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Watercolor Classes Chicago

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Unleash your creativity with watercolor painting classes in Chicago. Learn essential techniques, gain confidence in your artistic abilities, and create beautiful, vibrant artwork.

4 classes in-person in Chicago have spots left, and 16 classes live online are available.

Pen & Ink & Dr. Martin Watercolor

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Explore the dynamic fusion of pen, ink, and vibrant Dr. Martin watercolors in this engaging workshop. From intricate studies to a final masterpiece, experiment with a variety of tools to bring your artistic vision to life. Join us and unleash your creativity with expert guidance and inspiring still life compositions.

(83) All levels 18 and older
$220

2 sessions

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Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unlock the secrets of watercolor mastery as you explore techniques, compositions, and materials in this immersive art experience. Discover the art of vibrant washes, wet-in-wet painting, and sketch-free creations. Join a supportive community of artists for critiques and unleash your creativity with the guidance of a skilled instructor.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$240

5 sessions

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Adult WaterColors

The Paintbrush @ 2446 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

Discover the beauty and versatility of watercolor painting in this exclusive adults-only class. Enhance your skills or start from scratch as you immerse yourself in the vibrant world of watercolors. Join us at The Paintbrush and unleash your creativity with our expert guidance and provided materials.

(4) All levels 15 and older
$340

7 sessions

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Explore Watercolor Private Group Events

Explore private group events and team building activities ranging from cooking to art, escape rooms, trivia, and more

Explore Watercolor Private Group Events
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Wednesday Watercolor Painting

Muze Arts @ 1624 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

Unleash your creativity with our guided adult class, where you'll delve into the basics of watercolor painting. Join us in Chicago for a relaxing session, connect with fellow painters, and let your artistic talents flourish. All materials provided, just bring your favorite reference photo!

All levels 18 and older
$250

4 sessions

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Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Discover the unique properties of watercolor as you observe still life, figures, or photographs in this engaging art class. Learn techniques of paint application and color formation, while receiving real-time feedback on your progress. Join now to explore the captivating world of watercolor painting.

(1061) Beginner 18 and older
$330

7 sessions

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Portrait Painting

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Unlock the secrets of capturing the essence of a model through anatomy, proportion, and color-mixing. Embrace the challenge of painting different views of the head with live models, as you explore the art of portrait painting. Join us on this artistic journey and bring your portraits to life.

(1061) All levels 18 and older
$350

7 sessions

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Beginners Watercolor Painting

The Art Studio NY @ Online Classroom

Ignite your inner artist with inspiring watercolor painting classes at NYC's #1-rated art studio. Learn a wide variety of techniques and explore landscape, still life, and abstraction. No experience necessary - this course is perfect for beginners!

(631) Beginner 18 and older
$75

3 sessions

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Watercolor

BrushCapades @ Online Classroom

Unleash your creativity with a hands-on tutorial that provides all the necessary materials for a 90-minute watercolor experience. Discover the joy of painting with a watercolor fan set, brushes, and high-quality paper, all included in this immersive workshop. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the beautiful world of watercolors!

(5) All levels 8 and older

Online Watercolor 201 - Beginner

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the beauty of watercolor painting with Online Watercolor 201. Learn essential techniques, color mixing, and brushstrokes to create stunning works of art. Perfect for aspiring fine artists, illustrators, and designers.

(19) Beginner 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

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Floral Fridays Watercolor (Online)

Craft Sierra Madre @ Virtual Classroom

Unleash your creativity with vibrant watercolor florals! Dive into a world of loose flowers, botanicals, succulents, and leaves on Friday mornings. No drawing skills required - just bring your enthusiasm and let the garden bloom on your canvas.

(97) Beginner 13 and older

Online Watercolor 202 - Intermediate

Pastimes for a Lifetime @ Live Online via Zoom

Take your watercolor skills to the next level with this intermediate class at Pastimes for a Lifetime. Learn advanced techniques for texture, tone, and color layering, and discover how to create deeper, richer colors in your paintings. Perfect for artists interested in fine art or illustration.

(19) Intermediate 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

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Watercolor Painting: Focus on Interiors

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Explore the captivating world of domestic interiors as you learn to master light and color in your watercolor paintings. Discover the secrets of perspective and proportion, while infusing your artwork with depth and atmosphere. Join Zach Seeger to unlock your creative potential.

(1061) All levels 18 and older
$330

8 sessions

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Watercolor Wednesdays (Online)

Craft Sierra Madre @ Virtual Classroom

Dive into the world of watercolor painting with this beginner-friendly class. Learn essential techniques like color mixing, washes, and wet-on-wet effects, all from the comfort of your home. Unleash your creativity and create beautiful watercolor pieces with ease.

(97) Beginner 13 and older

Watercolor Pencils

Evanston Art Center

Unleash your creativity with watercolor pencils as you master a spectrum of techniques. From layering vibrant hues to mastering shading and composition, each week promises a new skill to elevate your artwork. Join a supportive community to share, discuss, and refine your colorful sketches in a dynamic learning environment.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$135

4 sessions

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Exploratory Watercolor

New York School of the Arts @ Online Classroom

Unleash your creativity with watercolor as you delve into still life and abstraction in this dynamic course at the New York School of the Arts. Discover diverse techniques, master composition, and color, and receive personalized instruction and group critiques. Join us and create unique, individual paintings that truly reflect your artistic vision.

(73) All levels 18 and older
$430

8 sessions

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Watercolor Painting: Focus on Landscapes

92nd Street Y @ Live Interactive Online Classroom

Discover the beauty of watercolor landscapes with artist Zach Seeger as he guides you through advanced techniques to create stunning reflections, lush forests, and captivating skies. Enhance your painting skills and explore the rich medium of watercolor in this immersive course.

(1061) All levels 18 and older
$285

5 sessions

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Experimenting with Watercolor Basics

Evanston Art Center

Discover the joy of watercolor painting through playful experimentation. Unlock a world of techniques, from wet-into-wet washes to glazing, and watch as your creations come to life with vibrant color and texture. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to expand your skills, this course offers a dynamic journey of discovery and artistic expression.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$180

5 sessions

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Watercolor at Home

New York School of the Arts @ Online Classroom

Experience watercolor painting from the comfort of your home with this course at the prestigious New York School of the Arts. Discover the art of still life, tablescape, and roomscape, while learning about light, transparency, opacity, and layering. This course offers group critiques and individual instruction to help you refine your skills.

(73) All levels 18 and older
$400

9 sessions

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Beginning Watercolor: Online

Chicago Botanic Garden @ Online via Zoom

Unlock your creativity and learn to paint sparkling, luminous watercolors with the Chicago Botanic Garden's virtual botanical art class. Explore brush techniques, color-mixing, and control of washes from the comfort of your own home. No prior experience is needed.

(122) Beginner 18 and older
$349

6 sessions

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Painting the Natural World

Chicago Botanic Garden @ Online via Zoom

Discover the world of watercolor as you learn to depict the beauty of nature in this online course offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the art of painting the natural world from the comfort of your own home, and unlock the secrets to achieving sparkling and sensitive effects with watercolor. Previous experience in watercolor or a similar medium is recommended.

(122) All levels 18 and older
$349

6 sessions

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Reviews for Watercolor Classes in Chicago

Watercolor Classes in Chicago are rated 4.5 stars based on 2,095 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Rick B. on 3/17/2024
    Thought teacher covered the basics of painting in watercolors extremely well. She always touched base with the class on their progress and very open to our questions
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Judy B. on 3/17/2024
    Loved the class and Anna the instructor. Well worth the money. My husband and I enjoyed the time together and learning the basic techniques.
  • Floral Fridays Watercolor (Online)

    Reviewed by Elizabeth C. on 3/9/2024
    Never thought I could paint watercolor in one lesson but was able to follow the teacher and I did pretty well!
  • Watercolor

    Reviewed by Barbara M. on 2/28/2024
    Anji led a delightful watercolor project that left me happy with my end product painting and the class.
  • Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique

    Reviewed by Marie V. on 2/13/2024
    Couldn’t be happier with this class. Great pace. Great teacher. Love that there is free parking!
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Anonymous review on 12/20/2023
    Great class.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Ronnie L. on 11/1/2023
    I learned more from Elizabeth in this class than in three years of other classes. I’m also enjoying my own work so much more.
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Anonymous review on 11/1/2023
    This is the second class I've taken with this instructor and plan on taking more. Great environment and I learned so much!
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Reviewed by Salita B. on 11/1/2023
    Fantastic class and instructor. Appropriate for all levels. Lots of great feedback and encouragement. I learned a tremendous amount.
  • Watercolor Painting (Beginner/Intermediate)

    Reviewed by Ellen H. on 10/27/2023
    Allison is an excellent teacher. I have signed up to continue taking her classes

Discover the Best Watercolor Classes in Chicago

Watercolor painting has a rich history, and much of that history is celebrated in the Art Institute of Chicago. The institute’s collection is home to thousands of watercolor artworks, from renowned icons to lesser-known artists. Browsing the collection, you’ll find hundreds of artists that will inspire you and help you learn new concepts of watercolor. 

Chicago's rich artistic history, from iconic architecture to world-class museums, provides endless inspiration for watercolor artists. In addition, you can find natural inspiration for your art when you visit Chicago. For example, visit the lakefront, look out over stunning cityscapes and diverse neighborhoods, and capture the beauty of a bustling city. You’ll find nearly endless topics to paint while you live in Chicago. 

The best way to learn watercolor in Chicago is by taking art classes. Art classes are taught by professional artists who will lead you through the basics and ensure that you establish proper watercolor techniques. CourseHorse offers a list of classes and local Chicago art schools that you can book. Keep reading to learn more about art classes in Chicago. 

