Good bye August, hello September!

It’s been a busy summer here-so I’m squeaking this in under the wire for the month! I’ve got a couple secret projects I’m working on that I have to keep under my hat, but here are some paintings that I can share that I’ve finished recently.

I’ve been working on a series of paintings all about the joy of getting in a canoe or kayak on the amazing lakes in the area.

Send me all your lake recs-small and big! I don’t have a kayak of my own, but I’ll figure out a way to get on the water.

This painting has been on my to do list for a long time. The way the light hit this hill on my way back from Pullman to Spokane really caught my eye!

This painting was inspired by a photo taken by a delightful art patron of mine-the view down Riverside!

I’m really thrilled with this painting-its going to be my Christmas card for this year. If you commission a painting from me or buy a large original work, you also get a Christmas card from me for that year. Just sayin’! :)

And if you need an opportunity to buy some of my art-I’ll be at the Little Spokane River Artist Studio tour at Collista’s studio (the furthest north). I’ll have all original work only, but I will be taking pre-orders for my 2024 calendar with a sample that you can flip through.

This painting is hanging at Terra Blanca Winery for this month as part of the preview show for the Little Spokane River Artist Studio tour. Stop on by if you want to get an idea of what kind of art will be at the show!

CLASSES

So I just finished my Painting Watercolor Flowers class at the Spokane Art School and it was great! If you’d like to take classes with me for the fall, check out my events page-HERE. My last plein air class of the year is in Browne’s Addition on the 9th of September-we’ll be sketching the historic houses near the NW Museum of Art and Culture. I’ll have a Paint & Sip with them in October and I have two classes coming up at the Corbin Art Center, both new classes and something a little different from my usual-I hope you’ll join me in drawing and painting a “favorite spot” or making an accordion book of Spokane landmarks. See you out there!

Take a Class with Me!

Hi Everyone!

I have quite a few classes planned for this spring and summer! This email covers just spring classes, but if you are interested in taking an urban sketching class with me this summer, go to my website to the Events section and I have all of my current classes scheduled through August listed there.The spring catalog for the Corbin Art Center classes will get posted soon, so if it isn’t up when you look, please check back!

I hope to paint with you in these upcoming months!

Paint and Sip

Northwest Museum of Art and Culture

Thursday, March 16, 2023

5:45-7:45 pm

 $18 members, $20 non-members 

Explore your inner artist in this watercolor painting workshop led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins, best known for her whimsical paintings of Spokane city landmarks. Along with a reference image, a complimentary glass of wine (21+) or a bottle of water is included. 

*Art supplies NOT provided, please see recommended supply list in confirmation email.*

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Amanda Gardner at 509.363.5357 or amanda.gardner@northwestmuseum.org.

SIGN UP HERE!

Sketchbook Habit

Corbin Art Center

April 10th, 24th, (We SKIP the 17th!), May 1st and 8th, 5:30-7:30

Experience the joy of playing in your sketchbook. In this class we will explore techniques such as notan, blind contour, hatching, color blocking, and more as a route to making work that improves our skills while embracing fun and defeating the inner critique. The goal is to learn ways to make art in small bits of time regularly so that you can make art every day. Please note, you WILL be expected to work in your sketchbook between class sessions. How can you develop a habit without practice? :) (smiley face can be omitted if desired)

You can register for this class at the Corbin Art Center.

Window Swap

Corbin Art Center

April 21st 1-3 pm
This is a 1 session, 2 hour class for all skill levels. 14 year old and up. 

Interested in warming up for plein air (drawing/painting outside) season? In this class, we will use the website “Window Swap” as our inspiration. People from all around the world submit video clips of the view from their window. Travel the world from your chair! Students will learn how to simplify a scene, draw accurately and interpret a video into a sketch. Class can be followed up with the urban sketching/plein air classes that will be offered in the summer.  

Register with the Corbin Art Center.

Big Sky

Spokane Art School

For students 14 years old and up

$72

Thursdays, April 27, May 4 & 11, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Skies have a huge impact on a painting, sometimes taking up a large amount of the paper, and dramatically affecting the mood and atmosphere of the work. The sky should be considered carefully when planning a painting. In this class, led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins, students will tackle painting the sky – with clouds, mist, full of color, or as a neutral backdrop with a focus on being expressive and allowing the medium of watercolor to do its magic.

