PRIVATE CLASSES

In addition to current, posted classes below, I offer private instruction in watercolor from my studio, based on schedule availability. My private instruction rate is $250 for a 3 hour session. Art materials are not included. My studio is located in Jacksonville, Florida’s Riverside neighborhood - at the CoRK Arts District, 603 King Street.

TESTIMONIALS

“Robert Leedy is an accomplished, award-winning watercolorist and a great teacher. He’s articulate and generous in sharing his wide-ranging knowledge of watercolor techniques – all in an effort to encourage students to enhance their own styles, rather than mimic his.”
– Jessie Cook, Student

“Robert Leedy’s use of color, technique, and fun composition captured my imagination. I learned so much not only about watercolor technique but also color and composition. His critiques have always been positive and very constructive and he has encouraged me to love to keep painting. Painting with Robert is always fun as he has a great sense of humor and sweet disposition.”
– Rebbecca Mentz, Student

“I started Robert’s classes relatively new to art, much less watercolor. Robert pushed me (gently!) to become an intermediate painter. He is positive, charming and a great storyteller. If you have a chance to take lessons from him, I encourage you to do so and I know you will enjoy the experience!”
– Connie Slimmon, Student

2025 WORKSHOPS

The link for “Watercolor at the Castle”, a weeklong immersive watercolor workshop in France has its own page.

WINTER 2025 PLEIN AIR & STUDIO WATERCOLOR CLASSES

This is not a complete listing of the classes available for 2025. This is a list of current classes; more will be posted as classes are created. Sign up for my newsletter in the Stay Connected link above to keep up with classes becoming available.

STAY INFORMED VIA THIS SITE OR MY NEWSLETTER…

PLEIN AIR CLASSES

PLEIN AIR IN A GARDEN: A Plein Air Watercolor Class with Robert Leedy

Join us for a unique watercolor experience focusing entirely on a garden estate. Class begins March 20th, 2025!

Spring is approaching, and it is a wonderful time to paint outdoors in a beautiful setting! Plein Air painting is the perfect and relaxing antidote for an otherwise hectic daily life and frustrations of current events in our world.

Once again, my Plein Air class is invited to paint in a beautiful setting: Lanakila Gardens are located on a lovely estate on the St. Johns River. Here, you will find a historic home with majestic oaks, river views, and professionally maintained formal, floral, and edible gardens. We will meet here every Thursday for six weeks to paint on the property. I invite you to take in and observe as much of the beautiful surroundings as possible and apply it to your painting. I also encourage you to develop a focused series with the paintings you will create.

For those new to plein air painting, it is all about becoming familiar with your gear and making yourself comfortable. The transition from studio to outdoors is not always easy, and I am here to help you acclimate and discover the joy of painting outdoors. If you are already painting in watercolor, you have most of what you will need, with the addition of a few new items like an easel, a stool, and possibly an umbrella. All of that is covered in the materials list you will receive upon registration.

Painting the scene before you can be confusing, and I will show you how to edit and simplify your subject using watercolor as a medium. I will also teach you to work within a value range and capture fleeting light and shadows. You will hone your observation skills and easily recognize warm vs. cool areas of color. We will also strive to paint faster (a plus for constantly changing outdoor lighting conditions in an active world) as well as painting in a looser style. I will continually talk about technique and color.

We critique the previous week’s paintings each week before exploring the new scenes. You will quickly realize how relaxing this experience is and yearn for more time outdoors!

A portion of your tuition will be donated to the non-profit organization that maintains and preserves this beautiful garden.

Plein Air in a Garden (March/April 2025)

WHEN: THURSDAYS:, 9:00 am - 1:2:30 pm
DATES: March 20th, 27th, April 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.
WHERE: Upon registration, you will receive driving instructions to the location.
DURATION: 6 weeks
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNING, INTERMEDIATE, & ADVANCED.
PREREQUISITES & THINGS TO CONSIDER: No plein air painting experience is needed - that’s why you’re here! Prior experience with watercolor is also not needed, though painting experience in at least another medium is. This is NOT a good introductory course for a first-time painter, though I have had several students who were new to painting and who did very well! Good drawing skills are essential. Yes, for most of us, a bit of traveling is involved. I believe a little driving time is insignificant for a good day of fun and learning - with a memorable work of art to bring home. What could be better? There will be a makeup class in case of any class cancellation due to rain.
SUPPLIES: Not Included. When you register, a materials list is provided.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU BRING?: There may be days when we go beyond the allotted 3-hour timeline (discretionary), and so, as long as I am still there, I will offer help and instruction. Consider this a bonus! I suggest you bring a bagged lunch and water each week. We sometimes go as a group to a local restaurant (Dutch), and this is usually discussed the previous week. Though it is mentioned in the Materials List, I always recommend bringing water, sunblock, a hat, and bug spray. Bug spray? Yes, every plein air painter carries it in their bag. You never know when you will need it - even sometimes in winter.
PRICE: $250

CONTACT ME IF THE CLASS IS MARKED AS “SOLD,” AND I CAN PUT YOU ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE THERE ARE ANY CANCELLATIONS.

STUDIO CLASSES

Beginning Watercolor with Robert Leedy

Join us for Saturday fun!

Also known as “Watercolor for Life” for many regular students, this Beginning Watercolor class fills up quickly! We have a good mix of new and regular students who wish to be introduced to the medium of watercolor or who are honing their skills and building confidence. I am here to erase any fears and guide you through the A to Zs of discovering a fun and rewarding medium. I thoroughly explain all tools & materials and show you the medium's unique properties. Exercises to learn basic watercolor techniques and brush handling will give you the confidence to begin creating watercolor paintings. Composition, design, elements & principles are discussed as you learn the general progression of creating a painting. Dealing with potential problems that arise - and, more importantly - learning how to avoid them in the first place will give you extra confidence. We will paint from still-life setups and photographs. This class will bust the myth of watercolor being difficult, and you will come away with knowledge under your belt and the tools to get you started on a lifetime of enjoyment with watercolor. This class is perfect for those who are curious about the medium and students who have not painted in watercolor for a while and wish to brush up on their skills. No experience is necessary. Some drawing skills will help but are not required. Though you will be challenged, this class is all about fun and NO pressure. Get ready for a FUN Saturday!

Spring Session 2025

WHEN: SATURDAYS, 9:00 am - 12:30 p,m
DATES: March 22nd, 29th, April 5th, 12th, 26th, and May 3rd.
PLEASE NOTE: NO CLASS ON APRIL 19TH.
WHERE: CoRK Arts District, CoRK North Building, Main Gallery, 603 King Street (Corner, Phyllis Street), Jacksonville, Florida 32204.
DURATION: 6 weeks
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNING
SUPPLIES: Not Included. Upon registration, a materials list is provided for you.
PRICE: $200

CONTACT ME IF THE CLASS IS MARKED AS “SOLD,” AND I CAN PUT YOU ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE THERE ARE ANY CANCELLATIONS.