A:  Yes, you really will. This isn't a drawing class, and you don't have to know how to draw -- you can still learn to handle watercolors well enough to produce appealing  paintings. We begin with brushstrokes and controlling the water, then move on to simple landscapes, still life, flowers, and more.

Class size is small, never more than five to seven people, so everyone gets individual attention and help in every session.

You'll also learn the best ways to enlarge and trace images or photos that appeal to you -- your own photos, or images you find online -- and turn them into paintings using the skills you've learned. (That's not 'cheating', btw...plenty of professionals trace their images.)

Remember, even accomplished oil painters can't produce perfect watercolors at first; watercolor is unlike any other paint. As beginners, you’re encouraged to risk, experiment, and sometimes make a mess. (And I’ll show you how to repair any mistake.)

Everything in the class is aimed at getting you familiar with the materials and techniques so you can paint on your own. Patience, persistence, and practice are required; producing masterpieces, however, is not.

Check out this student work to see where other self-described "talent-free" students began, and what they were able to do after a few weeks. If they could do it, so can you.

Q: What can I expect to learn?

A: Through demonstration and individual, hands-on help, you’ll learn all the basic watercolor facts and techniques:

• washes, glazing, dry-brush, wet-on-dry, and wet-in-wet painting

• the paints and papers that insure success rather than “mud”

• color mixing and composition

• how a full value range takes a painting from bland to dramatic

• how to paint landscapes, trees, still life, flowers, and more

• how to choose mats and frames, and care for your supplies
  

Q: Do I have to show my work to the whole class? I'm nervous about being criticized. 

A:  Don’t worry! Beginners always feel nervous about showing their work or listening to "critiques” of their paintings in class, but relax -- we're not preparing for an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum. Be assured this class is zero-pressure.You’ll be encouraged to share your work during class and learn from each other, but there will be no “criticism”  -- only encouragement, suggestions, and patient help.

Q:  What are your credentials?

A:  I'm Joan Iaconetti, and I've studied watercolor at the Cooper Union and the Art Students League in New York. I’ve had several solo exhibits in New York City, won a major award in the American Watercolor Society exhibit in 2014, and my work has been featured in the October 2015 issue of Watercolor Artist Magazine

I love teaching, and have taught at every level from third grade through graduate school and adult education. As I taught myself watercolor from books, I began to put together the course I wish I'd been able to take -- this course, "Watercolor for Absolute Beginners." Here's what some of my students have said about this class:

"Joan has set a tone in the class that makes it easy to experiment and take risks -- a real necessity with this medium. She's also very knowledgeable."

"Her enthusiasm and helpfulness reduced my fears about trying something new."

"I can't imagine a better watercolor teacher."

"She's terrific -- encouraging, enthusiastic, and supportive.”

“Your Zoom classes were the highlight of my year.”

Q:  Do I have to buy a textbook of any kind?

A:  No, a book is not required. But do take a look at the recommended books at the end of the Materials List page. You can browse them online, or IRL in Barnes & Noble or the Strand Bookstore.

Q:  Should I wear a smock, or old clothes?

A:  You can, but it's not necessary. Watercolor isn't nearly as messy as oil or acrylic paint. However, accidental spills do happen, so don't wear your best white silk! Washable dark clothing is best.

 Q: What art supplies will I need?
A: You can either purchase your own supplies listed in the Materials List or you can order a “Beginner’s Kit” -- ten half-tubes of quality paints in a portable covered palette, a pad of 12 sheets of top-quality Arches brand paper, and 5 good-quality student brushes --  for $65.00 (about 15-20% less than buying it all yourself).

 If you run out of paint during the 6 weeks, refills are free; additional paper is available for $20 per 12-sheet pad. (I know, prices are crazy…in some cases they have literally doubled since Covid.) If you'd like a kit, please reserve one before class begins.

PLEASE NOTE: The ONLY thing I insist on is ARCHES brand 100% COTTON paper, which is available in stores everywhere on the planet. It’s always available in my studio at cost, currently $20 for a 12-sheet pad. If you can’t find Arches, Fabriano Artistico is good - or any 100% COTTON watercolor paper. (If the price seems too good to be true…it ain’t 100% COTTON, believe me.)

Don’t be fooled by “140-lb” paper, which only refers to the thickness of the paper. The cover should say 100% COTTON. If it doesn’t…don’t buy it.

You'll also need everyday supplies when paintings at home:  Kleenex and  paper towels, a ruler and a pencil, and a small spray bottle. Those are always available to borrow during class. 

Q: When? Where? How much?

The 5-week course is given more or less continually, on Saturdays at noon, Thursdays at 1 pm, and Wednesdays on ZOOM at 6 pm.

The next beginning dates for all classes are on the Current Classes page. To sign up, just email me and tell me which class you want.

Class meets once a week for 2.5 hours. Evening ZOOM classes begin promptly at 6 pm and end at 8 pm.  Saturday noon classes run 12 noon to 2:30 pm, and Thursday 1 pm class end at 3:30.

The 3-Week one-topic classes are usually on Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 pm.

The One-Day Workshops on one topic are usually on Sundays. The One-Day Workshops run about 5 hours total including 45 minutes for lunch.

See the Current Classes page for all dates, times, fees, and other details of current classes.

FEES: 
The Beginner Class tuition is $275 for five weekly classes, via cash, Zelle, or Venmo. (No personal checks, please.)  

You can order a $65 Beginner's Kit as well (about 15% less than buying it all yourself). See the Materials List page.

One-Day Workshops are $145 and designed for those with little or no watercolor experience. If you don’t have your own materials, a Materials Fee of $5 means you can borrow all the art supplies you need, and of course keep your paintings at the end of the day.

LOCATION for all classes and workshops:

24-32 UNION SQUARE EAST, STUDIO 509. Take the NORTH elevators (to the LEFT) to the fifth floor; go to the end of the hallway, and STUDIO 509 is just around the corner on the right.

"24-32 Union Square East" is the same address as "Park Avenue South, between 15th St. and 16th St."

The studio is in the Park South Plaza office building two doors north of the Raymour-Flanigan furniture store...two blocks north of the Union Square/14th Street subway station.

Trains: 4 5 6 L N R Q W   Always good to check how weekend trains are running.

If you have other questions, or want to sign up, just email me.
You can also text my cell at 917-804-1635.