Learn a new skill and relax with a fun class!

At Scrappy Elephant, you’ll find a range of art classes for all ages. From weekly toddler art and story time to adult only classes, there’s something for everyone. Learn watercolor techniques, try your hand at mosaics, improve your crochet skills, and so much more. There’s never been a better time to learn a new skill at an affordable cost.

Interested in teaching a class at Scrappy Elephant? Email us at info@scrappyelephant.com for the class form.

Gift Cards

Want to give the gift of a new skill? Purchase a gift card below for the creatives in your life to put toward a Scrappy Elephant class!

Scholarships

Available for ALL classes. Email info@scrappyelephant.com to ask for a scholarship or sponsor an artist below.

Sponsor an Artist

Scroll past the calendar for a list of all upcoming classes.

Filtering by: “Painting”
Beginning Watercolor Workshop: Autumn Leaves
Nov
23

Beginning Watercolor Workshop: Autumn Leaves

Discover the beauty of watercolor in this beginner watercolor workshop, where we’ll focus on painting vibrant, autumnal maple leaves. Led by Blake Bottoms (they/them), a Charlottesville-based watercolor artist, this workshop is perfect for beginners looking to explore the fundamentals of watercolor painting in a relaxed, supportive environment.

In this class, you’ll learn:

  • Basic watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet and layering washes

  • How to mix colors to capture the rich hues of autumn leaves

  • Simple brushstrokes to create natural textures and shapes

  • Tips on composition and adding finishing details

Blake will guide you step-by-step as you create your own stunning maple leaf painting, with plenty of room for creativity and personal expression. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or looking to refresh your skills, this class is a great way to dive into the art of watercolor painting. All materials are provided, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

Ages 14 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Paint the Northern Lights in Watercolor
Nov
16

Paint the Northern Lights in Watercolor

Luminescent sparkles of magnetic light can easily be rendered in watercolor. Join local artist, Donna Whitman, with Joyfully Rendered, as she shares with you from her visual journal of her excursion to Alaska while taking you on a journey to explore your own interpretation of the Northern Lights by creating this marvelous sight in watercolor. You’ll leave with a 5x7 of your very own. No previous art experience required and all supplies will be provided. Dress for play!

ages 15 and up

$35

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Watercolor Workshop: Succulents
Nov
3

Watercolor Workshop: Succulents

Join us for a peaceful and engaging watercolor session where we'll paint the beautiful echeveria, a popular type of succulent known for its rosette shape and vibrant hues. This workshop is beginner to intermediate friendly. Blake Bottoms will offer step-by-step guidance on watercolor techniques such as blending, shading, and creating depth to capture the unique textures and colors of this striking plant.

No prior watercolor experience is required, and all supplies will be provided. Come immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere and leave with your own stunning artwork of this resilient and fascinating plant!

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Autumn Birches in Watercolor
Oct
12

Autumn Birches in Watercolor

Join, Donna Whitman, local artist at Joyfully Rendered, as she leads you on an exciting watercolor adventure deep into a forest of warm autumn birches. You’ll be learning and practicing the wet on wet technique and employing a unique tool to help you paint realistic trees! No prior art experience necessary.

ages 16 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Beginner Watercolor Workshop- Mixing Colors
Sep
29

Beginner Watercolor Workshop- Mixing Colors

Unlock your creativity and explore the beautiful world of watercolor painting in our Beginner Watercolor Workshop! This hands-on class is perfect for those new to watercolor or looking to refresh their skills. Led by the experienced instructor, Blake, you'll learn fundamental techniques, experiment with vibrant colors, and create your own stunning artworks.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical exercises and projects designed to build your confidence and skills.

  • Supportive Environment: Receive personalized feedback and encouragement in a friendly, relaxed setting.

  • Comprehensive Guidance: Benefit from detailed demonstrations and clear explanations of each technique.

