Master Watercolor Workshop with Alvaro Castagnet – September 18-20

Understanding The Four PIllars:

We are thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed, master watercolor painter, Alvaro Castagnet to A Maker’s Circle this September. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading watercolor artists, Alvaro is known for his bold, passionate, and deeply expressive approach to painting. His workshops are immersive, inspiring, and—above all—fun.

This multi-day workshop offers students a rare opportunity to learn directly from Alvaro as he shares not only how he paints, but why a painting works.

This workshop is an intense 3 days of inspiration, hard work and productive learning…6 Hours of class each day – a break for lunch.

Alvaro begins with philosophical introduction and then follows by a simple “one go” demonstration

The demo will focus on bold composition with understanding of the 4 Pillars.

You will learn how to make quick decisions and simplify your subject to achieve the most impact. We will discuss Color relationships, tonal range, forms & shapes and edges.

Participants will then paint until we break for lunch

Alvaro will assist and advise on works in progress.

Participants are asked to start a second painting for the afternoon session, after Alvaro’s 2^nd.demonstration.  Alvaro will supervise participants until the end of each day.

Every participant will go home not only feeling great with their achievement,  realizing how much they have learned after having so much fun, and with a clear understanding of the strength and weakness of their paintings.

What to Expect

Alvaro will begin with an introduction to watercolor that explores the philosophical side of painting—what truly makes a painting come alive. From there, the workshop unfolds organically, guided by demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on practice.

Over the course of the workshop, Alvaro will cover essential watercolor concepts, including:

• Wet-on-wet technique
• Wet-on-dry technique
• Lost and found edges
• Color mixing and blending
• Understanding and using strong value ranges

Students will watch Alvaro complete both simple, one-go demonstrations and more complex paintings, gaining insight into his decision-making process at every stage.

Over 6 hours of painting each day, Alvaro will spend generous time walking among the students, in our two adjacent light filled studio rooms, offering individualized, thoughtful, and encouraging guidance to help each painter strengthen their work and make the most of every painting opportunity.

Important: Painting will take place primarily in the studio; however, weather permitting, Álvaro may lead sessions outdoors for plein air painting. Participants should therefore be prepared to paint both indoors and outdoors.

A Note on Alvaro’s Teaching Style

This outline is offered as a general guide only. Alvaro is a true free spirit and does not follow a rigid formula. His teaching responds to the energy of the group, the paintings in front of him, and the moment itself—making each workshop a unique and memorable experience.

What You’ll Leave With

Participants consistently leave Alvaro’s workshops feeling energized, confident, and inspired. You can expect to go home with:

• A deeper understanding of watercolor
• Clear insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your work
• New tools to approach future paintings with confidence
• And the satisfaction of having learned a tremendous amount while having a lot of fun

Alvaro Castagnet workshops are highly sought-after and beloved by painters at all levels. We are honored to host him and look forward to an unforgettable experience this September at A Maker’s Circle.

Cancelation Policy: refunds will be given as follows:

• 4 weeks before – full refund
• 3 weeks before – 50% refund
• 2 weeks before – non-refundable

ALVARO’S LIST OF MATERIALS

PAINTS:

BRUSHES:

Please bring the best you can afford.

• Preferable, round big, MOP shape and pointed brushes sable or squirrel
• suggested brushes
• #10, 6, 4, 2, 0, 00, 000, 5/00 and 10/00) – 1 Flat brush at least  2 ” wide
• 1 rigger or needle point for fine details and lines (like Alvaro’s #8, #10, #6 or #4)
• Small synthetic brushes # 4, 5, 6 (for fine detail work)

PAPER:

For workshops, it is best to use from 1/4 to 1/2 sheet size, but of course, you can paint, in any size you feel comfortable.  Alvaro will mostly demonstrate in 1/2 sheets.

• It is critical to use quality watercolor paper that is 100% cotton. The brands, Baohong, Arches, Saunders Waterford are great –  300 grams/140 lb Rough Texture, off white
• Alvaro uses: 1/2 Sheets = 56x38cms (22x14in). 1/4 Sheets = 38x28cms (14x11in).

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

Sponges, towel, tissues, water container, masking tape, 2b –6b pencil,   water spray bottle.  Painting boards & lightweight easel for outdoor painting workshops (weather permitted).  And lots of good sense of humor!!  

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instagram: @alvaro.castagnet