Workshops
Oklahoma Arts Institute | Quartz Mountain, Oklahoma
Abstract Flora in Watercolor
October 1 - 4, 2026
Observe flowers with a new perspective using abstraction interpreted in watercolor. Capture not only what you see using watercolor, but also your personal response as you paint form, line, shape, and work in color. Daily demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing what you have painted provide the foundation for a dynamic exploration of this nuanced medium. Learn how to economize your mark-making and focus on elements like pattern and color through watercolor; observing details in nature with a fresh perspective. Jan provides one-on-one feedback throughout the process. Previous watercolor experience is required. This workshop is not designed for beginners. Registration information to come soon.
Watercolor & The Oaxacan Table | Oaxaca City, Mexico
October 16 - 22, 2026
Excited to be returning to Oaxaca in October 2026 with my long-time friends at Culinary Traditions. A culinary and art-filled tour with Iliana de La Vega, James Beard award winning chef (Texas Chef of the Year 2022), Isabel Torreabla, food journalist and anthropologist, and Jan Heaton, professional watercolor artist. Oaxaca is truly an inspirational destination. The market, the agave fields, the colors, a cooking class, delicious meals, shopping, and painting . . . the absolute perfect retreat. The painting element of this tour (three four hour sessions) is tailored for all levels of painting experience. Beginners are welcome! Jan believes all students are individuals with their own story, and library of inspiration. Her teaching methods are formed by her belief that everyone learns and makes art in their own way.
2027 WORKSHOPS
Rosewood Arts Center | Kettering Ohio
Introduction to Watercolor
January 23, 2027
A one day workshop for students with minimal watercolor experience. This course invites the artist to explore the many options of applying pigment in the watercolor medium, and finding the balance between spontaneity and control. Each student will complete paintings of varied sizes that utilize ten basic watercolor techniques. This course will also focus on the various experimental techniques and tools that can be utilized to create a finished painting. Activities include demonstrations, and instruction regarding using the techniques in both realistic and abstract formats. Discussions of abstract painting and student-instructor consultations are included in this class limited to ten students. Class time also includes demonstrations and group feedback. Supplies are not included. A supply list will be provided. Registration opens on the Rosewood website for Kettering residents on October 26, and on November 2nd for non-residents.
Rosewood Arts Center | Kettering Ohio
Abstract Flora
February 20, 2027
A one day workshop for students with all levels of watercolor experience. A little bit of summer in the middle of February! Local flowers serve as our inspiration for this workshop, where students will paint abstract flora captured in watercolor through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction. Emphasis is on observing flowers with a new perspective, capturing not only what can be seen, but also the internal reaction and interpretation of line, color, and form. Artists will explore simplifying the subject matter, recording the essence of nature with minimal marks, and develop various approaches to the invention of personal color choices and imagery—stretching preconceived notions of these elements and their initial meaning. Class time includes demonstrations and individual feedback. Supplies are not included. A supply list will be provided. Registration opens on the Rosewood website for Kettering residents on October 26, and on November 2nd for non-residents.
The Contemporary Austin Art School | Austin, Texas
Watercolor: The Market
April 3, 4, 5, 2027
Excited to be teaching again in Austin! A three day workshop for students with all levels of watercolor experience. Inspired by locally grown produce discovered at various farmers’ markets and farms. Observe your visits to the market with a new perspective. Capture not only what you observe, but also how you react, as you interpret the forms with watercolor. Learn to simplify and abstract subject matter, and record the essence of a fruit or vegetable with minimal marks. Develop various approaches to the invention of personal color choices and imagery to stretch your preconceived notions of these elements and their initial meaning. Basic techniques will be integrated: drawing, painting, technique, color theory, color mixing, design and composition. Demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing what you have created will provide the foundation for your exploration. Course and registration info to come soon on The Contemporary Austin Art School website . Registration will open in December.
Peninsula School of Art, Door County, Wisconsin
The Market in Watercolor
July 20 - 23, 2027
A four day workshop for students with all levels of watercolor experience. The Market is inspired by an ongoing study of locally grown produce discovered at various farmers’ markets. Observe your visits to the farmer’s market with a new perspective. Capture not only what you observe, but also how you react, as you interpret the forms with watercolor. Learn to simplify and abstract subject matter, and record the essence of a fruit or vegetable with minimal marks. Develop various approaches to the invention of personal color choices and imagery to stretch your preconceived notions of these elements and their initial meaning. Basic techniques will be integrated: drawing, painting, technique, color theory, color mixing, design and composition. Demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing what you have created will provide the foundation for your exploration. Course and registration information to come soon on the PenArt website.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center | Snowmass Village, Colorado
Watercolor: Abstract Flora
August 30 - September 3, 2027
Observe flowers with an exciting new perspective using abstraction interpreted in watercolor. Capture not only what you see using watercolor, but also your personal response as you paint form, line, shape, and work in color. One day of the workshop will be spent on color theory and mixing. Daily demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing what you have painted provide the foundation for a dynamic exploration of this nuanced medium. This is a Level 2 workshop and previous watercolor experience is required. Registration information to come soon on the Anderson Ranch website.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center | Snowmass Village, Colorado
Watercolor: Nature, Abstraction & Color
September 6 - 10, 2027
This workshop invites students to find the balance between spontaneity and control within the watercolor medium. We explore the evolution of abstract form from the observed reality of nature, with an emphasis on color palette. Each student completes a series of work that explores one central subject. This course focuses on line, color, structure, and form in relation to natural objects. Various experimental techniques and tools that can be utilized to create a finished painting are demonstrated. Activities include presentations of visual images, discussions of abstract painting, and student-instructor consultations. This is a Level 2 workshop and previous watercolor experience is required. Registration information to come soon on the Anderson Ranch website.
