THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend 90 minutes painting the iconic Maryland State House under the guidance of a local watercolorist. Small groups, all supplies provided, and a one-of-a-kind hand-painted souvenir to take home.
Spend 90 minutes painting the iconic Maryland State House under the guidance of a local watercolorist. Small groups, all supplies provided, and a one-of-a-kind hand-painted souvenir to take home.
The dome glints in a thin wash of sun as you unpack a folding chair and a pouch of paints on the brick edge of Church Circle. A local teacher—hot pink purse as promised—spreads pre-sketched watercolor paper and a mess-free waterbrush. Around you, tour groups drift toward the harbor and the gulls quarrel over a stray french fry; the city seems to pause, letting you translate its limestone and red brick into washes of ultramarine and alizarin.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Em Campbell Watercolor Workshops · Annapolis, Maryland
The dome glints in a thin wash of sun as you unpack a folding chair and a pouch of paints on the brick edge of Church Circle. A local teacher—hot pink purse as promised—spreads pre-sketched watercolor paper and a mess-free waterbrush. Around you, tour groups drift toward the harbor and the gulls quarrel over a stray french fry; the city seems to pause, letting you translate its limestone and red brick into washes of ultramarine and alizarin.
Annapolis wears its history plainly: narrow streets laid out in the 18th century, the 1770s State House dome rising where patriots once argued policy. The building you’ll paint is more than a backdrop; it’s the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States, its white dome a navigation mark for sailors and visitors alike. The harbor, carved into the Chesapeake’s edge, adds a watery mood to every composition—light that moves, refuses to be pinned down.
The class itself is pragmatic and warmly guided. In 90 minutes you’ll move from guided warm-ups to layering transparent washes, all on premium paper with supplies provided. The instructor’s approach is hands-on: she shows how to capture the dome’s curve with a single brushstroke and how to let reflections suggest rigging without painting every line. The pre-sketched subject gets you painting fast; the result is a hand-painted souvenir that captures the city’s geometry and its softer edges.
Beyond the canvas, explore Annapolis by foot. Slip into the Paca House garden for a quieter composition, or follow the harbor boardwalk for changing light and boats that dare you to chase their reflections. Locals sip coffee at narrow cafés; seafood shacks offer quick bites if you plan to string this into a longer outing.
Practicalities: meet at Old Fox Books on Maryland Avenue—look for the pink purse—bring sun protection and a spill-proof water bottle. The experience is outdoors and best in calm light: mornings or late afternoons reduce glare and crowds. Small group sizes mean individualized feedback, but wear sensible shoes—cobblestones and curbs are part of the scene. Children are welcome with age recommendations from the provider; if traveling with kids, check the stated minimum.
This workshop is ideal for travelers who want to learn a new skill quickly, leave with original art, and see Annapolis through the slow, precise eye of watercolor. It’s an urban stop that asks you to look longer: brick, dome, ripple—simple elements that, with a few washes, become something wholly your own.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing or sitting on a low camp chair for up to 90 minutes and walking short distances on uneven pavement.
Meet at Old Fox Books on Maryland Avenue in downtown Annapolis; the instructor will have a hot pink purse for easy identification.
Yes—premium watercolor paper, paints, a mess-free waterbrush, and folding camp chairs are provided.
The provider welcomes children but suggests the activity is best for ages 10 and up; check booking notes if you plan to bring younger kids.
The activity is outdoors; the listing indicates it may be canceled for bad weather with refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.
No—this workshop is beginner-friendly with step-by-step instruction and pre-sketched paper to help you get started quickly.
The public sessions are small (up to five participants); private bookings may be available—contact the provider directly through the booking link to inquire.
The Maryland State House dates to the 18th century and is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the U.S., its dome a long-standing city landmark.
Respect the historic district by disposing of waste in designated bins, avoid standing on fragile stonework, and use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect Chesapeake waters.
Em Campbell Watercolor Workshops operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The dome glints in a thin wash of sun as you unpack a folding chair and a pouch of paints on the brick edge of Church Circle. A local teacher—hot pink purse as promised—spreads pre-sketched watercolor paper and a mess-free waterbrush. Around you, tour groups drift toward the harbor and the gulls quarrel over a stray french fry; the city seems to pause, letting you translate its limestone and red brick into washes of ultramarine and alizarin.
The dome glints in a thin wash of sun as you unpack a folding chair and a pouch of paints on the brick edge of Church Circle. A local teacher—hot pink purse as promised—spreads pre-sketched watercolor paper and a mess-free waterbrush. Around you, tour groups drift toward the harbor and the gulls quarrel over a stray french fry; the city seems to pause, letting you translate its limestone and red brick into washes of ultramarine and alizarin.
Annapolis wears its history plainly: narrow streets laid out in the 18th century, the 1770s State House dome rising where patriots once argued policy. The building you’ll paint is more than a backdrop; it’s the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States, its white dome a navigation mark for sailors and visitors alike. The harbor, carved into the Chesapeake’s edge, adds a watery mood to every composition—light that moves, refuses to be pinned down.
The class itself is pragmatic and warmly guided. In 90 minutes you’ll move from guided warm-ups to layering transparent washes, all on premium paper with supplies provided. The instructor’s approach is hands-on: she shows how to capture the dome’s curve with a single brushstroke and how to let reflections suggest rigging without painting every line. The pre-sketched subject gets you painting fast; the result is a hand-painted souvenir that captures the city’s geometry and its softer edges.
Beyond the canvas, explore Annapolis by foot. Slip into the Paca House garden for a quieter composition, or follow the harbor boardwalk for changing light and boats that dare you to chase their reflections. Locals sip coffee at narrow cafés; seafood shacks offer quick bites if you plan to string this into a longer outing.
Practicalities: meet at Old Fox Books on Maryland Avenue—look for the pink purse—bring sun protection and a spill-proof water bottle. The experience is outdoors and best in calm light: mornings or late afternoons reduce glare and crowds. Small group sizes mean individualized feedback, but wear sensible shoes—cobblestones and curbs are part of the scene. Children are welcome with age recommendations from the provider; if traveling with kids, check the stated minimum.
This workshop is ideal for travelers who want to learn a new skill quickly, leave with original art, and see Annapolis through the slow, precise eye of watercolor. It’s an urban stop that asks you to look longer: brick, dome, ripple—simple elements that, with a few washes, become something wholly your own.