WORKSHOPS
With a watercolor brush in my hand I never grow tired of asking, ‘I wonder what would happen if?’” and then going for it. I make beautiful messes, glowing color, bravura brushwork and bold paintings by following watercolor’s strong lead. I paint familiar people, places and things to discover who I am, why I am here, and why that matters. After nearly forty years of dancing with this nuanced medium I know that my best work emerges from following watercolor's unique character and flow.
My signature ‘split primary, four-value, three-layer, hold the whites’ approach to watercolor is central to the workshops I teach. Twenty-five years of full time undergraduate teaching makes content organization and delivery, and individualized mentoring second nature for me. My focus on integrated composition, technique and idea-based teaching helps participants discover what and how to paint while they explore why they want to. I specialize in workshop programming for studio watercolor painting, as well as plein air travel sketching.
Testimonials
"I’ve taken a lot of watercolor workshops but few with a professional educator 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. Thank you. I loved this workshop and didn't want it to end." -Melissa A., Minneapolis, MN
"Before this workshop, if you had told me that I could complete a value study and a full color painting in this amount of time I would not have believed it. You are an outstanding teacher and artist-- inspiring students with lots of great examples and step-by-step demonstrations. 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
"Your demos are delightful and spell binding--not only from a technical standpoint, but ffor the heart and soul you bring to teaching. You are making a difference in our lives." -Jules, Saint Paul, MN
"The workshop was fantastic! Your fun loving, encouraging approach to teaching and creative talents are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your gifts." -Sheryl, Eagan, MN
Schedule a Workshop: Read about popular workshops by title below with links for downloadable descriptions and visuals. Please ask about custom content if you don’t see what your group needs. To view samples of my work visit my gallery link and/or Instagram @tarasweeneyart. For pricing and scheduling email me via my contact link.
Download all workshop descriptions and visuals.