Date/Time
Date(s) - October 30, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Categories
Discover the art of mixing the colors you see in nature. Over four indoor sessions, we’ll slow down and really look — at bark, moss, sky, and season-changing foliage — then translate what we observe into watercolor through hands-on color-mixing exercises and guided painting and drawing practice.
Each week builds your eye and your palette: understanding warm and cool colors, capturing the subtle grays of Pacific Northwest winter light, and finding the unexpected colors hiding in “brown” and “green.” Rooted in mindful observation, this series is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike who want to deepen their connection to the Arboretum’s living landscape through drawing and painting its beauty. No prior painting experience required.
Materials list: Watercolor paints, especially the primary colors of red, yellow and blue. Bring what you have or purchase a few tubes of the primary colors. A palette or mixing tray for paints. Watercolor tablet or sketchbook. Pencil, eraser, Micron or Faber Castle Pitt pen with waterproof ink, a size 8 round paintbrush. See the instructor’s list of recommendations.
- Registration includes October 30 and November 6, 13, 20
- Registration closes Thursday October 29th at 4:00pm
- Class details will be emailed closer to the program date
About the Instructor: Elizabeth Higgins is a watercolor artist and arts instructor who develops and facilitates classes and workshops connecting people to nature, mindfulness and creativity. She is known for her calm, supportive teaching style, and her approach is centered on the beliefs that both nature and creative expression are necessary components of human well-being. Learn more about Elizabeth on her website www.elizabethmhiggins.com.
Hoyt Arboretum Friends Education Policies:
Read our adult education policies HERE.
If you qualify for an Oregon income assistance program, please email [email protected] for details about further discounted program rates.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Hoyt Arboretum Friends member for discounted program rates, please click HERE.