  • Materials Included: All necessary supplies are provided, so you can focus on learning and creating.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is ideal for beginners with little to no experience in watercolor painting. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a hobbyist, or simply looking to try something new, you’ll find this class both enjoyable and enriching.

for ages 15 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Beginner Watercolor Workshop- Techniques
Sep
22

Beginner Watercolor Workshop- Techniques

Unlock your creativity and explore the beautiful world of watercolor painting in our Beginner Watercolor Workshop! This hands-on class is perfect for those new to watercolor or looking to refresh their skills. Led by the experienced instructor, Blake, you'll learn fundamental techniques, experiment with vibrant colors, and create your own stunning artworks.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Introduction to Materials: Discover the essential tools for watercolor painting, including different types of paints, brushes, and paper.

  • Basic Techniques: Master foundational techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and color mixing through guided exercises.

  • Intermediate Techniques: Elevate your skills with more advanced methods like gradients, layering, dry brushing, and correcting mistakes.

  • Creative Applications: Experiment with various textures and patterns, and create a simple landscape painting with step-by-step guidance.

  • Individual Project: Apply what you’ve learned to create a personal piece of art with one-on-one support from the instructor.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical exercises and projects designed to build your confidence and skills.

  • Supportive Environment: Receive personalized feedback and encouragement in a friendly, relaxed setting.

  • Comprehensive Guidance: Benefit from detailed demonstrations and clear explanations of each technique.

  • Materials Included: All necessary supplies are provided, so you can focus on learning and creating.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is ideal for beginners with little to no experience in watercolor painting. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a hobbyist, or simply looking to try something new, you’ll find this class both enjoyable and enriching.

for ages 15 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Simply Santorini Line and Wash
Sep
7

Simply Santorini Line and Wash

Come visit Santorini with local artist, Donna Whitman of Joyfully Rendered, in this beginner watercolor class. Learn to trace and transfer a simple drawing and then practice lining and add a lovely watercolor wash to create your sparkling 5x7 seaside masterpiece! No tools or experience necessary!

Ages 16 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Intro to Watercolor: Monstera Deliciosa Leaf
Aug
25

Intro to Watercolor: Monstera Deliciosa Leaf

Ready to unleash your inner artist or at least have a good laugh trying? Join us for an afternoon of watercolor wonder as we tackle the mighty Monstera Deliciosa leaf. Whether you're new to watercolor or just looking to avoid doing laundry for a few hours, this workshop has you covered. And it counts as adulting.

What to Expect:

  • Introduction to Watercolor Basics: We'll start with a crash course in watercolor 101— color mixing, brushwork, gradients—everything you’ll need to look like you know what you’re doing

  • Guided Step-by-Step Painting: Blake will lead you through literally every step. And you’ll have a printed outline. You'll start with a sketch and end with... well, something green, probably. Maybe a little blue.

  • Hands-On Practice: You'll get plenty of time to splash around and pretend you’re painting with actual confidence, with personalized feedback from someone who actually does.

  • All Supplies Provided: Leave your glitter pens at home; we've got you covered with high-quality paints, brushes, paper, and everything else you didn't realize you needed. But you’re totally welcome to bring your preferred tools.

  • Solid Foundation: By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation in watercolor painting—or at least a piece of fridge-worthy art. (Who’s fridge? Probs your mom’s.)

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a total beginner, or a seasoned pro looking to escape the monotony of perfecting your craft, this workshop is the perfect excuse to get your creative juices flowing. You'll leave with a hopefully finished piece of artwork and maybe even a newfound confidence in your watercolor skills. Or at the very least, a fun story to tell.

Reserve your spot today and get ready to paint your mediocrepiece!

Age 15 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Watercolor Sun and Moon Over Sparkling Ocean
Jul
20

Watercolor Sun and Moon Over Sparkling Ocean

Join local artist, Donna Whitman, Joyfully Rendered, in painting TWO sparkling ocean scenes. Donna will lead beginning watercolor artists in how to command the flow of watercolor to create a brilliant sky and a sparkly sea employing several new techniques learned for both. No prior art experience necessary.