Sign up HERE

Creating Mood in a Landscape

Saturday, April 29, 2023

10 am - 4 pm

 $45 members, $50 non-members 

Learn how time of day, color, lighting, and composition all work together to create mood in a landscape, whether that is happy and bright, dramatic, or tranquil. Students will learn from local teaching artist Megan Perkins to complete multiple studies using techniques to alter mood while using the same reference image, then you will complete a final painting based on your favorite study. Please bring a reference picture to work from. 

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Amanda Gardner at 509.363.5357 or amanda.gardner@northwestmuseum.org.

SIGN UP HERE!

Sketch Out at Riverfront Park

Corbin Art Center

May 31st 1-3 pm at Riverfront Park.  

Want to try your hand at drawing from life? Come join us at Riverfront Park! In this class you will learn how to capture the energy of the park and the beautiful scenery in your sketchbook! Megan Perkins will show her urban sketching kit and demo how she tackles painting on location before helping students make their own piece of art drawing on the inspiration of Riverfront Park. Students have the option of displaying their work alongside Megan’s at the Pavilion Art Space in Riverfront Park. If that is desired, please bring loose leaf paper or a sketchbook where the pages can be torn out for your sketching surface.

We will meet at the Numerica Ice Skate Ribbon.

Students have the option of displaying their work alongside Megan’s at the Pavilion Art Space in Riverfront Park. If that is desired, please bring loose leaf paper or a sketchbook where the pages can be torn out for your sketching surface.

Sign up with the Corbin Art Center.

Please check out my Events Page if you would like to see my summer classes and get those dates on your calendar!

Take a Class with Me!

Hi everyone! I’ve got a bunch of classes coming up this spring and I’d love to paint with you. I’ve got a whole range of subjects-skies to flowers to Spokane scenes so hopefully there’s something in here that will appeal to you.

Paint and Sip

Thursday, April 21, 2022, 5:45 - 7:45 pm

Location: Northwest Museum of Art and Culture

Cost: $18 members, $20 non-members

Class Limit: 20

Location: Museum Art Studio

Explore your inner artist in this watercolor painting workshop led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins best known for her whimsical painting of Spokane city landmarks. Megan will pick a landmark for you to paint which we will share with you by email before the workshop date. A complimentary glass of wine (21 and over) or bottle of water is included.

Sign up here!

Painting Big Skies

Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10 am - 4 pm

Location: Northwest Museum of Art and Culture

Cost: $40 members, $45 non-members

Class Limit: 20

Skies have a huge impact on a painting, sometimes taking up a large amount of the paper, and dramatically affecting the mood and atmosphere of the work. The sky should be considered carefully when planning a painting. In this class, led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins, students will tackle painting the sky - with clouds, mist, full of color, or as a more neutral backdrop with a focus on being expressive and allowing the medium of watercolor to do its magic.

There will be a break for lunch. Bring your own and grab lunch at one of the neighborhood spots!

Sign up here!

Learn to Paint Flowers in Watercolor

5/3/22-5/24/22, Tuesdays, 6-8 PM

Location: Corbin Art Center

Love flowers? Learn how to draw and paint them in watercolor. We’ll break down flowers into basic shapes, paint individual “portraits” of flowers and then zoom out to depict blooming plants as groups, such as a full flowerpot or garden bed. We’ll discuss painting buds, blooms and leaves as well. Please bring your own photos or pictures to paint from.

Sign up HERE!

Garland Sketchcrawl

Location: Spokane Art School

For adult students

$20 for each workshop

Wednesday, June 8 2022,

5 – 7 p.m.

Come sketch the fabulous landmarks of the Garland neighborhood with me. Learn to sketch on location and add color with watercolors, colored pencils or markers (your choice). Urban sketching is an art adventure!

Sign up HERE

Garland Sketchcrawl repeats on July 13th, 9-11 am and August 17th, 9-11 am. if you can’t make it to the session in June!

Take A Class With Me!

