“Everyone Will Grow This Week” at Watercolor Live

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Artists from every state in America and 20 countries are coming together this week during the 5th Annual Watercolor Live, taking place now through Friday, January 24, 2025.

“This is truly a rare moment in art history: having a world-class faculty and a global audience come together to learn, inspire, and grow,” said Eric Rhoads. “We’re all at different skill levels — beginners, intermediates, and pros — but here’s the secret: everyone will grow this week.”

There’s even an online art auction with original works from the faculty of Watercolor Live and all of our painting events for artists! The silent auction and sale takes place through January 26View the artworks here.

Watercolor Live - Our hosts for the week, Eric Rhoads and Kelly Kane
Our hosts for the week, Eric Rhoads and Kelly Kane

“Good morning, Eric – thank you for another opportunity to learn from very experienced artists. There is so much to learn every day.” ~ Kathleen K.

“I was [at Essential Techniques Day] and it was all brilliant. I have pages of notes!” ~ Juliet M.

“I was at the Essentials Day for the first time (in my 5 years of Watercolor Live). I can tell you that I won’t miss it again. As Eric said, there’s something for even an experienced painter.” ~ Loran T.

Sandy Brandt, an attendee who shared this selfie during Essential Techniques Day of Watercolor Live
Sandy Brandt, an attendee who shared this selfie during Essential Techniques Day

Replays are available! Here’s what we saw on Day 1 of Watercolor Live: 

Alvaro Castagnet's Cityscape Demo
Alvaro Castagnet’s Cityscape Demo

Internationally renowned artist Alvaro Castagnet painted a scene from a Sunday morning in a northern Italy market for us. When it comes to painting such a scene, he says, “If you spend lots of time looking at things, you’ll always find something you love.” He wrapped up the demo by adding that there’s always something else that can be done, but that the message of the scene has been accomplished, and “before your very eyes.”

“This is already incredible!” ~ Linda B., about ten minutes into Alvaro’s session

From Kelly Eddington's portrait demonstration
From Kelly Eddington’s portrait demonstration

Kelly Eddington, who is known for her self-portraits with unusual lighting and color, demonstrated how she creates such unique works, starting with an altered reference photo and masking fluid, and finishing with final touches – and gratitude for her teachers and others.

From Tim Oliver's landscape painting session
From Tim Oliver’s landscape painting session

Landscape painter Tim Oliver said he spent a lot of time driving around Texas to find the perfect scene to paint, until he realized “ordinary” subjects, such as the structure he chose to paint for this demo, have a story to tell.

From Sean Friloux's watercolor demo of a street corner scene
From Sean Friloux’s watercolor demo of a street corner scene

Sean Friloux often starts with an observational graphite sketch on location, then takes it into the studio to create a watercolor painting from it. In his demo on how to paint with watercolor, he painted a street corner scene, sharing his thoughts along the way, including his final decisions as he touched up the work.

Here we see Richie Vios's palette as he explains his color choices (and color mixing techniques)
Here we see Richie Vios’s palette as he explains his color choices (and color mixing techniques)

Joining us live from the PaintTube.tv studios in Austin, Texas, Richie Vios demonstrated a western scene of a man and horse inside of a barn. Richie normally paints en plein air (and has taught at the Plein Air Convention), but said he often does studio work in the winter. He began his demo by pointing out the highlights and darks before adding color to the initial drawing.

We want to thank today’s wonderful sponsors: Gold Sponsor Turner Color Works with Pierre Guidetti leading a pre-event seminar; Platinum Sponsor Blick Art Materials featuring Ali Cavanaugh; Platinum Sponsor Royal Talens featuring Vic Hollins; Platinum Sponsor Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff; and Gold Sponsor Legion Paper.

Watercolor Live
Attendee Suzanne Syvertson shared a selfie with Pierre Guidetti (who is known for his signature goodbye: “Go Paint!”) during his pre-event seminar, hosted by Sarah Webb

And we closed the evening with our cocktail hour paint-along session. Follow the fun on Instagram at #watercolorlive and join us Friday for the remaining workshops and social fun with fellow artists! Visit WatercolorLive.com now and don’t miss another minute.

“This is my 5th year and I have learned so much – I love this experience. I have made connections with other … artists.” ~Lucienne K.

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Related Article: “Essential – Even Sexy? – Watercolor Techniques”


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