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Workshops

MNWS sponsors 4-day, 5-day, and weekend workshops with regionally and nationally known artists. Members receive a reduced rate on workshop fees.

2026 Fall Workshop

In-person Workshop: Watercolor Portraits with Patty Schmid

 
October 29 - November 1, 2026, 9am-4pm
New Brighton Community Center, Room 216,
400 10th Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112

Members $325
Non-members $375

Early registration for MNWS members until August 31, 2026. (Full Payment is due at registration.)

Register Here
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Do you love watercolor but are intimidated when it comes to painting faces? Perhaps you just want to learn more about painting portraits. This workshop is for you!

Join local watercolor portrait artist Patty Schmid for this immersive workshop focused on elevating your portrait skills. Whether you are new to painting portraits or are looking to take your portraits to the next level, you will learn tips and tricks from Patty that will make your portraits come alive!

Through demonstrations, guided excercises, and personalized feedback, participants will learn a process for making portrait painting less intimidating. Patty will show you how to build a reliable painting process from start to finish.

Reserve your spot today!

Patty will have students focus on simplifying painting faces from photographs, You will learn how to recognize shadow shapes, draw in those shapes, then sculpt the face using watercolor. As we paint in three basic layers, it’s fun to see the face come to life. First a few lines and shadow shapes. Next mid-tones, using interesting colors to intensify some of the shadow areas and add excitement. Third, flesh tones and details.

Day 1: We will start by painting some facial features to practice mouth, nose, ears and eyes. Patty will demonstrate and you will paint along. Then we will paint a simple portrait together using Patty’s reference.

Day 2: We’ll paint another practice piece, and Patty will demonstrate more tips and techniques.

Days 3 and 4: You will work on a portrait with a photo reference of your choosing. Patty will make her way around the workshop, giving individual instruction.

Check in will begin at 8:30am the first day. Please be ready to paint by 9am. However, please note that the building does not technically open until 9 am on Saturday and Sunday. If you arrive early on those days and the building is locked, it will open shortly. Coffee, water, and treats will be provided.

Workshop hours are 9am-4pm with a 1-hour lunch break around Noon. Exact timing will be at the instructor's discretion. Workshop participants are welcome to bring their own bag lunch. A refrigerator is available. Patty’s workshop supply list will be sent upon registration.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from the best!

Register Here

Patty Schmid

About the Instructor


Patty Schmid is a Minnesota watercolor artist known for her portraits. Patty fell in love with watercolor 30 years ago, but in more recent years she discovered her passion for portraits. She has studied under Pam Wenger, Ted Nuttal, and Tara Sweeney, helping her to find her style and voice. She has been honored with numerous awards for her portraits, achieving signature status with NorthStar Watermedia Society. Patty says, “I love to paint faces! As I see the person’s personality come to life on paper, I feel like I’m getting to know them better A portrait is a great way to honor people.”
*Cancellation requests are considered on an individual basis and are at the discretion of MNWS. If there is a waitlist and your spot can be filled, cancellation will be allowed.