LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Carnegie Hall invites aspiring artists and curious creatives to explore the beauty and nuance of watercolor painting in Introduction to Watercolor Painting, a full-day workshop led by artist and instructor John Coffey. Held on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this class is part of Carnegie Hall’s Fall Class & Workshop Series and is designed for beginners, those with limited experience, and intermediate painters looking to refine their technical skills.
John Coffey brings more than three decades of self-taught watercolor experience to the classroom, along with a deep appreciation for the connection between drawing and painting. Though he majored in art at Concord College in the 1960s, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that he returned to watercolor—teaching himself the medium after a long hiatus and discovering its expressive potential through careful study and practice. His early training in abstract design continues to inform his realistic compositions, and his favorite tool remains the humble #2 pencil. In 2008, Coffey overcame a major stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body, and within a year, he completed his first post-stroke painting—a testament to his resilience, faith, and love for the craft.
Throughout the day, participants will work primarily from photographs—learning foundational watercolor techniques and progressing toward more advanced concepts in composition and brushwork. Students are encouraged to bring a photograph they’ve taken to use as inspiration for their painting. Intermediate-level students may also bring their own brushes if they wish, though all other materials will be provided by the instructor.
Open to ages 16 and up, the class is limited to 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction and a supportive learning environment. The cost is $125 for Carnegie Hall members and $150 for non-members. Scholarships are available, allowing students to attend for just $60.
Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your artistic practice, this workshop offers a welcoming space to learn, create, and connect.
For more information or to register, visit carnegiehallwv.org, call (304) 645-7917, or stop by 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV.
Carnegie Hall programs are presented with financial assistance through a grant from the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.
