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Drawing & Painting
Watercolor: Mastering Composition and Design
Learn the principles of composition, fundamental washes, and skills for converting tonal studies into colored versions.
Member$261.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$323.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sat, 4/18/2026 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sun, 4/19/2026 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Sat, 4/18/2026 - Sun, 4/19/2026
About
This intensive, two-day workshop teaches the fundamentals of composition and painting design by using watercolor as a tool for studying and simplifying shapes and values, and turning “challenging” photos into dynamic, thoughtfully designed compositions.
You're invited to submit your own reference photos as case studies for this class, so you can learn tangible methods and ideas for bringing subjects you’re passionate about to life.
Details
- Skill level: No prior experience required. However, any experience with drawing and the watercolor medium will help enhance your comprehension and help you further level up.
- Day 1: Learn the principles of composition through a variety of photo examples. Then learn the fundamental washes of watercolor and conduct a number of tonal studies with this medium.
- Day 2: Learn key skills for converting a tonal study into a colored version. Then choose to work on either more studies or paint one of your studies again in color.
- Bring lunch or snacks for a 30-minute lunch break and shorter breaks during the day. There is a microwave and a refrigerator you can use on the lower level.
Materials
- A $10 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, provides professional-grade watercolor paper and student grad watercolor paper.
- You need to bring:
- Brushes: One large round brush of ~0.5-inch in diameter for applying wash, one small round brush ~0.125” in diameter, or rigger brush for finer details.
- Palette: Needs a generous mixing area (the number of wells doesn't matter).
- Pencil with eraser: 2B or softer.
- Watercolor paint set with the following basic colors: Burnt sienna, French ultramarine blue, alizirin crimson, yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, cadmium red.
- Rag or old towel for soaking up water.
- Cup or jug for water.
- Optional: Easel or painting surface.
Class Policies
Ages 11 and up are welcome.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Ina Xi
Throughout her creative career, which has seen diverse roles ranging from comic artist, art director, product designer to business consultant, Ina has continually found solace and inspiration in plein air painting and live sketching. Having grown up in Shanghai, traveled around the globe, and eventually settled in Port Orchard, Wash., Ina's work exudes appreciation of diverse cultures, longing for collective human experiences and a great deal of nostalgia.
Despite her recent transition from corporate roles into the art career, Ina has already gained regional and international recognition for her work. She was the 1st Place winner of 2024 Northwest Watercolor Society International Open, the Grand Prize winner of Le Venezia International Watercolor Festival, and the Emerging Artist of 2025 CVG Annual Show.
As an educator, Ina finds passion in breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-follow guidelines and actionable steps, helping students gain confidence working with the watercolor medium, and feel excited about tackling the challenges.
Despite her recent transition from corporate roles into the art career, Ina has already gained regional and international recognition for her work. She was the 1st Place winner of 2024 Northwest Watercolor Society International Open, the Grand Prize winner of Le Venezia International Watercolor Festival, and the Emerging Artist of 2025 CVG Annual Show.
As an educator, Ina finds passion in breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-follow guidelines and actionable steps, helping students gain confidence working with the watercolor medium, and feel excited about tackling the challenges.
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