Classes
Supplies and prep for my January 2025 Color Connections class
You can work in a sketchbook or watercolor pad, or on loose sheets of paper, but high quality cotton watercolor paper such as Arches will give you the best results. Strathmore is not high quality but will be ok. You will need to pencil in the guidelines for your charts before we meet in class. I will send you directions on how to do this once you register for class.
Bring all of your watercolor paints that are high-quality tube watercolors, such as Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, M. Graham, Holbein. Have at least two of each of the primary colors of blue, red and yellow. My suggestions are those colors in the Daniel Smith Essentials 6-color set: Hansa Yellow, New Gamboge, Quinacridone Rose, Pyrrol Scarlet, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Blue. Please also purchase a tube of Phthalo Green (blue shade). My working palette is mostly primary colors, but I also use Quinacridone Gold, Phthalo Green, Burnt Sienna, Jane’s Grey (by Daniel Smith) and Buff Titanium. You do not need to own these colors to take the class, but feel welcome to buy one or two of them if you are curious to try something new. Jane’s Grey is slightly different than Payne’s Grey…either will work for class. Search the Daniel Smith website and you will find an article about Jane’s Grey. And an economical way to try out new paints is to buy half-pans of Daniel Smith watercolors from Blick or other retailers.
Size 8 round brush
An OmniGrid Quilter’s Grid is very helpful for penciling in your grids. You may also use a ruler.
Questions about supplies? Email Elizabeth here.
Classes
Half-day nature journaling experience at the Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Sunday, August 25, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join me in Buxton, Oregon 30 minutes west of Portland to connect to nearby nature and other people who love to be outside and create in a nature journal. This half-day nature journaling experience will take place at the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, and features a beautiful wooden railroad trestle, wildflowers, sunny meadows, and a pond and stream that connect to the Tualatin River watershed. The day will begin with a 30-40 minute gentle hike that will familiarize ourselves with the space, followed by gathering at the picnic shelter for an early packed lunch, and an introduction to the watershed and wildflowers of the area. Following prompts and guidance from Elizabeth, we will work together in our journals independently and together to capture the beauty of this space. As part of our nature connection experience, we will collect water from the nearby stream to use with our watercolors.
Cost: $50.00
What to bring:
Your nature journal or sketchbook and your favorite journaling supplies…pens, pencils, small watercolor sets, watercolor pencils, etc.
A packed lunch and bottled water for drinking
A small towel, blanket or camp chair for sitting (there are also picnic tables and benches)
A sun hat and sunscreen for sunny spots
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Register by emailing Elizabeth here: e.m.higgins@comcast.net
Classes
Fridays in September
September 6, 13, 20, 27
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Hoyt Arboretum is home to a global collection of over 2,200 species of trees from all around the world. Join me on the trails each week to visit many of these species as you explore their unique textures and colors. Close examination of bark, cones, seeds, fruit and leaves will bring new and exciting challenges to your art practice each week. Bring your love of learning and creativity; no previous nature drawing experience is required.
Registration is now open on Hoyt Arboretum’s website
Click here to register at Hoyt Arboretum
Classes
“Time in the Forest: Watercolor Journaling as Nature Connection”
A two-day workshop on September 23 – 24, 2024
Sitka Center for Art & Ecology on the Oregon Coast
I am thrilled to be able to return to Sitka Center for Art and Ecology in September to present my two-day workshop of nature connection, creativity and mindfulness in this transformative setting. This two-day workshop will encompass a diverse range of techniques, including watercoloring, stamp-carving, drawing and writing. It will take place in the Sitka classroom and also in the expansive nature preserve nearby.
Learn more and register here: Sitka Center Workshop Listing
Classes
Personalized 4 – 6 session plans for artists seeking guidance, resources, accountability and support in developing their art-making or other creative career. Available in-person or virtually on Zoom. Contact Elizabeth for more information and to schedule at e.m.higgins@comcast.net
4 hourly sessions: $240
6 hourly sessions: $350
Classes
In-person private lessons are available at my downtown Hillsboro studio and classroom, conveniently located in the heart of the Cultural Arts District on 2nd and Main. The cost for 90 minutes of private instruction for one person is $65. Contact Elizabeth at e.m.higgins@comcast.net to schedule one or more lessons to fit your needs.
