Watercolor_July26.png
868o ON the Dock 2-26-23.jpeg
872 Fisherman boat waterlily (12).jpeg
875 fly fishing (02).jpeg
Watercolor_July26.png
868o ON the Dock 2-26-23.jpeg
872 Fisherman boat waterlily (12).jpeg
875 fly fishing (02).jpeg

7/21 & 7/22 Exploration of Watercolor with Mary Guntzviller

from $225.00

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 21 & 22, 9:30am - 4pm

Exploration of Watercolor

Mary’s classes emphasize practicing, a relaxed atmosphere, and a lighthearted spirit. Watercolor sessions begin with a sense of exploration—filling brushes with paint, sweeping them across wet or dry paper, or pouring washes of color onto the surface to watching the magic unfold. As you learn to balance pigment and water, you’ll start to develop the technique and style you’re aiming for. But like any practice, it won’t always be perfect—and that’s part of the process.

Day one:Atmosphere
Step into the quiet, ethereal world of fog and learn how to capture its subtle beauty using watercolor. Fog paintings use soft edges, muted tones, and delicate transitions that create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

Students will work from a choice of master drawings to transfer onto watercolor paper, then follow along with step-by-step demonstrations on how to make “fog” colors and how to apply them.

Day two:Rocks & Waves
Again, students may work from a choice of master drawings they can transfer onto watercolor paper. Next, follow along using step by step demonstrations. First, we will apply masking fluid, to form the push and pull of waves, splashes, and foam, next to and in front of a costal shoreline. Unlike fog, we will use sharp edges, an abundance of fresh pigments, and less moisture to create dark rugged boulders.

Reduced pricing for Northport and Leelanau Township Residents made possible by a grant from Leelanau Township Community Foundation.

Member Status:

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 21 & 22, 9:30am - 4pm

Exploration of Watercolor

Mary’s classes emphasize practicing, a relaxed atmosphere, and a lighthearted spirit. Watercolor sessions begin with a sense of exploration—filling brushes with paint, sweeping them across wet or dry paper, or pouring washes of color onto the surface to watching the magic unfold. As you learn to balance pigment and water, you’ll start to develop the technique and style you’re aiming for. But like any practice, it won’t always be perfect—and that’s part of the process.

Day one:Atmosphere
Step into the quiet, ethereal world of fog and learn how to capture its subtle beauty using watercolor. Fog paintings use soft edges, muted tones, and delicate transitions that create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

Students will work from a choice of master drawings to transfer onto watercolor paper, then follow along with step-by-step demonstrations on how to make “fog” colors and how to apply them.

Day two:Rocks & Waves
Again, students may work from a choice of master drawings they can transfer onto watercolor paper. Next, follow along using step by step demonstrations. First, we will apply masking fluid, to form the push and pull of waves, splashes, and foam, next to and in front of a costal shoreline. Unlike fog, we will use sharp edges, an abundance of fresh pigments, and less moisture to create dark rugged boulders.

Reduced pricing for Northport and Leelanau Township Residents made possible by a grant from Leelanau Township Community Foundation.

Producing art is as essential as breathing to me. It imparts joy, satisfaction, apprehension, and relief. Every time I create, I am complete. I am in control and yet taking the biggest risk of my life. 

Guntzviller Artist Statement: 

In 2026, Mary again was accepted into the Michigan Watercolor Society Show. 

In 2024, the Michigan Water Color Society accepted Mary’s painting, LISTEN TO THE SUNSET #660, into the 77th Annual Exhibition traveling show and honored her with the Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists award. In May, Mary won an honorable mention at the Old Art building Leland, MI, for her on-site painting of the controversial Bluebird Restaurant construction, TALK OF THE TOWN, LELAND BLUEBIRD #914. For the Unique Art of Antrim County, BREAK OF DAY #872, Mary’s transparent watercolor painting, was accepted, printed on aluminum, and was on display outside in downtown Bellaire, MI through the summer. 

In 2023, she won first place at the Gene Rantz annual Plein Air event, Northport, MI with her watercolor, IDYLL GOATS #898 and an honorable mention for SLOW EROSION #903 at the Quick Draw Glen Arbor, MI. 

Mary has been the juror for the Crooked Tree Arts Outdoor Art Fair, Traverse City, MI, the ArtRapids! Outdoor Art Fair, Elk Rapids, MI, and the Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan, MI. 

An instructor since 1993, Mary’s primary goal is to instill self-confidence in her students. Her classes are filled with humor, interaction, and demonstrations. 

Besides transparent watercolor, Mary also forays into oil and acrylic, fabric, sculpture, and resin. She has been published in Quilting arts Magazine and has illustrated a children’s book. 

cancellation policy and class info
cancellation policy and class info