From Scene To Soul

Early registration Price

Class opens September 30th

Warm-Up: Dropping Into the Landscape

Before we pick up the brush, we’ll take a moment to ground ourselves. This simple guided pause helps you quiet the mind, tune into your senses, and fully connect with the feeling of place you want to paint.

When you open your eyes, you’ll carry this sensory memory into your first painting—bringing depth, authenticity, and emotion to your work.

lesson 1: Misty Morning

We’ll begin with a soft, atmospheric scene inspired by a misty morning walk at the Santa Rosa Plateau. The soft veil of mist hugs the trees and hillsides, diffusing the light and creating a quiet sense of peace.

Using fluid gouache washes, we’ll mix and layer intentional colors — building subtle variations in the land and sky. Expressive brushstrokes will bring movement to the grasses, while nuanced shifts in value suggest the shadows that fall across the meandering path. Finally, a delicate touch of pastel will add depth and texture, inviting the viewer to linger in the calm of the scene.

Lesson 2: Red Rocks

In this lesson, we’ll channel the dramatic presence of Sedona’s red rock formations. Beginning with a light gouache underpainting, we’ll mix and layer intentional colors to create a strong foundation for both the rugged cliffs and the lush green trees.

With palette knife in hand, we’ll build bold, textural strokes that capture the strength and vitality of the rock face, followed by equally dynamic work in the foliage to bring the scene to life. Rich pastel accents will deepen the values, enhance texture, and convey the grounded, energetic spirit that Sedona is known for.

Lesson 3: First Flight

Our final piece is an invitation to choose a place that fills you with gratitude, wonder, or joy. I’ll demonstrate with a sunrise from Montelparo, Italy — a moment when golden light touched the clouds and spilled across the rolling hills.

Through layered gouache washes and palette knife textures, we’ll translate the warmth and possibility that each new day brings. Gentle color shifts will capture the early morning glow, while pastel will add softness and detail, creating a painting that’s not only a record of a place, but a reflection of how it lives in your memory and heart.

BONUS LESSON: Gouache & Go

With this quick-start guide to painting with gouache on the go, you’ll have everything you need to take your creativity on the road. 

Inside this downloadable PDF, you’ll find: the essentials of gouache; how to pack a lightweight travel kit; and my favorite quick-painting tips for capturing the world in bold, beautiful color—no matter where you are.

Who is this class for?

This class is for anyone interested in exploring gouache as a medium for expressive landscapes — whether you’re brand new to gouache or looking to deepen your skills. It’s perfect for travelers, sketchbook artists, and anyone who loves the idea of capturing the essence of a place in a portable, versatile medium.

Whether your goal is to learn new techniques, experiment with color, or translate the beauty of a scene into a personal, heartfelt work, From Scene to Soul will guide you step-by-step.

• Paints:  Windsor Newton Gouache Set  (or similar quality)  Primary Red, Primary Blue, Primary Yellow, Titanium White, Ivory Black

• Paper: Arches Travel Sketchbook, 140 lb cold press 100% cotton (or equivalent watercolor paper)

• Soft Pastels to work within your color palette

• Brushes: Round brushes in assorted sizes (4,6,8)

• Palette Knife: Small to medium, straight or offset

• Other: Pencil for sketching, water container, mixing palette, paper towels