In Progress: Watercolor Landscapes: Studio to Plein Air Workshop
This two-day workshop guides artists through studio exercises and plein air painting at Stanford University to build strong watercolor foundations, sharpen observation skills, and confidently capture light, atmosphere, and a sense of place in the landscape.
Description
Join John for a two-day watercolor landscape workshop designed to help artists loosen up, look closely, and paint with greater confidence. Whether participants are experienced painters or just beginning their watercolor journey, this workshop focuses on strengthening foundational skills while discovering new ways to respond to the landscape.
Day One – In the Studio
The workshop begins with a relaxed meet-and-greet, followed by a series of short, focused studio exercises to sharpen observation and brushwork. These studies are designed to build confidence with color mixing, value relationships, layering, and edge control—essential tools for creating strong, expressive landscapes.
Day Two – Plein Air at Stanford University
On the second day, the group will paint outdoors at Stanford University. With its classic architecture, formal gardens, and beautiful natural spaces, the campus offers abundant inspiration. Painting plein air encourages artists to simplify, make bold compositional decisions, and respond directly to light and atmosphere.
Throughout both days, John offers individual guidance at every stage—from initial sketch and color selection to layering techniques, blending, and final details. He encourages experimentation and personal interpretation, reminding students that watercolor rewards both thoughtful control and spontaneity.
Each session concludes with a group sharing and discussion. Through self-critique and constructive feedback, participants gain valuable insight into their process and continue developing their own artistic voice beyond the workshop. By the end of both workshops students should have two completed painting, one studio and one plein air.
About the Instructor
John Spotorno is a 4th generation Californian and a bay area native. He discovered his passion for drawing and watercolor painting while attending Cal Poly University School of Architecture and Environmental Design. A recipient of a national design award allowed John nine months of European travel honing his skills in plein air sketching. John is a licensed Architect currently practicing commercial architecture in Palo Alto. John joined the Pacific Art League in 2021 and has had his paintings on display there and at University Art in Redwood City. He routinely leads a summer watercolor camp for youth and teens, a beginner's introduction to watercolor courses, as well as single day workshops throughout the rest of the year for adults. He also scheduled to lead a weeklong outdoor summer course at the SFSU Sierra Nevada Field Campus. Selecting subjects, many from the California coast to the High Sierra, he continues to develop his painting skills while studying with local artists Steve Curl, Rafael DeSoto, and Robert Dvorak.
Supply List
PAPER
9”x12” or 12”x16” pad or block of 140 lb. Cold Press or Rough Watercolor paper is recommended. John likes Arches but any good brand, 100% cotton will suffice. During our 1st session you will be encouraged to paint a panorama, the format being 7.5” x 22” made from dividing a single sheet of 22” x 30” watercolor paper into 4 strips. For the 2 nd session outdoors, we will be painting with changing light conditions, possible wind etc. Smaller sizes of paper allow you to get something accomplished without being overwhelmed.
BRUSHES
For the size of paper noted above, your workhorse will be a #10 or #12 round brush. It is good to have a smaller brush too, such as a #6 round. A 3/4” or 1” flat brush is useful too, for more chiseled shapes. A bamboo roll-up mat or brush holder folder is a good idea to keep your brushes organized and protected.
PAINTS
can be purchased as a pan set with pre-measured cakes of paint, or you can buy tubes of paint and a blank palette to create your own set-up. You want to have a working palette with plenty of mixing area.
Color suggestions as follows:
- Lemon Yellow. Cadmium Yellow.
- Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Oprah Rose.
- Hookers Green, Sap Green.
- Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber
- Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue.
- Payne’s Gray, Neutral Tint
PENCIL& ERASER
Don’t forget a pencil sharpener and a small baggie to catch pencil shavings if you bring a regular pencil! A Kneaded Eraser is preferred to limit paper damage.
WATER CONTAINER
You’ll need two small cups to hold water while painting and two containers to carry water — you’ll need one to refill your water cup and one to carry out dirty paint water.
PAPER TOWELS
a sponge, or fabric to help clean your brush between colors.
SMALL WATER SPRAY BOTTLE
PAINTERS TAPE (optional)
BINDER CLIPS (optional)
GENERAL DAY SUPPLIES (in addition to your art supplies):
Remember that you want to be able to carry your supplies efficiently! Come prepared with a setup that is compact enough to carry around and move from location to location.
- Backpack to hold all your supplies and keep your hands free as you walk around.
- Clipboard or piece of foam board for support under your paper or sketchbook.
- Portable stool, camping chair, sitting pad, or towel to sit on.
- Weather appropriate attire (packable waterproof jacket for unexpected rainstorms).
- Sturdy, water resistant hiking shoes or boots.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Lunch, bring your favorite foods and drinks or can be purchased nearby, snacks, and plenty of drinking water