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”
Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Apr
9

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

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Watercolor Portraiture Foundations
Apr
13

Watercolor Portraiture Foundations

Explore the art of portraiture in watercolor with this beginner-friendly workshop! In this three-hour session, we’ll break down the fundamentals of painting faces, focusing on proportions, light and shadow, and skin tones. You’ll learn essential techniques such as layering, blending, and using a limited palette to create depth and dimension. We’ll start with simple facial features and work our way up to painting a bust-view, full-face portrait using reference images. This class is perfect for those new to portraiture or looking to refine their watercolor skills.

Ages 15 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Expressive Watercolor and Ink Florals: Tulips
Apr
26

Expressive Watercolor and Ink Florals: Tulips

Do you love the fluid beauty of loose watercolor florals but aren’t sure how to begin? Or are you looking for a way to relax your approach to watercolor and achieve a fresher, more intuitive style? If so, this class is for you!

In this class, Heather will share techniques for capturing the essence of a floral subject by emphasizing movement and spontaneity over realism. We’ll focus on ways to simplify the subject and be inspired by the intermingling of the watercolor pigments on the page, letting go of the need to depict every detail.

Beginning with some warm up exercises to become more comfortable with our tools and the behavior of water, pigments, and ink, we’ll then create a vibrant floral painting that combines loose watercolor with the structure of ink. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with a completed painting as well as principles that will enable you to create future paintings in this expressive style.

This class builds on the techniques practiced in Heather’s Spring Daffodils class by exploring ways to approach a different flower. It is also suitable as a standalone course, however: no prior experience is necessary.

Whether you are completely new to watercolor or are seeking to add a new way of working to your skillset, you’ll be able to enjoy this relaxed time of painting together as we exercise creative intuition and explore the exciting ways that watercolor and ink can interact.

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Watercolor Portraiture: Expression and Detail
Apr
27

Watercolor Portraiture: Expression and Detail

Building on the foundations from our first workshop, this session will dive deeper into capturing expression and fine details in watercolor portraits. We’ll focus on refining bust-view, full-face portraits by studying facial structure, subtle color shifts, and defining features. You’ll learn how to balance soft and sharp details, create natural-looking highlights, and enhance realism while maintaining watercolor’s fluid beauty. This workshop is great for those who took the first class or have some experience with watercolor portraiture and want to push their skills further.

ages 15 and up

$40

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Mar
25

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

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Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop: Peony and Shadows
Mar
23

Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop: Peony and Shadows

Join us for the first of the Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop Series. This beginner-friendly watercolor workshop, we’ll explore the beauty of peonies through painting with a special focus on capturing light and shadow. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you step by step in creating a soft, delicate floral composition.

We’ll cover fundamental methods, including color blending, layering, and shading, to bring your peony to life. You’ll also learn essential techniques like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dragging, and glazing to create soft petals, rich details, and dynamic shadows that add dimension and realism.

This workshop is open to ages 15+, and all materials will be provided. Come enjoy a creative and supportive atmosphere while painting your own stunning peony masterpiece!

$35

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Mar
18

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

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Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop-Botanical Painting Fundamentals -
Mar
16

Spring Blooms Watercolor Workshop-Botanical Painting Fundamentals -

Discover the art of botanical watercolor painting in this three-hour, beginner-friendly workshop! Perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation in watercolor, this class will focus on essential techniques used to paint leaves, stems, and delicate floral details with confidence.

Through guided exercises, you’ll learn color mixing, layering, and brush control to achieve realistic textures and natural forms. We’ll explore how to capture the subtle variations in petals and foliage, helping you create vibrant and lifelike botanical illustrations.

This workshop is open to ages 15+, and all materials will be provided.

$35

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, come enjoy a relaxing and educational session dedicated to the beauty of botanical art!

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Mar
11

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

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Watercolor Workshop Series: Color Mixing and Application
Mar
9

Watercolor Workshop Series: Color Mixing and Application

Objective: Understand color mixing techniques and their application in watercolor painting.

Content:

  1. In-depth exploration of the color wheel and color relationships.

  2. Techniques for mixing colors to achieve desired hues and shades.

  3. Discussion on the importance of undertones and how to use them effectively in watercolor.

  4. Activity: students will practice mixing a range of colors and creating their own color charts. They will also engage in exercises focusing on applying mixed colors in simple compositions.

