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 FERNANDINA: A Plein Air Watercolor Class with Robert Leedy

Join us for a fun, six-week watercolor class beginning January 16th, 2025!

There is nothing more exciting for me than painting watercolors outdoors. And I want to share this experience with you!

For this plein air class, I am doing something new and concentrating on Fernandina's charming and historic areas. Think of this as a way to learn more about your local surroundings and improve your painting skills—outside! Fernandina is full of great locations, from Downtown and the Marina to Old Town, the Pippi Longstocking House, Forth Clinch, American Beach, Amelia and Talbot Islands, and the Kingsley Plantation. We will meet each week at a pre-determined location (I am up for additional suggestions) for a morning of fun painting.

For people 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 an easy one 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 and an active world) as well as painting looser. 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 surely yearn for more time outdoors!

Learning to paint outdoors is an adjustment but a big reward for you as a painter. It is also good practice for my annual Italy/France workshops!

Winter Session (January/February 2025)

WHEN: THURSDAYS:, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
DATES: January 16th, 23rd, 30th; February 6th, 13th, and 20th.
WHERE: At various pre-determined locations in and around Fernandina. We will meet onsite.
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 new to painting who did very well!) Good drawing skills are essential. Yes, for most of us, a bit of traveling is involved. No whining about that, OK? I figure that 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? I moved the start time up to help you avoid morning traffic. There will be a makeup class in case of any class cancellation due to rain. Sorry, unless it snows one inch or more, the class will NOT be canceled due to cold weather.
SUPPLIES: Not Included. Upon registration, a materials list is provided for you.
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: $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.

STUDIO CLASSES

Beginning Watercolor with Robert Leedy

WAITING LIST ONLY

Come join us for Saturday fun! …Welcome back after a long break!

Also known as “Watercolor for Life” for the many regular students, this Beginning Watercolor class always fills up fast! 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 very fun and rewarding medium. I thoroughly explain all tools & materials and show you the unique properties of the medium. 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!

Late Summer Session (January/February 2025)

WHEN: SATURDAYS, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
DATES: January 18th, 25th, February 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd.
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.