Thank You Annapolis Watercolor Club

Transform Your Art with "Painting the Magic of Flowing Water" - a 2-Day Zoom Workshop Experience

I recently had the privilege of leading the Annapolis Watercolor Club through an unforgettable two-day Zoom workshop titled "Painting the Magic of Flowing Water, Ripples & Cascades." It was a joy to connect with such a passionate group of artists, and I’m writing this both as a heartfelt thank-you and as an invitation for other art leagues to bring this transformative experience to their members.

Before the workshop, I provided each participant with a custom 24-page PDF workbook designed exclusively for this group. Packed with color charts, reference photos, detailed descriptions, pencil drawings on watercolor paper, value studies, supply lists, QoR paint colors, and more, this resource ensured everyone was fully prepared. I recommended printing the PDF in landscape format and storing it in a three-hole binder alongside their notes, with sketches pre-drawn on watercolor paper to streamline our time together. This preparation set the stage for a focused, productive, and inspiring two days.

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What You’ll Learn in Every Dale L. Popovich Workshop, Demo, or Class
His approach is rooted in timeless techniques that empower artists to grow confidently. Participants discover how to:

• Block in a painting effectively, working from large areas to small details.
• Paint from background to foreground, building depth and structure.
• Master values, moving from light to dark, and transition from intense colors to subtle, greyed-down hues.
• Create soft edges, plan backgrounds, and shift colors seamlessly in a wash.
• Capture textures, understand timing in watercolor application, and embrace patience by letting paints blend magically on the paper—not overmixing on the palette.
• Apply bold, sweeping strokes and use tools like brushes, toothbrushes, natural sponges, or paper towels to add and lift color.
• Paint abstract patterns in nature, work wet-into-wet and wet-into-dry, and use color subtlety to elevate their compositions.​

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©Dale L Popovich AWC Workshop Demo

A Journey Through Color and Technique
We began with a disciplined exploration of Anders Zorn’s limited palette, proving that simplicity can yield extraordinary results. Starting with just three colors for the first painting, we focused on essentials like value, temperature, and intensity. Through cross-mixing, participants witnessed the harmony that emerges from restraint. We then expanded to four colors for the second painting and five for the third, showing how each new hue shifts balance and mood, breathing life into their work.

©Dale L Popovich AWC Workshop Demo

Each day featured live demonstrations and paint-along sessions, where I guided artists step-by-step. They watched as I demonstrated techniques, mixed colors, and created landscapes—like a serene lake on Day 1 morning or the dynamic "Yondota Falls" in the afternoon. Using only three colors, we broke the process into phases: blocking in, adding secondary details, and finishing with final touches. Throughout, we discussed soft edges, water reflections, textures, and negative painting, ensuring a deep, hands-on understanding.

©Dale L Popovich AWC Workshop Demo

On Day 2, we tackled "Symphony of Splashes" (a waterfall) with four colors and "Slow Moving Water With Forest" with five, exploring how to simplify complex subjects, paint light and dark patterns, suggest distance and scale, and capture the essence of water’s flow. Participants left with a dynamic grasp of color range, the beauty of letting paints blend naturally, and techniques for handling reflections, rapids, and forest backgrounds in an abstract yet evocative way.

©Dale L Popovich AWC Workshop Demo

Why This Workshop Stands Out
What made this experience special was its interactivity. I encouraged questions during demos, welcomed photo-taking, and reviewed participants’ work in real time, offering personalized feedback. After the workshop, everyone received an email addendum with finished paintings to add to their workbooks—a tangible reminder of their progress.

My goal? To teach you to truly see
By focusing on the interplay of light and dark, the subtleties of color, and the methodical building of a painting, participants not only honed their skills but also gained a newfound appreciation for watercolor’s magic.

Why Hire Me for Your Art League?
If your group is seeking an engaging, educational, and inspiring workshop, look no further. This isn’t just about painting—it’s about unlocking the magic of watercolor through art. With tailored materials, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions, I make watercolor accessible and exciting for all levels. Whether your artists are beginners or seasoned pros, they’ll walk away with new techniques, confidence, and stunning pieces that capture nature’s beauty.