Northwest Museum of Art and Culture

Sketch Your Story Date(s):3/25 Time: 5:30p - 8:00p Ages Allowed: 16 - 99

Sketch Your Story

Instructor: Megan Perkins

Thursday, March 25, 2020, 5:30 - 8 pm

Limit: 15

Location: Offered most likely off campus as a live Zoom webinar, or in person at the museum if COVID - 19 restrictions are lifted.*Once you register through the Zoom link that will be provided to you via email upon your registration, Zoom will inform you how to join the program.

Cost: $20, members, $22.50, non-members. *There could well be a small amount of additional costs for art related class supplies if you do not have them available. A complete list of supplies you will need to participate will be provided to you via email at least a week before the class date.

Class Description: This program draws inspiration from two of the museum’s current WWII exhibits that focus on the men, women and children who experienced the Second World War firsthand. Led by Spokane artist Megan Perkins, you’ll begin by learning about sketching techniques and generate ideas for your own sketch of a special place, object, building, family member or heirloom that represents the WWII period for you. You’ll share your sketch and the story behind it in a follow-up virtual session - or in person at the museum if possible - on an agreed to date if you choose to participate.

Sign up HERE

Corbin Art Center

Drawing on Gratitude 4 weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins

We are surrounded by wondrous beauty in our everyday lives, but are frequently too busy to fully appreciate what we have. Use drawing and sketching to meditate on the things, places, moments, and people that you are grateful for. Beginners welcome! Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $65 6771 Tues. 4/20-5/11 5-7pm

Intro to Watercolor Painting & Beyond 4 Weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins

Come and learn the basics of watercolor, mixing colors, choosing the right paper, brushes to use, and how to transform a value sketch into a watercolor painting. If you have already taken a watercolor class before, the instructor will help you go on with what you want to accomplish. Please feel free to bring your own photos to paint from. Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $65 6775 Thu. 4/8-4/29 5-7pm

Spokane Art School

Intermediate Watercolor Online with Megan Perkins

For high school and adult students

$80

Wednesdays, 5 – 7

May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2021

Taken one of my classes or dabbled in watercolor before? This class will help you build on previously learned skills such as color mixing, making a wash, working wet in wet to help you capture subjects in an expressive, personal way.

Intermediate Watercolor with Megan Perkins

*Pre-registration is required for Art School classes; classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be registered ONLY on receipt of payment. Enrollment requirements: 3 students minimum, 12 students maximum (in most cases). Classes with low enrollment are cancelled 48 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.

Refunds and Cancellation Policies: If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued. Otherwise, no refunds will be issued.

Daily Sketchbook Online with Megan Perkins

For high school to adult students

$80

Tuesday, 5 – 7

May 18, 25 and June 1 & 8, 2021

 Want to have more creativity in your life? Learn tips and tricks for incorporating a daily sketchbook habit into your life. We’ll learn to compose on the page; draw from everyday objects and then paint in watercolors.

Megan Perkins Daily Sketchbook Supply List

*Pre-registration is required for Art School classes; classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be registered ONLY on receipt of payment. Enrollment requirements: 3 students minimum, 12 students maximum (in most cases). Classes with low enrollment are cancelled 48 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.

Refunds and Cancellation Policies: If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued. Otherwise, no refunds will be issued.

Fall Art Classes with Megan

Hi Guys!

Here’s a quick update with the classes I’m teaching this fall at the Corbin Art Center and the Spokane Art School!

Garland Sketch Crawl

For students 14 years old and up

$20

Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 5-7 P.M.

Come sketch the fabulous landmarks of the Garland neighborhood with me. Learn to sketch on location and add color with watercolors, colored pencils or markers (your choice). Urban sketching is an art adventure!

Sign up here

Intermediate Watercolor

For adults

$120

Thursdays, 5-7 P.M.

September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10 & 17, 2019

Intermediate Watercolor Adventures!

Taken one of my classes or dabbled in watercolor before? This class will help you build on previously learned skills such as color mixing, making a wash, working wet in wet to help you capture subjects in an expressive, personal way.

Sign up Here

Daily Sketchbook

For adults

$80

Tuesdays, 5-7 P.M.

September 24 and October 1, 8 & 15, 2019

Want to have more creativity in your life? Learn tips and tricks for incorporating a daily sketchbook habit into your life. We’ll learn to compose on the page; draw from everyday objects and then paint in watercolors.

Sign up here!

