STAY TUNED: A link for Registering will be posted in January.

Island Watercolor Intensive 2026

Aug 30-Sept 4

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

Between the open sea and sweeping sky just off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire shimmer the Isles of Shoals. Star Island’s ever-changing natural drama invites us to explore the dynamic, whimsical nature of watercolor. The surrounding sea offers a palette of blues, greens, turquoise and more, even perhaps the “wine-dark” hues with which Homer described the Aegean.  Out on the Isles too, New Hampshire granite gleams, providing us a master lesson on how to paint rich light and luminous shadow.

And then there are the historic cottages and the venerable Oceanic Hotel. With its 360° horizon, white clapboard buildings, stone chapel, granite outcrops, and wind-shaped pines, Star Island is a wonderland for painters. This workshop encourages direct engagement with the land and sea through plein air practice, with a focus on attentive seeing.

Each morning includes guided exercises, prompts, and demonstrations in working with watercolor in all its capricious glory. We explore color and color relationships, finding a balance between intentionality and looseness in our brushwork approaches, deepening our understanding of value, and strengthening composition through the simplification and abstraction of shapes.

Some drawing experience is helpful, but beginners are warmly welcome. Experienced watercolorists are invited to join morning sessions as desired before venturing out to explore the island on their own. Each evening, a lively and supportive pre-dinner gathering offers time for sharing the day’s work with each other.

Workshop Chair: Julia Morgan (julia@jmorganart.com)

Registration limited.
Program Fee: $410
The cost of lodging, meals, and boat transportation are arranged separately through the Star Island website.

An orientation letter and suggested materials list will be sent out in the Spring.

Artist Julia Morgan leads this workshop conference that is designed to spark creativity and deepen engagement with both subject and medium. As always we learn so much from each other. No matter what the experience level, each of us has much to share as we encounter and engage with the unpredictable and unparalleled beauty of watercolor.