Rocky Mountains in Watercolor
Adult Class | Registration opens 11/3/2026 10:00 AM MDT
The unique and varied landscapes of the Rocky Mountains have long challenged the artist to convey the enduring mystery of nature. From lofty peaks to dense woodlands, the study of composition will be fundamental. Learn how to make mountains the main player painting a meadow with these towering giants or subjugate them to play a supporting role when depicting a glistening alpine lake. Use a pine forest with fallen tree trunks to discover how placement, diminishing scale, and atmospheric perspective can create a compelling intimate landscape. The effective use of white paper will be instrumental when representing the luminosity of sunlight, water, and snow. Reach for the peak of success on this artistic adventure! Reference material provided. Introductory watercolor experience needed.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to developing skills using color, value, shapes, and brushwork, students will gain an understanding of hard and soft edges and atmospheric perspective.
WEEK 1: Hikers Viewing the Mountain Vista
WEEK 2: Meadow with Towering Peaks
WEEK 3: Pine Forest with Stream and Fallen Tree Trunks
WEEK 4: Glistening Alpine Lake
- Introductory watercolor experience needed.
- WATERCOLOR PALETTE WITH LID
- WATERCOLOR PAPER OR WATERCOLOR BLOCK (9” x 12” OR LARGER) 140LB COLD PRESS
- WATERCOLOR BRUSHES (#6 AND #8 ROUND, 1”- 1 1/2” FLAT)
- CADMIUM RED
- ALIZARIN CRIMSON
- CADMIUM YELLOW
- LEMON YELLOW
- YELLOW OCHRE
- BURNT SIENNA
- RAW UMBER
- OLIVE GREEN
- CERULEAN BLUE
- ULTRAMARINE BLUE
- COBALT VIOLET
- MINERAL VIOLET
- WATER CONTAINER
- SPRAY BOTTLE
- TISSUES WITHOUT LOTION OR PAPER TOWEL
Dennis Pendleton
BFA, Ohio State University Pendleton has been published in The Artist's Magazine, Southwest Art and Contemporary Artists of the American West, 5280 Magazine and Watercolor Magazine. He lectures nationally on watercolor history, watercolor techniques and cave paintings, and teaches workshops at various locations. Dennis has gallery representation through Elements 5280 Gallery in Denver and The Fechin Museum in Taos New Mexico. His work is in select collections such as the People's Republic of China, American Embassy in France, Kaiser Permanente in Louisville, Kaiser Permanente in Lone Tree, The Petroleum Club, Cherry Creek Bank, Norwest Bank, and First Bank. As well, his work is the collections of the Columbus Museum of Fine Art, A R Mitchell Museum, and Fine Art Museum at The Ohio State University. Dennis has taught at ASLD for 22 years and teaches workshops in the United States and Europe.