Description:

Ah, the peaceful, relaxing art of mixing the exact right color. Totally chill, right? Not if you’re not a seasoned mixologist. Which you will become in part 3 of the Watercolor Workshop Series. In this session, we’ll dive deep into the color wheel and its representation of color theory. We’ll explore color relationships, complementary tones, secondary colors, and the essential paints every watercolorist should have in their toolbox. You’ll learn how to wield undertones, how to mix various shades, and how to find  perfect color combinations. We’ll wrap everything together by matching colors to a reference photo so you can revel in your own mastery.

Join us for part 3 of the Watercolor Workshop Series and leave feeling a newfound confidence in your artistry. Whether you're painting landscapes, portraits, or cute, little, fuzzy bunnies, you’ll have all of the knowledge necessary to mix the colors you see.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Mar
4

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Feb
11

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques
Feb
9

Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques

Objective: Build confidence in using fundamental watercolor techniques.

Content:

  1. Review of techniques covered in Workshop 1, with a focus on application.

  2. Introduction to layering and glazing techniques for depth and texture.

  3. Discussion on controlling water and pigment ratios.

  4. Activity: students will complete guided exercises, such as painting simple shapes and gradients, to reinforce their understanding of the techniques.

Description:

Take your watercolor skills to the next level! Building on the previous week’s workshop, in this session, we’ll dive deeper into mastering the magic of watercolor by exploring the art application. You’ll learn layering through glazing. You’ll unlock the secrets of water control — knowing exactly how much is just right — and fine-tune your paint-to-water ratios for maximum impact. You will determine which techniques to use when — and how to properly perform them. 

Get ready to conquer those tricky techniques and bring your artistic vision to life with bold, beautiful washes and precise, controlled strokes. Whether you’re looking to create soft, ethereal layers or vivid pops of color, this session is packed with tips and tricks to elevate your painting game. Let’s level up and paint like pros! 

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Feb
4

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Watercolor Workshop Series: Fundamentals
Feb
2

Watercolor Workshop Series: Fundamentals

Objective: Introduce students to the basic materials and techniques of watercolor painting.

Content:

  1. Overview of watercolor supplies: types of paints (tube vs. pan), brushes, and paper.

  2. Discussion of the effects of various supply combinations

  3. Introduction to essential techniques: washes, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brush.

  4. Activity: students will practice creating color swatches and simple washes on paper to become familiar with their supplies.

Description:

Ready to dive into the magical world of watercolor? Join us for an engaging kickoff session where we’ll unravel the mysteries of paint, paper, and the techniques that make watercolor so mesmerizing. From exploring the perfect brushes to discovering how paper choice transforms your art, you’ll leave feeling empowered to create with confidence. 

We’ll also get hands-on with the essential moves that every watercolorist needs in their toolbox: *wet-on-wet* for those dreamy blends, *wet-on-dry* for crisp edges, and fun techniques like *charging,* *glazing,* and *lifting* that add depth and drama to your work. All materials (and good vibes) are provided—including paper for your notes and sketches! 

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

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Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions
Jan
28

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour
Jan
21

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

Sign up here!

View Event →
Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour
Jan
14

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Lunch Hour

Need a little creative break in your week? Want to hang out with some other artists and chat? Come in for a still life drawing and watercolor session. We will have all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use!

$5

Sign up here!

View Event →
Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques
Jan
11

Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques

Objective: Build confidence in using fundamental watercolor techniques.

Content:

  1. Review of techniques covered in Workshop 1, with a focus on application.

  2. Introduction to layering and glazing techniques for depth and texture.

  3. Discussion on controlling water and pigment ratios.

  4. Activity: students will complete guided exercises, such as painting simple shapes and gradients, to reinforce their understanding of the techniques.

Description:

Take your watercolor skills to the next level! Building on the previous week’s workshop, in this session, we’ll dive deeper into mastering the magic of watercolor by exploring the art application. You’ll learn layering through glazing. You’ll unlock the secrets of water control — knowing exactly how much is just right — and fine-tune your paint-to-water ratios for maximum impact. You will determine which techniques to use when — and how to properly perform them. 

Get ready to conquer those tricky techniques and bring your artistic vision to life with bold, beautiful washes and precise, controlled strokes. Whether you’re looking to create soft, ethereal layers or vivid pops of color, this session is packed with tips and tricks to elevate your painting game. Let’s level up and paint like pros! 

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Blake at ArtByBBlossoms@gmail.com. Let’s paint something amazing together!

Ages 15 and up

$35

Sign up here!

View Event →
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

Sign up here!

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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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