Mastering Texture & Atmosphere
Ready to push past the basics? Using this serene waterfall scene as our muse, we will move beyond 'safe' painting and explore the rugged beauty of the Poconos in autumn. If you’ve taken a few classes with Crystal Beshara — or mastered the basics elsewhere —and are looking to lean into a more expressive, textural style, this workshop is designed for you.
At a glance
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Date & time: 10:00 to 16:00, Friday 30 October 2026
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Artist: Crystal Beshara
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Class size: 12 seats
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Language: English (supplementary explanation in French)
- Suitable for intermediate and advanced watercolourists
What You'll Focus On
The Power of Masking Fluid
Learn how to use masking fluid strategically to preserve the fine spray and 'white water' of the falls while building deep, rich layers around them.
Broad, Expressive Brushwork
We’ll practice using larger brushes to create movement in the water and the sky, learning when to let the pigment flow and when to exert control.
Mastering Rock & Foliage Texture
Discover techniques for capturing the 'bite' of the stone and the soft, crunching carpet of autumn leaves using dry brush techniques and intentional glazing.
Is this for you?
This is an intermediate to advanced skills-level workshop. To get the most out of this session, participants should have a solid grasp of water-to-pigment ratios and feel comfortable with basic layering. It is the perfect next step for those who have previously studied with Crystal and are ready to tackle more complex, multi-layered compositions.
Included
- All materials and tools
- You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
- Step-by-step guided demonstrations
- Practice sheets for techniques
- Reference images
- Your masterpiece
- Refreshments served throughout the day
- A unique studio environment, in the company of century-old stone, hundreds of creative works and a creative community.
About Crystal Beshara
Crystal is an international award-winning contemporary realist painter and sought-after educator. A self-taught realist, she spent her rural childhood observing and drawing the natural world around her. Crystal shifts easily between mediums — watercolour, gouache and oil — focusing on realism juxtaposed with expressive, gestural brushstrokes.
Her popular creative workshops are well structured and geared towards developing participant’s skills. Benefit from Crystal's more than 25 years’ teaching experience in this workshop.
Good to know
Please arrive a little early, settle in and help yourself to some refreshments. Late arrivals disrupt the rest of the class, and it may not be possible for the instructor to help you catch up.
Lunch
We'll take a 30-minute lunch break — bring a packed lunch or support a local eatery.
Know your way around
Visit our FAQs page to learn more about parking, our facilities, local restaurants and accommodations.
