The beautiful buildings and expertly manicured grounds at Bonnet House, designed by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett in the 1920s, provide a magnificent and inspiring setting for artists from all over the world. Our Outdoor Watercolor Classes offer a unique opportunity to paint scenes from this historical estate, independently on the grounds, or sharing tables in a shaded area. Watercolor Classes include discussions regarding traditional techniques of realism, encompassing botanical illustration and tromp l’oeil, as well as critiques, demos, slides, historical concepts, color, contour drawing, negative space and volume, and observing light and shadow.
The Outdoor Watercolor Classes are expertly conducted by artist Karen Eskesen, a member of the Bonnet House Fine Artists, who has taught realist watercolor techniques in South Florida for over 30 years. Karen received a B.A. from Colby College, Maine, and also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Brooklyn Museum Art School.
Watercolor Classes will be available in two six-week sessions, the first ranging from January 6th through February 10th, and the second from February 24th to March 30th. Classes are also divided into two separate periods, from 9:30am to 12:30pm or from 1pm to 4pm. Cost per six-week session is $120 for members and $150 for non-members. Limited reservations are available, and pre-registration is required.
Bonnet House offers a wide variety of entertaining and educational classes throughout the year, including watercolor orchid painting, acrylic, pastel, zentangle, calligraphy, flora and fauna, and the ever-popular orchid workshops, encompassing every conceivable topic from the basics to the diagnosing of pests and diseases. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. To register for the outdoor watercolor classes or get additional information on all the other classes and workshops, please call Linda Schaller at (954) 563-5393, extension 137, or visit Bonnethouse.org/adult-workshops.