2026 is the year to focus on yourself and your wellness. Back by popular demand, join artist and teacher Mike Flynn as he guides you through simple steps to creating watercolor landscapes. 

In this workshop you will use simple design and composition to execute beautiufl landscapes in four or five steps. Start your year at the ARTfactory crafting a beautiful vision for the year to come!

All supplies will be provided, but experienced painters are welcome to bring their own!

Ages 15+

Saturday, February 7th

1-3 pm

Class Fee: Free!

This free wellness workshop is brought to you in partnership with UVA Health.

Explore the beautiful fluidity and transparency of watercolor. Beginners will learn basic tools and techniques. Experienced students will explore new methods, materials, and styles. This class is offered throughout the year with a different approach presented in each session.  A list of supplies can be found on the Classes and Camps page, or by clicking here. Watercolor paper will be provided by the instructor.

Fridays 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

February 20th - March 20th

For ages 15 & up.

Tuition: $190  Supply Fee: $5

Back by popular demand!

Learn how working with a limited palette can help improve your art. One of the most essential tools for good composition is the use of lights and darks - kown as "value". 

This workshop will help you see values better, and understand their role and importance in creating contrast, depth, and form. Suitable for any media!

Students must bring their own supplies!

Michele will provide reference photos, or students may provide their own.

Ages 15+

Sunday, February 22nd

12-3 pm

Class Fee: $57

You may have learned how to use some of these mediums on their own, but how do they interact together?

In this mixed media class artist and instructor Mike Flynn will help you create unique, vital interpretations of subjects. Your pieces will feature a strong sense of design, light, and vibrant color. 

Come explore what happens when you mix watercolor with charcoal and pen marks and lines, adding gouache for colorful accents. 

Please see the supplies list here - other than watercolor paper, no supplies will be provided.

Ages 15+

Thursdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

March 5-26

Registration fee: $190             Supplies fee: $8

Learn how to use the paint medium gouache and how fun and versatile it can be! You will learn how to paint a variety of flowers, learning the basic lines and shapes needed to create a flower.

You will explore a few different styles and create up to three different paintings of flowers!

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm

March 25 - April 22

Class Fee: $190     Supplies Fee: $20

Looking to shake up your approach to watercolors? This class will show you how to elevate your paintings with ink accents that help your subjects pop!

In this multi-media class, instructor Mike Flynn will guide students through four different projects using ink pen and watercolor paint.

Students will conquer a new project each week, and learn the fundamentals of using both pen and paint to create beautiful art.

Canvases and pens will be provided via the supply fee, paint supplies will need to be purchased. You can find supply lists here.

Ages 16+

Wednesdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

April 8-29

Registration Fee: $190                Paper Fee: $10

Have fun exploring the many different techniques one can use with watercolor pencils!

Watercolor pencils are a versatile medium because they can be used dry for colored-pencil effects, partially diluted, or completely diluted. These pencils are fun to use and can create smooth or textured artwork, and they’re a great way to become more comfortable with watercolor as a painting medium!

Accomplished artist Valerie Larson will be presenting examples of her own watercolor-pencil paintings, showcasing various techniques she uses. These techniques include mixing colors, creating paper palettes, and much more.

Students can bring their own photo for painting inspiration or follow along with the one provided in the workshop. You will also be working on Aquaboard, a clay-like surface made for watercolors. 

ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED VIA THE SUPPLY FEE!!

Ages 15+

Saturday, April 11th

1-3:30 pm

Registration Fee: $47.50        Supply Fee: $7

Interested in Watercolors, but afraid to take a class for fear of being out of your depth? Local artist Mike Flynn has designed a course perfect for the absolute beginner in watercolors!

Over the course of four classes you will be introduced to the tools of the trade. Mike will demonstrate basic techniques, and show you how to design with values, shapes and details.

Students may use their own photos to create a landscape painting , with help from Mike, or a reference can be provided.

Please note that supplies (aside from paper) will not be included in this class. The list of supplies to be purchased can be found here.

Ages 16+

Wednesdays 10:30 am - 1 pm

May 6-27

Registration Fee: $190     Paper Fee: $5