A Communion with Water: A Loose Style While Painting Clouds and Landscapes

Wet on Wet Watercolor Techniques

With Liz Archuleta 

Friday / June 13th

Course Description: 

In this immersive art experience, participants will explore the dynamic relationship between water and traditional pigments, using the Rio Grande as both muse and medium. As we paint together, I’ll share ancestral stories handed down through generations of my family—narratives of journeys along El Camino Real, the historic route traveled by our Archuleta ancestors for centuries. This class also offers insight into the vital ecological restoration efforts taking place along the Rio Grande, and I’ll introduce you to several non-profit organizations working to restore the river’s natural ecosystems.

Before coming to class, I invite you to take a few quiet walks along the Rio Grande. Listen closely to the river’s song and let your ears be guided by the melodies of the messengers in the trees. If you’re able, take photographs or begin sketching the scene you feel called to bring to life.

Materials: 

You’ll need several sheets of 8×10 or 9×12 watercolor paper—Arches or Kilimanjaro, in both smooth and rough textures. I personally enjoy working with primary colors, but feel free to choose any palette that inspires you. My preferred watercolors are from Daniel Smith, though Qor is another excellent option. If you’re interested in adding metallics, Artisan ABQ carries some of the best selections. Be sure to bring a variety of watercolor brushes. It’s better to have one or two high-quality brushes that hold water well than a handful of lower-quality ones that shed bristles onto your painting. I recommend synthetic round brushes for best results.

About the Artist: 

For decades, painting has been more than just an art form for me—it’s been a vessel for storytelling, memory, and environmental advocacy. My parents recognized and nurtured this passion early on, supporting me with private lessons and museum visits that helped shape my creative voice and deepen my sense of purpose.

Today, I identify as a water protector. My artistic practice is grounded in the belief that water is life—a truth that flows through every brushstroke. I hike across the Southwest, gathering water from sacred and endangered sources, including the Rio Grande, and integrate it directly into my work. In doing so, each painting becomes a living archive—honoring place, spirit, and the urgent call of environmental stewardship.

The Rio Grande, a lifeline for generations of people and ecosystems, now faces serious threats from climate change, overuse, and persistent drought. In recent years, sections of the river have run dry, even through parts of Albuquerque.

Through my art, I strive to raise a call for protection—of our waters, our cultures, and our shared future. Each piece invites viewers to pause, to remember, and to act—so that the rivers may continue to flow, and our traditions may continue to thrive.

*This workshop is held in our downstairs classroom, which is not accessible to wheelchairs and some other mobility devices.

No refunds past June 10th