Winter Jay — Watercolour Workshop

Friday, 06 November 2026 Unmistakably Canadian, the Blue Jay brings brilliant colour and bold character to quiet winter landscapes. Watchful, spirited and seemingly armoured against the cold, its vivid blues and striking markings make an irresistible subject for watercolour. Set among snowy evergreens and bright berries, this familiar winter visitor invites developing watercolourists to capture resilience, beauty and personality in luminous colour. Capture winter's boldest visitor Paint a handsome Blue Jay perched among snow-covered evergreen boughs and bright winter berries in this focused one-day watercolour workshop. To take the pressure off and jump straight into painting, you’ll trace the design directly onto watercolour paper — leaving you free to explore luminous blues, softly layered plumage and the atmospheric winter landscape beyond. No drawing experience required. What you’ll learn With Crystal’s expert, step-by-step guidance, you’ll explore: Masking fluid mastery How to apply and remove masking fluid cleanly to preserve crisp whites on snow-dusted branches and feather details. Atmospheric wet-on-wet backgrounds Techniques for creating soft, blurred winter pine silhouettes that give your subject depth and focus. Luminous glazing & layering How to build clean, radiant washes of blues and rich berry tones without creating muddy colours. Fine line details Brush control tips for rendering feather textures, delicate pine needles, and crisp highlights. Experience required This workshop is suitable for developing and intermediate watercolourists looking to build confidence and refine their technique. No drawing experience is needed; however, participants should have completed at least one introductory watercolour workshop or have some familiarity with basic washes and water control. With several techniques explored during the day, this foundation will help you enjoy the workshop and get the most from Crystal’s instruction. 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 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, 06 November 2026 Time 10:00 to 16:00 Experience needed Developing and intermediate watercolourists Cancellations/Refunds Photography