Little Works of Wonder — Watercolour Workshop

Friday, 20 November 2026 • 10:00 – 15:00 The scent of evergreens and bright berries gathered among winter boughs — some of the season’s greatest joys are found in its simplest details. Spend a day capturing those small pleasures in watercolour. Painting loosely, sharing the creative experience and letting colour move freely across the paper, you’ll create two little works to keep, frame or gift during the holidays. Two little watercolours In this relaxed one-day workshop, guest artist Crystal Beshara will guide you through two expressive 5×7" watercolours. Working loosely and intuitively, you’ll explore the movement of water and pigment while learning to suggest form without relying on careful outlines or precise drawing. A Little Evergreen Build an evergreen from fluid, confident brushstrokes, allowing its irregular shape and shifting greens to give it character. Soft washes, dry-brush texture and lively splatters create the surrounding winter atmosphere. Berries & Boughs Discover how repeated strokes and simple shapes can become a graceful seasonal wreath. Layer pine, foliage and loosely painted berries while preserving the open spaces that keep the composition fresh and spontaneous. You'll explore These paintings are not about controlling every mark. Crystal will show you how to work with the natural movement of watercolour — allowing colours to mingle, edges to soften and unexpected effects to become part of the finished work. Through step-by-step guidance, you’ll explore: Expressive brushwork Creating movement and form with confident, intuitive strokes Wet-on-wet colour Allowing greens and festive reds to blend naturally on the paper Atmosphere and texture Combining soft washes, dry-brush marks, negative space and controlled splatters Creating card-ready artwork Practical guidance for photographing or scanning your paintings to create personalized cards and gift tags. Is this workshop for me? This all-levels workshop is an inviting introduction for those new to watercolour and an opportunity for more experienced painters to loosen their approach. No drawing experience is needed. Crystal will demonstrate each stage and help you develop both paintings at a comfortable pace. Included All materials and tools — you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer Step-by-step guided demonstrations Practice sheets for techniques Reference images Refreshments About Crystal Beshara Crystal is an international award-winning contemporary realist painter and sought-after educator. A self-taught realist, she spent her rural childhood observing and drawing the natural world around her. Crystal shifts easily between mediums — watercolour, gouache and oil — focusing on realism juxtaposed with expressive, gestural brushstrokes. Her popular creative workshops are carefully structured to help participants build confidence and develop their skills. Benefit from more than 25 years of teaching experience as Crystal guides you through each stage of your painting. Good to know Please arrive a little early, settle in and help yourself to some refreshments. Late arrivals disrupt the rest of the class, and it may not be possible for the instructor to help you catch up. Lunch We'll take a 30-minute lunch break — bring a packed lunch or support a local eatery. Know your way around Visit our FAQs page to learn more about parking, our facilities, local restaurants and accommodations. At a glance Facilitating Artist Crystal Beshara Class size 12 seats Language English with supplementary explanation in French if required Date Friday, 20 November 2026 Time 10:00 to 15:00 Experience needed None Take home Two 5x7" watercolours Cancellations/Refunds Photography