Ages 16 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Painting Owls with Coffee
Apr
27

Painting Owls with Coffee

Imagine the aroma of java filling the room and delightfully learning to paint with real coffee while French cafe music plays. Ahhh, so relaxing! You will learn how to paint with values while mixing different strengths and then apply them to watercolor paper for an aromatic coffee bean painting all your own. This is an explorative class. No previous art experience required.

ages 16 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers
Apr
24

Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers

Embark on a creative journey led by watercolor instructor, Blake Bottoms! Join us for an immersive exploration of the captivating world of spring flowers in our weekly watercolor workshop series. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, Blake will guide you through the beauty of larkspur, snapdragons, sweet peas, and dasies along with the techniques used in each standalone class. Each week will we use a combination of the following techniques: wet on wet, wet on dry, glazing, lifting, charging

Week 4: Dasies

Conclude the series by embracing the simplicity of daisies with Blake. Learn how to portray the charm and innocence of these flowers in your watercolor creations. Unleash your imagination and let the daisies inspire your artistic expression.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Suitable for all skill levels.

  • Standalone classes – no obligation to attend all sessions.

  • Two hours of guided instruction and hands-on practice each week.

  • All materials provided; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

  • Take home your beautiful spring flower watercolor masterpiece.

  • Workshop Fee: $40 per session

Let's bloom together in the world of watercolors!

Sign up here!

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Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers
Apr
17

Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers

Embark on a creative journey led by watercolor instructor, Blake Bottoms! Join us for an immersive exploration of the captivating world of spring flowers in our weekly watercolor workshop series. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, Blake will guide you through the beauty of larkspur, snapdragons, sweet peas, and dasies along with the techniques used in each standalone class. Each week will we use a combination of the following techniques:wet on wet, wet on dry, glazing, lifting , charging

Week 3: Sweet Peas

Explore the beauty of sweet peas as Blake delves into the world of these delicate blooms. Discover watercolor techniques to capture the details and hues of sweet peas in this delightful workshop.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Suitable for all skill levels.

  • Standalone classes – no obligation to attend all sessions.

  • Two hours of guided instruction and hands-on practice each week.

  • All materials provided; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

  • Take home your beautiful spring flower watercolor masterpiece.

  • Workshop Fee: $40 per session

Let's bloom together in the world of watercolors!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers
Apr
10

Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers

Embark on a creative journey led by watercolor instructor, Blake Bottoms! Join us for an immersive exploration of the captivating world of spring flowers in our weekly watercolor workshop series. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, Blake will guide you through the beauty of larkspur, snapdragons, sweet peas, and dasies along with the techniques used in each standalone class. Each week will we use a combination of the following techniques: wet on wet, wet on dry, glazing, lifting, charging

Week 2: Snapdragons

Immerse yourself in the charm of snapdragons, exploring their unique structures and colors under the guidance of Blake. This workshop will empower you to create your own snapdragon masterpiece.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Suitable for all skill levels.

  • Standalone classes – no obligation to attend all sessions.

  • Two hours of guided instruction and hands-on practice each week.

  • All materials provided; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

  • Take home your beautiful spring flower watercolor masterpiece.

  • Workshop Fee: $40 per session

Let's bloom together in the world of watercolors!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers
Apr
3

Wednesday Watercolor Spring Flowers

Embark on a creative journey led by watercolor instructor, Blake Bottoms! Join us for an immersive exploration of the captivating world of spring flowers in our weekly watercolor workshop series. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, Blake will guide you through the beauty of larkspur, snapdragons, sweet peas, and dasies along with the techniques used in each standalone class. Each week will we use a combination of the following techniques:

wet on wet, wet on dry, glazing, lifting , charging

Week 1: Larkspur

Dive into the world of larkspur as Blake leads you to capture their shapes and hues on paper. Learn watercolor techniques to bring these blossoms to life in a two-hour immersive session.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Suitable for all skill levels.

  • Standalone classes – no obligation to attend all sessions.

  • Two hours of guided instruction and hands-on practice each week.

  • All materials provided; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

  • Take home your beautiful spring flower watercolor masterpiece.

  • Workshop Fee: $40 per session

Let's bloom together in the world of watercolors! 

Sign up here!

View Event →