Capturing the Essence – Alan James Art Workshop: January & February, 2026

When:	Thursdays from 10:30 AM – 1 PM January 15^th to February 19^th
Where:	Marlborough Arts Center (upper level)
Cost:	$360
Instructor:	Alan James
Level:	Beginner to Intermediate

Welcome students! Thank you so much for your interest in the Alan James Art Workshop Capturing the Essence.

Here’s everything you need to know:

This workshop is designed to help you express yourself in watercolors in an impressionistic way, ala prima, that will enable you to complete a painting each day of the workshop. Topics include the fundamentals of Composition, Values, Edges, Shapes, Color, Perspective, Proportions, and much more. A demonstration will be given each day where Alan will explain the composition and the techniques he is using for each painting, utilizing and impressionistic style. With Alan’s guidance, students will then take this knowledge and create the same painting with hands-on instruction and guidance. At the end of each day, students will have a completed painting!

Materials

Important: Please strictly adhere to the materials list provided here. It is strongly advised to bring professional grade materials to this workshop. Examples of professional grade brands of paper, paints and brushes are listed in the materials list linked above. Please order early!

The best supplier for professional grade materials is Jerry’s Artarama in West Hartford, CT. Craft stores, such as Michael’s, are not recommended for professional grade materials and should be avoided.

Explanation of Level Designations

The level for this class is listed as Beginner to Intermediate, however, it is strongly advised that beginner level students have basic drawing skills and some prior experience in creating art.

Level Definitions

Beginner: Students who have some experience in art and desire to take their art to the next level.
Intermediate: Students who are somewhat accomplished and want to take their art to the next level.
Advanced: Professional artists who love to learn from other artists.

About the Instructor: Alan James

Alan James is a highly respected award-winning watercolor artist and teacher. His art graces the walls of many private and corporate collectors worldwide. Alan is the East Coast America host of the internet TV show Colour In Your Life, and currently teaches watercolors at his studio in Deep River, CT, and many art associations throughout New England.

Alan’s work is literally on the moon! As a part of the Lunar codex mission, a Lunar module library featuring artists throughout the world and including Alan’s TV show appearances landed on the moon in the spring of 2025. Some of his influences include: Joseph Zbukvic, Herman Pekel, John Yarldley, Edward Seago and Edward Wesson. He was greatly inspired by workshops taken with Alvaro Castagnet. His style is impressionistic and traditionalist with emphasis on purity of design and clear, transparent colors.

The art of Alan James captures the very soul of his subjects with passion, boldness and elegance. His paintings are imbued with a mood, a mystery that engage and lure the viewer into the magic. In 2018, Alan released his first instructional video called “Letting it Flow” including five demonstrations, with emphasis on how to capture the essence of a scene, designed with beginners and intermediate students in mind. Filming on his episode for the TV program Colour In Your Life with host Graeme Stevenson took place on August 31^st, 2019 and aired worldwide on October 18^th, 2019.

Alan James’s work is currently or has been represented at the following galleries: Nantucket Artworks -Nantucket, MA; Trinity Collection – Nantucket, MA; Richard Stravitz Fine Art – Virginia Beach, VA; and Alan James Gallery – Deep River, CT. Memberships: Lyme Art Association, American Watercolor Society, New England Watercolor Society. Current Exhibitions: Lyme Art Association.

Online Registration: Capturing the Essence

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We are no longer accepting mail-in registration forms. You will be prompted to pay online below via PayPal or online credit/debit card transaction. If you absolutely cannot pay online and need to send payment to the Arts Center, please let us know below. *

I will pay for the course online using this form.
I will mail a check to the Marlborough Arts Center. I will contact info@marlborougharts.org or call 860-467-6353 for further instructions.

Permission *

In an emergency situation, I hereby give permission for myself, or participating student, to be transported to a medical facility for medical attention. It is hereby understood and agreed that I shall assume full responsibility for all transportation and medical costs regardless of what is covered by insurance. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Marlborough Arts Center and its agents and employees from any injuries or damages caused by or resulting from participation in the programs sponsored by the Marlborough Arts Center.

Registration Policies *

I understand that deposits and class tuition will be refunded if a class is canceled by the Arts Center. Withdrawals from this class may occur up to one week before class begins. A $25 withdrawal fee will be deducted from my refund. No refunds will be made for withdrawals within one week of the first class for “no shows” or withdrawals after class begins.

Make-Up Classes *

I understand that classes canceled by the Arts Center will be rescheduled. If a class is canceled due to inclement weather, it will be made up at the end of the session or series. Students will get credit for one (1) class that is missed based on instructor’s discretion. I understand that there is no refund for classes I may miss, and tuition is not pro-rated.

Students 18 and Younger *

I understand that children must be dropped off and picked up no more than 15 minutes before the start and after the end of class. After 15 minutes beyond the end of class, parents will be charged at the rate of $15 per half hour or part thereof.