Workshops & Judging

Workshops

After a break from teaching, Robin has thrown her hat back into the ring to teach workshops and classes.* She has taught many workshops on a variety of subjects and media, specializing in Watercolor. Workshops are available as sessions one-, two-, or three-day sessions. Participants in all workshops must have their own materials, and some drawing and watercolor experience.

*Depending on travel distance.

Kickin' Glass: Painting Glass & Shiny Stuff (most popular)

Robin will share her tips, tricks, and methods she uses to design and paint her award-winning still lifes. The methods used can apply to anything you paint.

Watercolor on Aquabord® by Ampersand

Students will learn how to paint with watercolor on Aquabord. Once dry, paintings are sealed with varnish and require no mats or glazing. Varnishing demo included.

Mellow-Drama: Focus on Composition & Making Your Work Stand Out

Tired of not getting accepted into shows? Learn how to create better compositions and how to paint them for maximum impact to catch the judge's eye.

WWGD - What Would Georgia Do? Dynamic Floral Compositions

Learn to find the best compositions (and to recognize the bad ones!) in your floral source photos. Instruction on how to create out-of-focus backgrounds, look for high contrast to create interest, and deal with those dreaded greens.

Customize Your Workshop

Work with Robin to design a workshop that's right for your organization. Contact her directly to discuss. Limited to watercolor, drawing, pen & ink, or colored pencil. Please use the Contact tab and she will get back to you.

2026 Workshops

January - Outstanding Watercolor Compositions: Design & Application

West Pasco Art Guild, New Port Richey, FL

One Day - Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 9am - 4pm

Level: All

Cost: $100 Members; $90 Non-Members • Materials list provided upon registration.

Contact: Cindy McNally - cindymc@westpascoartguild.org

March - Kickin' Glass: Painting Glass & Shiny Stuff (may cancel due to low enrollment)

Visual Arts Center • Punta Gorda, FL

Two Days - Friday & Saturday, March 13th & 14th, 2026 • 9am - 4pm (time tent)

Level: Some watercolor skills necessary

Cost: VAC Members - $350; on-Members - $390 • Materials list provided upon registration.

October - Watercolor Techniques on Aquabord®

Florida Watercolor Society 2026 Annual Convention

Location: Bradenton/Sarasota Area Convention Center

1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL 34221 • Manatee Room (tentative)

One Day - Thursday, October 1st, 2026 • 9am - 4pm

Level: Intermediate - Advanced (watercolor experience necessary)

Cost: FWS Members - $125; non-members - $150 • Materials list

Registration Opens for FWS Members - March 1st, 2026; Non-Members - April 1st, 2026 (space permitting)

Overview: Learn the techniques to paint with watercolor on Aquabord by Ampersand. Aquabord is a kaolin clay-coated hardboard that mimics the properties of cold-pressed watercolor paper, but does not require mats or glass/acrylic glazing when framed. Instead, when completed, it is coated with an archival spray varnish that makes the painting pop and stand out from those with reflective glazing. It behaves differently than watercolor paper. Many of Robin's watercolor paintings on Aquabord have won awards, and she will show you her tips and tricks for successful paintings on this outstanding substrate.

Judge & Juror for Art Festivals, Shows, & Organizations

Robin is available to serve as a judge of awards and/or juror of selection for art festivals, local and regional art organizations, and shows. Robin has served in both capacities many times over the years. Please see her resume for details. References are available.

Robin Lee Makowski Resume