Capture spring unfolding in the garden with a heightened awareness of color during this three-session watercolor series focusing on color exploration, experimentation and practice on Saturdays, April 19, May 17 and June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Led by artist and educator Jean Mackay, we’ll paint flowering trees, perennials and bulbs concentrating on a specific color in each session so you can get to know your palette and gain confidence with mixing clean, vibrant colors. Each class will include an overview of pigments, color play and mixing, and a focal piece that showcases the dominant color. We’ll sketch outside for part of the time, if weather permits, and bring nature inside if it doesn’t, so please dress accordingly. Instruction will be tailored to various skill levels. Materials list provided upon registration. This series gives you the flexibility to sign up for one or more sessions, with a discount for choosing all three.

April 19/Session One: Yellows — We'll begin this series by learning about watercolor pigments, including transparency, staining and warm and cool colors. Then we'll focus on yellows and experiment with mixing tricky yellow shadow colors on early spring flowers. Register for this session here: April 19/Session One.

May 17/Session Two: Pinks and Reds — Explore frequently used red and pink pigments and put that knowledge into practice by painting spring blossoms in shades from pale pink to ruby reds. Register for this session here: May 17/Session Two.

June 14/Session Three: Greens — The color that best exemplifies spring often leaves painters mystified. We'll mix lots of greens, learn more about "convenience" greens and focus on capturing foliage in different shades of green. Register for this session here: June 14/Session Three.

Artist and educator Jean Mackay has been keeping an artist journal for more than 25 years as a way to study and share the beauty of nature. Working in all kinds of settings, from tide pools to farm fields to museums, Jean’s journals reflect a keen eye for detail and a profound sense of wonder. She teaches both online and immersive in-person workshops. Her blog, Drawn In, shares the ordinary, yet extraordinary things that she encounters close to home and farther afield. More information about Jean can be found at jeanmackayart.com