Plein Air / Urban Sketching in Watercolor with Iain Stewart

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 22, 23 & 24, 2025.
10 AM to 4 PM.
$450, includes lunch on Saturday. Supplies needed.

Having taught for many years both at the University level and in the workshop environment I’ve been able to put together a formula that will show you my process in full detail. My first goal is to make you comfortable. This is your time and I am there to support that. For most people painting is a private process, doing so in a more public environment can create an anxious mind. I tend to try and keep things calm and will encourage you to let go of the fear of performance and embrace the act of creation in a relaxed environment.

When working from life or photography my goal in every scene is to ask myself why I chose the subject and how do I convey that idea on paper. I start by breaking a scene down into its major elements and then allow myself the freedom to reorganize and adjust for as strong a composition as possible. I build on this using thumbnail sketches where I “play” with different versions of the scene. Once I am settled on a workable idea I begin the process of building the scene. I am known for saying a couple of things. First- never let reality get in the way of a good painting. Second- do not let a pencil line tell you where to put your brush. Thinking this way takes a little pressure off of the need to perform well from the start. We are so very good at seeing the bad things in our paintings and terrible at noticing the good bits. I want to show you how to avoid that distraction and plan a painting so that you understand as much as you can before starting in with paint.

I cover as many different subjects as I can in each workshop. Skies, landform, water, reflections, the urban environment, all deserve attention so that I can give you a base of knowledge you can work from well after I have left the building. I don’t want to create cadre of people that can paint in my style. I want to help you find your unique voice. You are the only one that can express the world in your way. I embrace that idea.

I will of course show you tips and helpful ideas I’ve learned in my 25 year career. I will demonstrate how I work from the first scribble of a pencil to the final piece. It’s all about embracing your creative side and learning to letting go of the little voice that tells you that you can’t do it.

lain Stewart AWS / NWS is a Scots born watercolor artist and a signature member of the American and National Watercolor Societies among other state and international entities. He has also recently been inducted into the Whiskey Painters of America.

His work has received numerous awards in international competition and hangs in many corporate and private collections. lain is a sought after watercolor instructor and juror and has been published in numerous books and periodicals. He has just finished production of his 5th instructional DVD. In 2021 his first book on painting; En Plein Air- Light and Color, was published.

lain maintains a studio in Opelika, Alabama, and in addition to gallery work, is an Architectural Illustrator with an international clientele and has taught watercolor and design drawing at Auburn University where he received his degree. lain is an International Brand Ambassador for Escoda Brushes, Daniel Smith Watercolors, and Stillman & Birn Sketchbooks.

Time & Date: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 22, 23 & 24, 2025. 10 AM to 4 PM each day.