Mindfulness in Watercolor with Lois Barber

Settle in and enjoy the present moment while exploring watercolor painting with Lois Barber at The Local Art Gallery in this Thursday morning series that meets Thursday, May 14, 21, and 28 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm.

Geared towards ages 16+.

Deadline to register: May 12, 2026

$90 instructional cost: includes drawing paper, watercolor paper, extra pencils, erasers, felt pens, paints, paper towels, & brushes.

Required Material List: Approx $20. Participants are responsible for bringing the following to each class:

· #2 pencil

· Basic eraser

· Sharpie felt pens: fine point, medium point

· Small spray bottle of water

· A few inexpensive watercolor painting brushes, different sizes and types

· Basic set of inexpensive (student grade) watercolor paints: pans, tubes or bottles (8 to 12 colors including but not limited to: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple)

· Some paper towels & a rag

· A jar for water

· An apron and/or wear old clothes

· A plastic plate or tray for mixing paints (white is best)

Class Description:

Learn about and apply some principles of mindfulness through explorations with watercolor paints—which lend themselves to being ‘in the flow’. Specifically, students will practice being fully present in each moment, doing one thing, uniting mind, body and heart, setting intentions, not having expectations, positivity, and following your breath. Through simple exercises you will explore color, line, texture, composition, and values while letting the watercolors lead the way. We will follow the path of a line, look deeply while analyzing and mixing colors inspired by flowers, and do contour line drawing and painting—even portraits—with a splash of color.

Artist Bio:

Lois Barber, the artist guide for the class, is an experienced watercolor painter and former art teacher. She has studied and practiced meditation and mindfulness for 34 years. Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced Tick Not Hon), Vietnamese Buddhist monk, has been her primary teacher. Mostly she has fun painting Plein Air (outside) capturing the beauty of the world, and has created and painted hundreds of whimsical birdz that you can view on her website: https://birdz.gallery/

Note: Participants will be added to the Mill District Local Art Gallery email list. You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time.

Note: Photos and video images will be captured during the event. Please tell Local Art Gallery staff working the event if you do not wish to have your image included. Thank you.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mill District Local Art Gallery, 91 Cowls Road, Amherst, United States

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