended that participants have some experience with representational drawing.

We offer Watercolor on two different days, Tuesday and Wednesday, both held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Tuesday's class is geared toward anyone new to Gary Brooks's classes. Wednesday's class is for Advanced and for those that have been coming for a while.

Classes are six-week at ArtsConnect Springfield Township Arts Center, 9158 Winton Rd, Building A, the building behind the fire station.

Materials are not included in the registration fee. Please find the supply list: https://www.theartsconnect.us/DocumentCenter/View/194/Watercolor-Supply-List

Watercolor Dates	Day and Time	Non-member / Member Fee	Register
January 13 - February 18, 2026	TUE or WED 1:00 - 3:00 pm	$90 / $81	Register Here
March 10 - April 22, 2026	TUE or WED 1:00 - 3:00 pm	$90 / $81	Register Here
May 5 - June 10, 2026	TUE or WED 1:00 -3:00 pm	$90 / $81	Register Here

2 Day Watercolor Seminar with Christopher Leeper

Cincinnati Watercolor Society Members. $300

ArtsConnect Members: $333

Non-Members: $370

Workshop Schedule
Friday	May 1, 2026	10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday	May 2, 2026	10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Join award-winning realist painter Christopher Leeper for a two-day, hands-on exploration of landscape watercolor. Leeper will guide artists through the full creative process—from composition and drawing to building layers and completing a finished work. Newer artists will gain a solid foundation in watercolor fundamentals, while experienced painters will refine their techniques and strengthen core skills. Leeper, a nationally exhibited artist with a BFA in Graphic Design from Youngstown State University, brings decades of professional experience and an engaging, practical teaching style to this immersive workshop. Greater Cincinnati Watercolors Society Members use the coupon code GCWS. Memberships will be verified.

There will be daily demo and lectures and lots of one-on-one instruction.Topics to be covered in the workshop:

Technique fundamentals (Things I wish I knew 30 years ago).

Getting the most from our brushwork and our palette.

The first half-hour of a painting (Make it or break it).

Understanding the importance of drawing and early painting development.

Values (Why value is more important than color in your painting).

We will do value studies and small color studies to understand value shapes and painting structure.

Color (Spend more time painting and less time mixing colors).

Understanding color temperature, intensity, value, and basic color theory to improve color mixing.

Composition (If it feels right, it probably is right).

We will discuss pictorial design and learn how to create dynamic compositions.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLY LIST

More about Christopher Leeper

Christopher Leeper is a realist painter and workshop instructor painting in all mediums.

LINK TO CHRISTOPHER LEEPER'S WEBSITE

Space is limited. Call 513-522-2108 For Assistance Registering

*A Cincinnati Watercolor Society membership is $50 annually. To learn more and to become a member of the GCWS, visit www.greatercincinnatiwatercolorsociety.org

Class Cancellations & Weather Closings

A minimum of four students must be enrolled for the session prior to the stated deadline for the class to take place. To verify closings, call 513-522-2108.

Due to costs incurred in planning for art classes, full refunds will only be issued when the Arts Council cancels the class. Class cancellations made within 10 business days of the class start date are eligible for a refund, minus a $5 administration fee per student. Refunds will be made by check, not to a credit card. To notify us of a cancellation, please send an email to artsinfo@springfieldtwp.org.

Checks are payable to ArtsConnect and can be mailed to 9150 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231

For more information, call 522-2108

Watercolor Instructor

Gary Brooks was born and lives in Amelia, Ohio, east of Cincinnati. Brooks began formal art training at Kent State University but finished at the University of Cincinnati where he earned both a B.F.A. in painting and a M.A. in Art Education. While at UC, he began painting exclusively with watercolor under the guidance of Bob Fabe and Phil Tucker.

Brooks worked as a studio artist with internationally known wildlife artist John A. Ruthven hand-coloring double-elephant sized aquatints. After several years as an art teacher, Gary worked in corporate theater production. He later returned to college, earning a second Masters degree and a Doctorate in Educational Administration.

After private tutoring from Gary Akers (AWS), Brooks began painting sharp focus watercolors and egg tempera. He's continued watercolor studies with Terry Armstrong, Alan Shuptrine, and Laurin McCracken (AWS, NWS). Gary is a signature member of both the Ohio and Kentucky Watercolor Societies, and an associate member of the National Association of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, Ohio state representative for the International Watercolor Society, and a member of the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Brooks is also featured on "painting with the Master," a cable access program on public broadcasting and is a frequent presenter at schools and businesses throughout the tristate.