WORKSHOPS
Frequently-requested workshop descriptions and images are linked below in red. Please ask about custom content if you don’t see what you or your group needs.
For pricing and scheduling email me via contact link. For credentials see my about link.
Philosophy
With a brush (or a pen) in my hand I never grow tired of asking, ‘I wonder what would happen if?’” and then going for it. I make beautiful messes, wild color, bravura marks, bold sketches and glowing paintings by following the lead of my favorite water-based media. The people, places and things I discover in the process of creating and teaching help me understand who I am, why I am here, and why any of it matters. After nearly forty years of teaching and creating with watercolor and ink I know that the best work emerges from following the flow.
Methods
I design plein air sketching experiences to help you gain skills and confidence for sketching on location. I demonstrate how to develop a sketchbook--my favorite form is a zigzag (aka accordion sketchbook), one sketch at a time, with expert tips for keeping sketches lively. At each site visited, I begin with a demo and leave plenty of time for you to sketch. These are small group experiences so you receive frequent individual attention and feedback throughout the workshop. At the end you have a sketchbook full of memories and momentum to continue sketching wherever you go. See gallery for plein air sketching portfolio.
In the studio my signature ‘split primary, four-value, three-layer, hold the whites’ approach to watercolor is central to the studio watercolor workshops I teach. Twenty-five years of full time undergraduate teaching drawing and painting for Augsburg University makes content organization, delivery, and individualized mentoring second nature for me. My focus on integrated composition, technique and idea-based teaching will help you discover how, what and why you want to create. See gallery for studio watercolor portfolio.
For individualized private instruction and mentoring in my studio or yours contact me if one-one learning is the best fit for you.
Most Requested Topics:
Testimonials
"Your demos are delightful and spell binding--not only from a technical standpoint, but for the heart and soul you bring to teaching. You are making a difference in our lives." -Jules, Saint Paul, MN
"I’ve taken a lot of watercolor workshops but few with a professional like Tara. I now know it makes a huge difference in my learning. Thanks very much." -Dana, Rockland, ME
This was the workshop I've needed ever since I returned to watercolor after a 50-year hiatus. No one has actually shown all the steps and how to put it all together like you do. Thank you. I loved this workshop and didn't want it to end." -Melissa A., Minneapolis, MN
"Before the workshop, if you had told me that I could complete what I have in this brief amount of time I would not have believed it. You are an outstanding teacher and artist. You inspire us with lots of great examples and step-by-step demonstrations, supporting us every inch of the way. I learned so much. The challenge and the intensity felt really good." -Joelle, Minneapolis, MN
"Thank you so much. Your mentorship is invaluable to me." -Roxanne, Saint Paul, MN
"The workshop was fantastic! Your fun loving, encouraging approach to teaching and creating are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your gifts." -Sheryl, Eagan, MN