In the Flow: An Expressive Watercolor Intensive
Instructor: Helen Klebesadel
Dates: September 27 – October 2, 2026
Time: Sunday 5:00 pm – Friday 12:00 pm
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly, Intermediate, Advanced
Tuition Only: $400 (includes lunches and welcome dinner) *You can add additional meals at the end of the registration form
Tuition + Lodging: $1,100 single room, $825 shared room (includes all meals)
Join this unique opportunity for watercolor painters at all levels to take the next step in their watercolor paintings. The exact curriculum will be determined by the needs and interests of those who sign up for the workshop. Designed for beginners to expert painters, each day will include shared technique demos and individual feedback to move your paintings forward. The option to explore using watercolor effectively on nonabsorbent substrates such as Aquabord and watercolor canvas will be included, as well as how to mount and seal watercolors for display without using mats or glass.
One set tube watercolor paint. For this workshop student grade watercolors are fine. Good brands of paint include Windsor Newton (Cotman), Grumbacher, Daniel Smith, Holman, Liquitex, M. Graham, and many others. An ideal range of colors might include:
- Permanent alizarin red or other cool red
- Ultramarine blue or French ultramarine blue
- New gamboge yellow or quin gold
- Lemon or azo yellow
- Cadmium red or other warm red
- Cerulean or cobalt blue
- Violet or mauve
A range of at least four brushes.
- ROUNDS #10 or 8 for large areas, #5 or 6 for basics & #1 or 2 for details
- FLATS #2 or 1or 2-inch flat for washes
- Any size fan brush (optional)
- 5-8 sheets good watercolor paper (preferably bring some full (22 x 30 inch) or half sheets (22×15) of Arches 140 lb paper. Cold press or hot press paper will work.
- Two water containers (quart yogurt containers work great)
- A white plate, enamel butcher’s tray, or watercolor palette
- 3-6 small ½ to 1-cup sized cups/bowls or baby food jars
- A roll of masking tape
- Liquid Art Masking Fluid (Winsor Newton, Frisket, Misket) Optional Materials
- A small plastic spray bottle with adjustable nozzle
- A painting or drawing board to tape your paper to
- A 4×6” absorbent sponge + a smaller one
- Paper Towels
- Sketchbook and Pencils, B & softer or a #2
- An eraser, Art Gum or Kneaded
- A rubber cement pick-up (found at office supply stores)
- Any additional supplies you enjoy working with.
Optional materials to bring:
- Personal toiletries (shampoo, hairdryer, etc. — linens and towels are provided)
- Snacks
- Personal tools
- Water bottle
- Layers for cool evenings
- Hiking shoes
- Raincoat
Workshop FAQs
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Are the studios and lodging facilities air conditioned?
Yes, there is air conditioning in each room and new air conditioning in our ceramics and multi-purpose studio!
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Is there Wi-Fi at the studios and lodging facilities?
Wi-Fi is available in the retreat center, multi-purpose studio, and ceramics studio.
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Are pets allowed?
We love pets, but unfortunately, we can’t accommodate them in the studios or lodging.
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What is Adamah's cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, but when you register, Adamah makes significant investments in preparing for your participation. Cancellations made at least 45 days before the workshop start date will receive a full refund minus a $45 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 44 days of the start date are nonrefundable. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to adamah@bethelhorizons.org. If Adamah must cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be notified 30 days in advance and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another workshop (based on availability). Please note that Adamah cannot be responsible for nonrefundable travel or lodging expenses.
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Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
We offer work-study options and scholarships for select workshops. Details are available on our website or by contacting us. You need to be accepted to the work-study or scholarship program before registering for a workshop.
Hourly Schedule
Sunday
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Arrival/Check In
- Participants can arrive anytime between 4 and 5
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Welcome Dinner
- All participants!
- 6 PM
- Studio Introduction
Monday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Tuesday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Wednesday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- NO Dinner – Go out! 🙂
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Thursday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Friday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – 11 AM
- Studio Instruction
- 11 AM – Noon
- Clean up/Group Photo & Workshop Review