Watercolor Classes with Timothy D. Thomas
Watercolor success isn’t magic—it’s method!
About Your Instructor
Timothy D. Thomas is an award-winning watercolorist, illustrator, and publisher with over 30 years of experience in both fine art and graphic design. A United States Navy veteran and former art instructor at Haney Technical College, Tim has taught watercolor painting since 1994, inspiring students of all levels to grow in confidence and creativity.
He is a nationally recognized artist, a member of the Watercolor Society of Alabama, and an Audubon watercolorist whose luminous, nature-inspired works have been exhibited across the Southeast. His professional background also includes children’s book illustration and cartooning,
Tim teaches illustration classes including Pencil Illustrating , Pen & Ink Techniques, and Adult Basic Drawing.
Tim is a nationally award-winning children’s book author, illustrator, and self-publisher. His classes in Children’s Book Publishing cover manuscript writing, layout and design, and step-by-step guidance on self-publishing through Amazon KDP.
Watercolor Success is not Magic - It’s Method!
Why Learn with Tim?
✅ Watercolor Success Isn’t Magic—It’s Method
Tim teaches a time-tested, step-by-step watercolor process that gives structure to your creativity. His Watercolor Methodology is designed to help beginners build confidence and help seasoned artists refine their technique.
✅ Professional Tools & Techniques
Learn with a carefully curated set of tools, including a custom 10-pan palette, professional-grade pigments, and essential brush techniques. He also introduces his signature luminous wash process as an underpainting technique, providing students with a unique foundation for vibrant and expressive paintings.
✅ Supportive, Encouraging Environment
Our classes are designed to be more than just instructional—they’re uplifting, engaging, and purposefully paced to nurture every learner’s confidence and creativity. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or reigniting a long-lost passion for painting, you'll find a welcoming space where questions are encouraged, mistakes are part of the process, and progress is celebrated. Each session fosters a positive, judgment-free atmosphere where you'll be supported every step of the way by both the instructor and your fellow creatives. It’s not just about painting—it’s about enjoying the journey together.
✅ Terri Makes it Better
Tim’s wife and dedicated assistant, Terri Thomas, adds a special touch to every class with her warm presence, thoughtful organization, and genuine care for each student. From setting up materials to offering personal encouragement and ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience, Terri’s attention to detail helps every session run effortlessly. Her kindness and behind-the-scenes support create a calm, well-prepared environment where students can focus fully on learning, growing, and enjoying the art of painting.
Classess and Workshops
Watercolor Methodology: A Process for Painting Anything - Beginner's Guide
Class Offerings
Foundation Session: Beginner’s Guide to a Watercolor Methodology
A perfect starting point for newcomers. Learn the tools, the workspace setup, and how to apply a luminous undercoating wash. Includes a guided demonstration and student work session.
Watercolor Class - Garden Fence $125
Watercolor Class: Illuminous Technique & Methodology
Instructor: Timothy D. Thomas
Duration: 3-4 hours (Generally with a short break or lite-lunch)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate, Foundation Session
Materials: Instructional materials provided. Equipment and supplies provided for use.
Learn:
Explore Professional Paints, Quality Paper, Brushes & Applicators, and Foundational Watercolor Methodology and Techniques essential for creating a successful painting. Emphasis will be placed on Illuminous Background, “Keeping the White,” building Depth and Contrast, and understanding the unique Properties of Watercolor Paints, Paper, and Applicators.
No Drawing Required
“It’s Never to late to start painting!”
Watercolor Class - Koi Pond $125
Watercolor Class: Illuminous Technique & Methodology
Instructor: Timothy D. Thomas
Duration: 3-4 hours (Generally with a short break or lite-lunch)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate, , Foundation Session
Materials: Instructional materials provided. Equipment and supplies provided for use.
Learn:
Explore Professional Paints, Quality Paper, Brushes & Applicators, and Foundational Watercolor Methodology and Techniques essential for creating a successful painting. Emphasis will be placed on 3D images, “Keeping the White,” building Depth and Contrast, and understanding the unique Properties of Watercolor Paints, Paper, and Applicators.
No Drawing Required
“It’s Never to late to start painting!”
A Student Favorite – Watercolor & Wine with Timothy D. Thomas
Unwind, sip, and let your creativity flow!
Join nationally recognized watercolorist and illustrator Timothy D. Thomas for an unforgettable evening of art and enjoyment. In this relaxed, social setting, you'll be guided step-by-step through the creation of a beautiful watercolor painting—no prior experience needed. As you sip your favorite wine, Timothy will share his approachable techniques, personal tips, and decades of teaching expertise to help you discover the joy of painting.
Whether you're looking for a fun night out, a unique date idea, or simply a chance to reconnect with your creative side, Wine & Watercolor offers a warm, encouraging environment where laughter, learning, and self-expression come together.
