Mentoring & Coaching Programs
©Sandy McDermott
FREE Demo Workshops (Online)
2026 Summer Series: Pigment Play
Studies in PIGMENTS
Three free events to join
June 27, July 25, & August 29, 2026
#1 Mixing Your Own Greens
June 27, 2026 11:00amEDT, runs for 60-90 minutesDo you rely on manufactured (aka: tube or cake) greens in your watercolor practice? Would you like a little guidance on mixing your own greens?
All year long there are greens in the landscape. Gain a few tips on how to achieve some of them in this FREE demo workshop.
HINT: it's not just blue and yellow that make green.
In addition to your favorite blues, yellows, try to include:
Payne's Gray
Phthalo or Winslow Blue
Quinacridone Gold
Yellow Ochre or Raw Sienna
Sepia or another brown
Ivory Black
I strongly encourage using a #10 or larger brush for this demo.
Zoom link will be sent to registered participants a few days ahead of the event.
©Sandy McDermott
#2 The Split Color Wheel
July 25, 2026 11:00amEDT, runs for 60-90 minutes
Did you know there is a warm and a cool version of each primary color? Maybe you do.
If you are not sure what a split color wheel is or looks like, join this FREE event. I'll guide you in making your own split color wheel.
Discussion along the way will help you form a better understanding of how the split color wheel can influence your watercolor work.If you want to work with the same colors as I, here's what I will be using:
French Ultramarine
Cerulean Blue
Cadmium Yellow
Lemon Yellow
Cadmium Red
Permanent Alizarin
I strongly encourage using a #10 or larger brush for this demo.
Zoom link will be sent to registered participants a few days ahead of the event.
©Sandy McDermott
#3 Watercolor Pigment Qualities
Aug 29, 2026 11:00amEDT, runs for 60-90 minutes
To know a pigment's qualities requires a fair bit of exploration and experimentation with your paints.
Terms like granulation, transparency, semi-opaque, or staining influence a pigment's behavior.It's super valuable to "play" and learn with pigments without the additional process of sketching or drawing, and so many fun ways to do it.
This FREE workshop will shift the mind from the word "practice time" to "purposeful play".
NOTE about supplies:
I will be using professional tube pigments from Winsor Newton, Daler Rowney, and Daniel Smith in a variety of colors.
You do not need to purchase new paints for this workshop. However, if you want to use some of the same paints as I have, let me know via email (address lower down on this page) and I'll send you a complete list of my colors.
Depending on the quality and/or brand of pigments you use, expect some differences between our results.
This should not be a concern for you! It will broaden your learning and you'll make some necessary discoveries about your paints.
I strongly encourage using a #10 or larger brush for this demo.
Zoom link will be sent to registered participants a few days ahead of the event.
Willow Ptarmigan sketches in Alaska ©Sandy McDermott
Nature Junky Artists
A year of mentorship and coaching (Meets monthly online)
Mondays 6-8pmEDT
Tuesdays 6-8pmEDT
This is a group of individuals that seeks to sustain and nurture a Field Sketching/Nature Journaling practice in a less-formal setting.
In this non-lesson-based program, I provide a prompt that everybody works with. We come back together in the next class to share our work with the group to receive and offer feedback.
A kind, reciprocal community that's growing!
“One of Sandy’s endearing qualities is her open acknowledgement (even as an accomplished artist) that art is a process, that it takes work, and that each individual has his or her own objective, approach and pace. She presents these lessons with obvious affection for the topic(s) while always maintaining an openness and sensitivity to her students’ expectations and abilities. Students invariably feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and seeking guidance.”
~Marty
Journal pages from a 6-day backpacking trip through Shenandoah Nat’l Park ©Sandy McDermott
Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness, Year 1
A year of mentorship and coaching (Online)
Thursdays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 6, 2025
Field sketching offers an opportunity to connect with the natural environment in which you live. Through first-hand observations and the drawing process, you become familiar with the other living creatures that share their space with you; who rely on it, same way you do.Mindfulness comes in when tapping into a sense of curiosity and wonder as you witness the marvels of the natural world. You become present in the moment, which has positive impacts on mind and body.
This program is currently on hold. If you are interested and want to know if/when it will return, leave your name here.
Moose sketches in Alaska ©Sandy McDermott
Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness, Year 2
A year of mentorship and coaching (Online)
Wednesdays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 5, 2025Building on the Year 1 program, this mentorship is for you if:
You have some experience with, and a basic understanding of, field sketching and are ready to deepen your practice
You want to continue developing a sustainable practice of Field Sketching or Nature Journaling that fits your interests, schedule, and skill
You want to learn more about specific art skills useful in field sketching while being exposed to a few new mediums to use in the field.
Join me for a year to improve and expand your Field Sketching skills and practice!
This program is currently on hold. If you are interested and want to know if/when it will return, leave your name here.
A big thing I appreciate is how Sandy’s teaching style with lots of gentle encouragement has helped me relax, be willing to try new-to-me techniques and become more confident in my drawing skills. The fact that I used watercolors with me ON our walk this morning (versus at home or outside without Asha) is a testimonial to your teaching and my growth. Thank you so very much.
~ Marilyn
Any new programs/workshops will land on this page. Contact me directly with any questions.