TWO DAY STUDIO — Saturdays April 18 and April 25.

Have you ever wanted to paint as the Impressionist did, en plein air (in open air)? Join us for a two-day workshop where we’ll explore light and color on location using watercolor and gouache. Inspired by American Impressionism, this class will guide participants through creating an expressive and vibrant landscape painting, emphasizing emotion and light over technique. If you’ve ever been intimidated by painting, this class will help you tap into greater creative freedom and boldness.

This two-day workshop starts on April 18 in the Azalea Garden at the NC Arboretum and concludes on April 25 at the Asheville Art Museum. This class includes a private tour of In A New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940 Works from the Bank of America Collection

Admission to the NC Arboretum not included, but Museum Members get free admission to the Arboretum during April. Carpooling is encouraged.

The instruction will be tailored to your experience level and willingness to challenge yourself. All materials will be provided.

Yekaterina Benson is an Asheville-based landscape painter, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains and capturing their beauty. Her paintings are emotionscapes: visual depictions of what we experience in places that make us feel awe, joy, aliveness, inspiration or peace. Her work explores the full range between expressive and realistic and strives to capture colors that may not be visible but are felt. Yekaterina’s art celebrates the unique landscapes of Western North Carolina and highlights treasured local spots such as waterfalls, overlooks, trails and mountain peaks.