Mindful Skies in Watercolor

This two‑hour workshop blends watercolor color theory with mindful, technique‑based sky painting. Students begin with a short grounding practice to settle attention and tune into sensory details—temperature, breath, and the subtle shifts of color on the palette. From this centered place, we explore how pigments behave—tinting strength, opacity, granulation, and temperature—and how those qualities shape the warm and cool transitions found in sunset skies. Guided demonstrations support students in mixing warm oranges, soft violets, and atmospheric transitions while staying connected to the pace of their breath and brush.

The second half of class introduces three essential approaches to painting clouds: wet‑on‑wet softness, negative‑painting for sculpted forms, and layered glazes for depth. Students learn how pigment behavior interacts with each technique and how mindful attention—pausing, noticing, adjusting—helps create expressive, believable skies.

Participants leave with practical color‑mixing skills, a clearer understanding of cloud‑painting methods, and simple mindfulness tools they can bring into any creative practice. The environment is welcoming and supportive, making this workshop ideal for beginners and returning painters alike.

About the Instructor: Jules Bunch

Instructor will provide the following:

All painting supplies, including paints, mediums, pallets, brushes, and paper.

Students are asked to bring:

• An apron, or clothes you do not mind risking staining with paints.

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, as this class may be held outdoors.

• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, you may want to consider bringing a lunch or snack. Click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities available before or after your class.

Skill Level 

No experience required.

Age Requirement 

Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details 

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details

Tuition: $50

Materials Fee: $20

Total Cost: $70

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.