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Watercolor Workshop: A Beginner's Guide to Brushstrokes
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
(CDT)
Description
Join local artist Sara Porter for a hands-on watercolor workshop focused on loose painting techniques and expressive brushwork. Whether you're brand new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive and creative environment to grow.
In this workshop, you’ll practice essential brushstrokes while painting a Highlander Cow (from a previous class favorite) and a simple landscape.
What to expect:
• Step-by-step instruction on brush techniques
• Practice exercises and guided painting
• Small class size for personalized attention
• A relaxed, creative atmosphere
Feel free to bring your favorite beverages and treats—coffee and tea will be provided
Sara Porter is a Brainerd Lakes Area artist with a Studio Art degree from Northwestern University (Roseville, MN), specializing in oil painting.
She has been teaching at Kicks since 2018 and works with homeschool co-op groups, teaching students from elementary through high school. Sara enjoys working across a variety of mediums, allowing her classes to stay fresh, creative, and adaptable to different artistic styles.
In addition to teaching, Sara sells original artwork at Kicks and creates custom pet portraits in paint, colored pencil, and soft pastels.
Follow her on Facebook & Instagram: @ArtistSaraPorter
Paint:
Recommended brands: Winsor & Newton or Grumbacher Academy
Starter set example:
Suggested Colors:
• Lemon Yellow
• Burnt Sienna
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cadmium Red Deep
• Permanent Rose (or Quinacridone Magenta)
• Hooker’s Green
Optional Colors:
• Payne’s Grey
• Prussian Blue
• Alizarin Crimson
• Yellow Ochre
• Phthalo Blue
Brushes:
Look for synthetic sable brushes (or similar).
Recommended Brands:
• Princeton Aqua Elite
• Princeton Heritage
• Princeton Velvetouch
• Winsor & Newton Cotman
Brushes to Bring:
Round Brushes (2–3 total):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-round-watercolor-brush-10553033
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/winsor-newton-cotman-round-brush-10368012
Flat Brush (½″ or ¾″):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-stroke-watercolor-brush-10553039
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-wash-brush-10658646
Liner or Small Round (#1):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-liner-watercolor-brush-10553024
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-round-brush-10658641
Paper (Most Important!)
For best results, use:
• 100% cotton
• Cold-pressed
• 140 lb
• Acid-free
Recommended:
• Arches watercolor paper (top choice)
• Strathmore 500 series
Example:
💡 Tip: Buy a large sheet (22″ × 30″) of Arches paper and tear it into smaller pieces for better value and results.
- Cost: $60
- Ages: 16+
- Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
- Registration Deadline: 8:00 PM, two nights before class
- No refunds
- Minimum of 4 participants required
- If minimum is not met, class may be canceled
- If canceled, you’ll receive a refund or class credit
- For last-minute availability, please call
Pricing
- Cost: $60
- Ages: 16+
- Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
- Registration Deadline: 8:00 PM, two nights before class
- No refunds
- Minimum of 4 participants required
- If minimum is not met, class may be canceled
- If canceled, you’ll receive a refund or class credit
- For last-minute availability, please call
Kicks the Art Place
36066 County Road 66
Crosslake,
MN
56442
United States
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
(CDT)
Categories
Product Demonstration
Recreation
Education
Hands-on Event
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Watercolor Workshop: A Beginner's Guide to Brushstrokes
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
Join local artist Sara Porter for a hands-on watercolor workshop focused on loose painting techniques and expressive brushwork. Whether you're brand new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive and creative environment to grow.
In this workshop, you’ll practice essential brushstrokes while painting a Highlander Cow (from a previous class favorite) and a simple landscape.
What to expect:
• Step-by-step instruction on brush techniques
• Practice exercises and guided painting
• Small class size for personalized attention
• A relaxed, creative atmosphere
Feel free to bring your favorite beverages and treats—coffee and tea will be provided
Sara Porter is a Brainerd Lakes Area artist with a Studio Art degree from Northwestern University (Roseville, MN), specializing in oil painting.
She has been teaching at Kicks since 2018 and works with homeschool co-op groups, teaching students from elementary through high school. Sara enjoys working across a variety of mediums, allowing her classes to stay fresh, creative, and adaptable to different artistic styles.
In addition to teaching, Sara sells original artwork at Kicks and creates custom pet portraits in paint, colored pencil, and soft pastels.
Follow her on Facebook & Instagram: @ArtistSaraPorter
Paint:
Recommended brands: Winsor & Newton or Grumbacher Academy
Starter set example:
Suggested Colors:
• Lemon Yellow
• Burnt Sienna
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cadmium Red Deep
• Permanent Rose (or Quinacridone Magenta)
• Hooker’s Green
Optional Colors:
• Payne’s Grey
• Prussian Blue
• Alizarin Crimson
• Yellow Ochre
• Phthalo Blue
Brushes:
Look for synthetic sable brushes (or similar).
Recommended Brands:
• Princeton Aqua Elite
• Princeton Heritage
• Princeton Velvetouch
• Winsor & Newton Cotman
Brushes to Bring:
Round Brushes (2–3 total):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-round-watercolor-brush-10553033
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/winsor-newton-cotman-round-brush-10368012
Flat Brush (½″ or ¾″):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-stroke-watercolor-brush-10553039
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-wash-brush-10658646
Liner or Small Round (#1):
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-aqua-elite-synthetic-liner-watercolor-brush-10553024
👉 https://www.michaels.com/product/princeton-velvetouch-series-3950-round-brush-10658641
Paper (Most Important!)
For best results, use:
• 100% cotton
• Cold-pressed
• 140 lb
• Acid-free
Recommended:
• Arches watercolor paper (top choice)
• Strathmore 500 series
Example:
💡 Tip: Buy a large sheet (22″ × 30″) of Arches paper and tear it into smaller pieces for better value and results.
- Cost: $60
- Ages: 16+
- Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
- Registration Deadline: 8:00 PM, two nights before class
- No refunds
- Minimum of 4 participants required
- If minimum is not met, class may be canceled
- If canceled, you’ll receive a refund or class credit
- For last-minute availability, please call
- Cost: $60
- Ages: 16+
- Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
- Registration Deadline: 8:00 PM, two nights before class
- No refunds
- Minimum of 4 participants required
- If minimum is not met, class may be canceled
- If canceled, you’ll receive a refund or class credit
- For last-minute availability, please call
36066 County Road 66
Crosslake, MN 56442 United States
Product Demonstration
Recreation
Education
Hands-on Event
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