David R. Smith
Fresh & Exciting Watercolors
Aug 30 - Sep 4
4 Teaching Days
Description
Returning for the 7th year in 2026
Join David on a Watercolor Journey, learning the most valuable watercolor concepts and techniques. This workshop will save you countless hours of trial & error by demonstrating approaches in an easily understood manner that will open new doors of discovery and creativity. Participants will be provided reference photos, drawing guides, outlines, and step-by-step instruction through all stages of the painting process. The workshop is packed with demos and guided practice. Regardless of your level of experience, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with a handsome work of art, and the skills, concepts, and confidence to take your paintings to a higher level. David will demonstrate a wide variety of techniques, including “wet-on-wet,” “spattering,” “spraying,” and how to link shapes in a composition based on values, while also learning about edge quality of shapes, the importance of different consistencies of paint, and the different moisture qualities of paper – concepts and approaches that will keep your paintings fresh with exciting blends and textures, and keep you inspired and eager to explore your new watercolor capabilities long into the future.
Videos
Biography
David R. Smith began his artistic journey studying Asian Brush Painting in the United States and China. Two decades later, he was introduced to Western style watercolor painting and was amazed at how enjoyable and forgiving it was compared to working on rice paper. Ever since, he has been hooked on watercolor painting, and has become a popular artist and instructor nationally and internationally, as well as a sought-after juror.
David is the recipient of the Skyledge Award (the highest recognition awarded by the Transparent Watercolor Society of America), a signature member of the TWSA, the recipient of the High Winds Medal and signature member of the American Watercolor Society, signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and his work has earned him numerous “Best of Show” awards for both his studio and plein air work, including the Beauty of Watermedia Award at the Grand Marais MN Plein Air competition and 2nd place at the Alameda CA Frank Bette Plein Air competition. His work has been shown in galleries and museums across the United States and abroad, and included in the publications of: Watercolor Artist, Watercolour, PleinAir, Fine Art Connoisseur, International Artist, and multiple editions of SPLASH – The Best of Watercolor.
Learn More about David R. Smith
Fees
If 12 or more students attend class (all teaching days): $630
If 11-10 students attend class (all teaching days): $680
If 9-8 students attend class (all teaching days): $705
If 7-6 students attend class (all teaching days): $740
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Room & One Dinner Fee plus tax: $490
(There are 5 nights’ accommodations included in the “Room & One Dinner Fee” listed above.)
Itinerary
Sunday, Aug 30
Check-In to your unit at Dillman’s (check-in time is 3:00 p.m.)
5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (included in package)
6:00 p.m. Dinner at Dillman’s (included in Room and Meal Package. $28 additional for day students.)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday – Aug 31 to Sept 3
Breakfast On Own
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
Lunch On Own
Meals are on your own. All accommodations have cooking facilities. You may preorder box lunches and dinners for meals to be taken alone or with your group in: your studio, the lodge deck, cafe, or your accommodation. (Pre-ordering for lunches and dinners is required.)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session
Thursday, Sept 3
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
NOON Champagne Toast & Dessert (included in package)
Lunch On Own
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session
4:00 p.m. Class ends
Friday, Sept 4
Depart – check-out time is 10:00 a.m.
Optional Events – Sign Up Required / Subject to Change:
Monday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Monday 7:00 p.m. S’more Roast (no charge)
Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Yoga
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Wednesday Noon Pontoon Ride on White Sand Lake (no charge)
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Moondeer & Friends Gallery Tour (no charge)
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner
Thursday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Dine-Around Dinners: Registration required at the front desk, meet at 5:00 p.m. in the main lobby for carpooling.
Day students are welcome to attend the Welcome Reception and Farewell Reception (included in your package). You are also invited to join the class dinners (additional fee). PAL’s (Participants at large) can vacation at Dillman’s for $40 per night for accommodations. Costs for box lunches and dinners are additional.