"From the Grape Arbor": a Paintalong with Randy Hale

In our 2.5-hour ZOOM workshop you will Join Randy online as he paints a recognizable view of the Watermill from the courtyard’s grape arbor (or "vine verandah" as we Brits say!) and stone wall. Using strong value contrasts and a variety of edge treatments he’ll take you to his desired visual landing spot, bracketing it with softer tones that depict grape vines, florals, and clay planters. Strategic use of contrasting warms and cools will have the Watermill jumping off the page! Let Randy take you step-by-step to produce your own dramatic composition. Whether your preference is in creating travel journal entries, or taking a more painterly approach, his step-by-step instruction will be easy to understand and ensure successful renditions. Afterward, be sure to post your work on the Watermill’s “Cluster” gallery where Randy will provide detailed feedback on each participant’s work. These critiques are done in a positive manner to help everyone fully understand the nuances of our medium. There will also be a recording available to everyone who registers, so don't worry if you cannot make it on the day!

Materials

Brushes

· Medium Round – synthetic and medium synthetic mop

· Goat-hair calligraphy brush

· 1” flat synthetic

· Rigger

Watercolor Pigments

· Yellow Ochre

· Raw Umber

· Burnt Sienna

· Quinachridone Burnt Orange

· Ultramarine

· Turquoise, or a Dark Blue/Green· Yellow Ochre

· Gamboge (or Indian Yellow)

· Raw Umber

· Burnt Sienna

· Quinachridone Burnt Orange

· Transparent Orange

· Alizarin Crimson

· Brite Violet

· Cerulean Blue

· Cobalt Blue

· Ultramarine

· A deep dark blue (Royal, Pthalo, Peacock, Turq)

· Horizon Blue, (or Cobalt Teal Light)

· Permanent White gouache

Regarding paper, Randy says: "I suggest you work on good quality watercolor paper approximately 9”x12” (or as large as 11”x15”). Best results will be on cold press textured paper."

Unlike many online painting tutors, Randy will not expect you to ‘look over his shoulder’ for a long demonstration, and perhaps be allowed to ask the odd question or two. No, you will be painting along at more or less the same time, trying out the watercolour techniques that Randy shows you, step-by-step. He will demonstrate some basic techniques for only a few minutes before you start painting the same subject at home. Then, after you've been given a little time to catch up, Randy will move onto the next part of the process. Lois Breckon from The Watermill at Posara will be on hand during the session to feed your questions. The session will last a couple of hours.

When you register for the session you will be asked for a donation. Some people ask how much this should be and so we suggest a minimum of £30 GBP. Our Zoom painting demonstrations do take quite a bit of time in preparation and administration and your support is very much appreciated. With your generosity we can plan and run further sessions and, more importantly, provide a regular meeting place for creativity, camaraderie and fun. We hope that you enjoy the international, online painting community that we have created.

Once you have registered you will be provided with two links. The first is the Zoom link for you to join the session. Please note that the start time is 5pm UK time (GMT) which equates to 12 noon - East Coast USA; 11.00am - Central Time USA; 10.00am - Mountain Time USA; 9.00am - Pacific Coast Time USA.

The second link is where you will find Randy's final painting and a list of equipment and colours for your palette. If you would like to paint along with Randy, be warned that he works fast and you definitely should have your own drawing ready.

After the event, you are invited to add your painting to the private gallery, where you will be able to view the same scene uploaded by your fellow painters on Zoom. Randy will comment on your painting if you post it within a week of the event. In addition, we will send you a link to a video that will enable to you revisit Randy’s step-by-step teaching.

When you have painted with Randy online, why not join him for real at the Watermill in Tuscany Italy next summer? We would love to welcome you to the Watermill. You can find more details of Randy’s week-long course, 13 to 20 June 2026, here.

Randy's background

Randy is from Colorado in United States and, as well as his workshops in the USA, he has taken painting groups all over the world. After a successful business career, he returned to his first love, watercolour painting. (He was taught by James Green, a founder member of the California School of Watercolor.) But Randy’s true passion proved to be to be in sharing his knowledge: enjoying the excitement of travel with fellow painters, helping them to create expressive paintings to enrich their experience. One of his students said: “He knows his stuff and he knows how to teach! Best watercolor instructor I have ever had!”

You can find out more about Randy's style of teaching online by watching the edited video below from a Zoom session earlier this year, hosted by The Watermill at Posara: