Artshop Watercolor Session 2: Accessible Summer Watercolor Classes in Midland, MI

On a summer afternoon at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan, Artshop’s Watercolor: Spring/Summer 2026 Session 2 turns a modest classroom into a laboratory of color and texture. Taught by Allise Noble, this four-week Thursday series (Aug 6, 13, 20, 27) is designed for artists of all ages and abilities. The session focuses on fundamental watercolor techniques—color blending, glazing and layering, controlled washes, adding texture with salt and ink accents—so each weekly project builds a new skill that translates into finished work you can take home. Classes run 12:45–2:15 PM and are capped at 12 students, a size that keeps instruction personal without sacrificing group energy. All painting materials are included, so you arrive ready to paint; the instructor moves between individual demos and guided practice, breaking big concepts into approachable exercises. The program explicitly serves people with disabilities and notes that some students can use clauses of their Medicaid Community Living Support budget to cover tuition, making this both an educational and an accessible community resource. What makes this particular offering special is its combination of structured learning and low-pressure creativity: each week’s brief, focused project isolates one technique—wet-on-wet color transitions one week, layering and lifting the next—so participants quickly assemble a small portfolio of studies. The classroom’s tabletop layout encourages side-by-side learning; watching another student’s approach to texture or ink marks becomes an informal tutorial. The instructor’s emphasis on texture and ink offers painters a route to mixed-media experimentation within a watercolor-first framework. Practical details are straightforward: preregistration is required, sessions are canceled when Midland Public Schools close for weather, and the meeting point is listed as 5501 Jefferson Ave. Expect a friendly, community-oriented tempo rather than a high-pressure workshop; this is a class that rewards curiosity over perfection. Bring a smock and an openness to try unfamiliar marks. For visitors to Midland and locals alike, this session is a compact way to connect with the area’s creative scene without committing to a long course. It’s especially well-suited to families, caregivers, and artists returning to practice after a break. Whether you’re pursuing watercolor to relax, to build technique, or to explore mixed media with ink and texture, Artshop’s summer session balances clear instruction, inclusive access, and hands-on practice in a tidy, well-resourced package. Expect constructive feedback from the instructor and gentle demonstrations that adapt to individual pace, making the class a low-stakes environment for experimentation. Materials provided usually include student-grade pigments and acid-free paper; ask ahead if you prefer professional-grade supplies. Parking is available near the building and classes typically start on time to respect the group schedule. If you need accommodations, contact the program organizer when you preregister so staff can prepare a supportive workspace and materials.