Detail & Shading Brush Techniques with Willow Wolfe and Cotman Watercolors

Join us for a creative watercolor workshop with artist Willow Wolfe!

In this session, Willow will guide you step-by-step through painting the elegant heron using Callia Artist Brushes and Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors. You’ll learn how to layer transparent washes, capture subtle movement, and bring your painting to life with light and texture. Discover the secret to sparkling highlights in watercolor, while building depth and adding a modern touch with abstract applications. Willow will share her favorite techniques for capturing subtle washes and fine details, guiding us through the textures of feathers, the sharpness of the beak, and the luminous softness that a spray of water can create. We’ll explore wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, as well as balancing bold textures with delicate transparency. Throughout the workshop, we’ll also learn how to choose the right brushes, discover what makes them great, and practice strokes and marks that add life and movement to our paintings. Each participant will receive a pre-drawn line art illustration on watercolor paper, allowing us to focus on color and brushwork without the need for sketching. By the end, we’ll each have our own finished heron painting, renewed confidence, and new skills to enhance our creative practice. Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists!

This virtual event will be recorded and posted to our YouTube Channel following the live event. Registered attendees will receive a follow-up thank-you email that includes a link to the video.

*Note About Supplies:

Some of the supplies will be provided in the Free Sample Kit with the purchase of your ticket (Sample kit order separately at the link provided upon ticket purchase). Willow will also be using Cadmium yellow, Ultramarine blue, and Ivory black. You will want to have similar colors on hand or purchase colors to be able to follow along with the complete workshop project. We’ve provided recommended additional supplies in the Supply List below.

SAMPLE KIT:

Upon registration, you will receive a link to order your Free Sample Kit that includes some of the supplies you'll need to participate in the Virtual Workshop. Additional supplies are not required, but will enhance your experience during the event (see supply list below*). Order your Free Sample Kit by Sunday, October 26, to receive it before the day of the event.

Sample kit includes:

1 Callia Round Watercolor Brush, 6 Round

3 Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors: Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Payne's Gray, 21 ml

Pre-drawn line art on watercolor paper

What Does That Brush Do? Brochure

Winsor & Newton Cotman Color Chart

Printed Reference Image

Please note: Registration for the workshop is required to receive the sample kit. We can only send one sample kit per workshop registration. If you are ordering sample kits for multiple registrations, please indicate the first and last names of all registered persons in the notes/comments section of your order. Sample kits can only be sent to addresses in the United States.

SUPPLY LIST:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors: Burnt Sienna,* Yellow Ochre,* Payne's Gray,* Cadmium Yellow Hue, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black

Liquitex Acrylic Soft Body White

Willow Wolfe Callia Watercolor Flowers Brush Set

Ceramic Palette or Plate

Paper Towels

Artist Tape or clipboard

Water Container

*Samples of these items are included in the free sample kit (order separately; link provided in Order Confirmation Email upon registration)

Shop the Supply List Here >>

ABOUT WILLOW:

Willow Wolfe is an artist, educator, and innovator recognized for creating some of the art industry’s best-selling brush lines. She is the founder of Willow Wolfe Inc., a boutique brand celebrated for cruelty-free, high-performance brushes that blend tradition with modern innovation. With nearly three decades of product design and teaching experience, Willow has inspired more than 125,000 students worldwide through her approachable, step-by-step methods. She has collaborated with leading art supply companies and retailers across the globe, building a reputation for excellence and innovation. Willow’s mission is to make professional-quality tools and education accessible, helping artists everywhere bring their creativity to life.