All materials are provided—just bring your enthusiasm (and maybe a friend or two)! Leave with your very own finished artwork and a renewed sense of creative confidence.
Themed Workshops
Using Claudia Nice’s beloved books Pen & Ink Techniques and Pen and Ink with Watercolor, these themed classes draw inspiration from her timeless approach to combining detailed ink work with vibrant watercolor washes.
Students will explore how to create depth, texture, and storytelling through line and color, using Claudia’s step-by-step guidance as a foundation.
Each class blends technical skill-building with creative expression, perfect for those who enjoy sketchbook journaling, nature studies, or simply adding an illustrative flair to their watercolor practice.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, these workshops offer a fresh, fun way to enhance your artistic voice through the harmony of pen and paint.
Painting Wildlife with Expression
Bring your favorite creatures to life with vibrant personality and expressive detail. Learn how to capture the essence of wildlife—feathers, fur, and features—using Timothy’s luminous watercolor method. Whether it’s a great horned owl or a fox in the brush, this workshop focuses on gesture, color, and eye-catching focal points.
Landscapes in Layers
Master the art of depth, distance, and dynamic skies. Discover how to build stunning landscapes through layered washes, strategic color placement, and subtle transitions. This class emphasizes atmospheric perspective and how to bring a scene to life from background to foreground—one layer at a time.
Light, Shadow, and Transparency
Explore how light transforms a subject and how shadows create dimension. This workshop focuses on achieving realism and drama using subtle value shifts and translucent glazes. Learn to paint glow, reflection, and depth with precision and purpose.
Seasonal Scenes & Holiday Cards
Celebrate the seasons with charming, gift-worthy art! Create beautiful small works perfect for holiday cards, winter landscapes, or cozy autumn scenes. You'll learn techniques for snowy textures, fall foliage, festive accents, and creative card design—all in a fun, low-pressure format.
Nature’s Details: Leaves, Feathers & Bark
Zoom in on the beauty of the natural world. This workshop focuses on capturing fine textures, patterns, and delicate structures—like the veins of a leaf, the grain of bark, or the softness of feathers. Great for artists who love the little things.
Water, Sky & Atmosphere
Create tranquil lakes, crashing waves, or moody skies with confidence. Learn wet-into-wet techniques, blending tricks, and compositional tips to paint moving water and expressive skies. Ideal for seascapes, reflections, and misty horizons.
Garden Botanicals & Backyard Blooms
Celebrate color, pattern, and organic shape through floral and garden-themed studies. Learn to paint expressive petals, natural greens, and vibrant garden compositions. Ideal for spring and summer sessions—or when you need a bit of bloom in your brush.
Mountain Majesty: Rocks, Trees & Terrain
Bring rugged terrains and majestic peaks to life with texture and tonal variety. Learn how to paint rock faces, pine forests, and mountainous backdrops with clarity and structure. Perfect for hikers, travelers, and lovers of the great outdoors.
Sketch & Splash: Watercolor Journaling in Nature
Combine quick sketching and watercolor to capture moments in the wild. Whether it's a field trip or your own backyard, this workshop teaches loose, fast techniques to document nature scenes in a personal sketchbook format. Great for travelers and memory keepers.
Watercolor Book by Timothy D Thomas
Watercolor Methodology: A Process for Painting Anything by Timothy D. Thomas
If you're looking to unlock the secrets of watercolor painting, Timothy D. Thomas’ new book is a must-read!
In Watercolor Methodology, Thomas distills over 30 years of experience into a clear, easy-to-follow process for artists at any level. His structured method will help you navigate the complexities of watercolor, turning a challenging medium into a rewarding artistic journey.
This book goes beyond basic techniques—it's a deep dive into how to create luminous, expressive artwork using the right tools and a thoughtful approach. Thomas emphasizes that "a good method shortens the road to success," and his step-by-step guidance proves just that! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter looking to refine your skills, this book will elevate your practice.
From mastering washes and color theory to embracing a mindset of consistency, Thomas’ insights are invaluable for anyone passionate about watercolor.
Highly recommended for artists who want to create with confidence and intention.
by Timothy D Thomas
Professional References
Watercolor Class at Matted Memories and More LLC, Pike Road, AL
Professional References
Watercolor Class at Matted Memories and More LLC, Pike Road, AL
Watercolor Methodology Classes:
A Process for Painting Anything - Beginner's Guide
Discussing Watercolor Methodology with artist at Pike Road Art Group of Alabama 2025.
Watercolor Class at Matted Memories and More LLC, Pike Road, AL
Watercolor Class at Matted Memories and More LLC, Pike Road, AL
What Students Are Saying
“Timothy breaks things down so clearly. I finally understand how watercolor works.” – Susan B.
“Wine & Watercolor was the best night out I’ve had in ages! I actually painted something I’m proud of.” – Kevin T.
“His method made me fall in love with watercolor all over again.” – Janelle R.
