Tag Archive for: From photo to art class

Instructor: Elvira Rascov

This popular watercolor workshop is back! If you haven’t had a chance to join before, this is a fun and inspiring class where you’ll learn how to turn an ordinary photo into a vibrant, expressive watercolor painting.

Whether you’re fairly new to watercolor or already have some experience, this workshop will help you gain confidence with loose painting techniques, color mixing, and sketching strong compositions. Some watercolor experience is recommended.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use a photo as a starting point for your watercolor painting
• Simple ways to break down complex scenes by focusing on light and shadow
• Techniques for color layering, mixing, and creating texture
• Why value sketches are essential for building a strong foundation
• Step-by-step guidance through the entire process—from choosing a reference image and creating a composition, to sketching and bringing your painting to life in watercolor

You’ll be able to choose from a selection of reference images provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own personal photo (please note: only personal photos may be used).

Class Dates & Details

Two Separate Sessions — register for one or both!

• Saturday, January 31, 2026
• Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (3 hours)

Location:
Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center
208 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Register for class on January 31, 2026

Register for class on April 18, 2026

✨ Spots are limited! Sign up early to reserve your place and enjoy a creative, relaxed watercolor experience. I look forward to painting with you! 🎨

Materials to Bring:

• 9×12″ cold press watercolor paper
• Basic set of watercolor paints
• Round watercolor brushes (sizes 4, 6, 10) and a rigger for details
• Drawing board or clipboard
• Two water containers
• Masking tape
• Paper towels

A detailed supply list will be emailed one week before each class.

Come ready to explore, paint, and continue building your watercolor skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. This class is ideal for beginners who already have some experience and are ready to grow with more confidence. You’ll gain practical tools for creating strong compositions and expressive paintings, with an emphasis on learning the process and developing a solid foundation rather than finishing a painting in class.

Elvira Rascov, an accomplished Colombian American artist, loves to render nature in watercolors and oils. Elvira has taken her art a notch further, and used these painting techniques to create groovy functional ceramics.
Inspired by her early teachers in Bogotá, Elvira teaches Art throughout the Bay Area, making painting fun and expressive.
When she is not busy capturing the soft California landscapes with its soothing hues of yellows and greens, she is experimenting with cityscapes.

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