Why You Should Learn Watercolor in Chicago

There are many benefits to learning watercolor, especially while living in a vibrant and active city like Chicago. Firstly, starting watercolor as a hobby provides a delightful and fulfilling way to alleviate stress, channel creativity, and make the most of your free time. Whether you're seeking a therapeutic outlet or a way to create meaningful gifts for others, watercolor painting can bring joy and fulfillment to your life.

Next, learning watercolor in Chicago allows you to join a community of like-minded individuals. The city has numerous local watercolor clubs, groups, events, and organizations dedicated to the arts. Through these connections, you’ll have opportunities to connect with fellow watercolor students and artists. You can share ideas, gain inspiration, and create valuable connections that enhance your artistic journey.

If you’re interested in learning watercolor to start a career, then taking a watercolor class is a great way to start. Watercolor is popular among illustrators and artists. So, you can work in the publishing industry or start your own art studio. Watercolor classes in Chicago offer many benefits. You will learn a fulfilling hobby, have opportunities to network and connect with other artists, and you’ll be able to learn new skills. 

In-Person Watercolor Classes & Schools in Chicago

Taking an in-person watercolor class is the best way to learn this art style. There are several techniques that you’ll need to master in order to have a good foundation and understanding of how to excel with watercolor painting. Luckily, there are several watercolor classes that you can consider taking in Chicago. 

A great class for beginners is the Watercolor 1 class from the Chicago Botanic Garden. This class includes six sessions to ensure that you’re able to master the art before you graduate from the class. You will learn basic color mixing and paint-handling exercises. Over the course of the class, you will progress to rendering textures and form in color and using paint-layering techniques.

There is a prerequisite to this class, however. Consider taking Botanical Drawing 1 and Color Mixing before signing up for the watercolor class. The prerequisite will give you a better understanding of how to draw natural flowers in art. If you have questions about either class, reach out to CourseHorse. 

The Chicago Botanic Garden also offers an English Watercolor Techniques class for intermediate students. This class includes six sessions and you will move forward from the skills you learning in Watercolor 1. You will learn an emphasis on the realistic portrayal of botanical subjects and traditional methods of dry-brush watercolor painting. You will also receive plenty of live demonstrations and personal instruction. 

You can also take Watercolors: Materials, Composition & Technique from the Evanston Art Center. This class also includes six sessions and lasts for three hours. During the class, you’ll learn several essential techniques, including: 

  • Watercolor techniques
  • Applying watercolor washes
  • Painting wet in wet
  • Painting without a sketch

You will create vibrant and subdued paintings with strong compositions. You will also learn to draw and paint a wide variety of still lifes. Throughout the course, your class will also participate in group critiques so you can learn from your classmates and receive supportive feedback as you learn the basics of watercolor painting. 

Virtual Watercolor Classes & Schools

Virtual classes are a great option for those who can’t commute to in-person classes. You get great instruction, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback from the comfort of your home. Keep reading to learn about some of the best online watercolor classes

If this is your first watercolor class, consider taking Watercolors for Absolute Beginners from 92nd Street Y. This class is the perfect class for those who want to learn watercolor but have no experience with the medium and little experience with art. It includes six sessions of classes and is open to those who are 18 years and older. 

According to the class description, here’s what you can expect once you sign up for the course, “[l]earn the basics of watercolor painting including—paint, brush, paper, value, color mixing, wash, wet-in-wet, wet-over-dry. Move on to form, light, color, and composition.” This class is a great way to learn watercolor painting quickly. 

Another great class to consider taking is Watercolors from Family Photos from 92nd Street Y. This class meets for three sessions and focuses on painting family photos. You will learn how to recompose and reinterpret your family photos by painting the faces you love the most in watercolor. 

If you’ve always wanted to capture a treasured family photo and turn it into art, this is one of the best classes for you to take. During the class, you will also learn varying watercolor techniques, such as wet-on-wet and glazing. 

CourseHorse lists some of the best watercolor classes in your area. If you’re interested in taking a class to learn the basics of watercolor, sign up with CourseHorse today. 

Private Group Watercolor Classes in Chicago

Are you looking for a way to reward your employees with a fun team-building event? CourseHorse offers the best watercolor classes for private groups in Chicago. You can book a team event and allow your employees to relax while following a guided watercolor class. 

One of the best classes is the Virtual Watercolor Workshop (Materials Included). The class lasts for 90 minutes, and your group will learn to apply watercolor techniques to create an abstract painting in this relaxing and creative workshop. You will build layers while painting a picture unique to your group. 

This class also includes the materials, and everything will be shipped to your group members before the start of the class. Everyone will be able to fully participate in this relaxing team event. For more information about CourseHorse’s group classes, visit the website. You can also browse through the extensive class list and learn more about the classes CourseHorse offers.

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