And with the Corbin Art Center:

Drawing on Gratitude

10/03-10/24, Thursday

1:30-3:30 PM

$59

Read More Here

Introduction to Watercolor Painting and Beyond!

10/24-11/21, Thursdays

5-7 PM

$62

Read more here!

Shows & Sketch Outs with Megan!

July First Friday in the City Hall Lobby 5-8 pm

I'll be in the newly remodeled lobby at City Hall with a selection of paintings from my Artist's Eye on Spokane series Friday 6th 5-8 pm. Stop in and take a look. I'd love to chat with you.  

Sketch Out July 13th at Huntington Park 5-8 pm

I will be hosting a sketch out at Huntington Park on July 13th 5-8pm. FREE! Bring your own supplies. I recommend a sketchbook or paper with a board to back it, watercolors, brushes, pens, water brushes. I'll be at the water feature on the steps at the top of the park at 5, but drop in at any time to come paint. This is your chance to sketch and paint Spokane too!

Note: This is not an instructional class, but if you get stuck and want to ask a question, I'd be happy to help you!

Perry Street Fair July 21st 10 am-6 pm

Come see me at the Perry Street Fair! The Festival goes from 10 am - 10 pm, but vendors will start closing down after 6. Last year was a ton of fun. I'll have prints, cards, and originals! See you there!

Sketch Out July 24th at Riverfront Park 9 am-12 pm

I will be hosting a sketch out at Riverfront Park 9 am-12 pm. FREE! Bring your own supplies. I recommend a sketchbook or paper with a board to back it, watercolors, brushes, pens, water brushes. I'll be at the Rotary Fountain at 9, but drop in at any time to come paint. I'd love to see you!

Note: This is not an instructional class. But if you get stuck and want to ask a question, I'm happy to help.

Take a class with me!

Daily Sketchbook with Megan Perkins

$60

Tuesday 5-7pm

April 24 & May 1 & 8, 2018

Want to have more creativity in your life? Learn tips and tricks for incorporating a daily sketchbook habit into your life. We’ll learn to compose on the page; draw from everyday objects and then paint in watercolors.

Class held at the Spokane Art School, 811 W Garland Spokane, WA

Travel/Vacation on Sketchbook
4 weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins Learn how to document your upcoming summer vacation through sketching and quick, easy watercolor paintings. I will give you tips for capturing moments in your vacation down time and show you how to convert your vacation on experiences into art that evokes the time you spent there. At the end of the class, you’ll be ready to create an artistic keepsake of your own vacation. Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue.$50
39789 Thurs. 4/12-5/3 6-8pm

Drawing on Gratitude
4 weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins We are surrounded by wondrous beauty in our everyday lives, but are frequently too busy to fully appreciate what we have. Use drawing and sketching to meditate on the things, places, moments, and people that you are grateful for. Beginners welcome! Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $50

Tues. 4/10-5/1 2-4 pm

Intro to Watercolor Painting & Beyond

4 weeks | Ages 18+ | Megan Perkins Come and learn the basics of watercolor, mixing colors, choosing the right paper, brushes to use, and how to transform a value sketch into a watercolor painting. If you have already taken a watercolor class before, the instructor will help you go on with what you want to accomplish. The instructor will provide photos for you to work from but feel free to bring your own to create your own fabulous works of art. Supply list included upon confirmation of registration. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $50

Mon. 4/9-4/30 2-4pm

Take a Class with Me

Hello Everyone! 

I can't believe that it is already October! The days are just flying by! I had a great time at Lucky Vintage Fall Festival. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

A lot of people had questions about whether I teach classes and since I have quite a few coming up this fall, I thought I would share them here. They are all coming up fast so if you want to learn about making art this fall with me check out the Corbin Art Center website.

Intro to Watercolor & Beyond

Ages: 18 Yrs. and over

Fees:
- Fee $69.00

Description: 
6 weeks | Ages 18+ | Dian Zahner Come and learn the basics of watercolor, mixing colors, choosing the right paper, brushes to use, and how to transform a value sketch into a watercolor painting. If you have already taken a watercolor class before, the instructor will help you go on with what you want to accomplish. The instructor will provide photos for you to work off but feel free to bring your own to create your own fabulous works of art. Supply list included with registration confirmation. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $69 

M          10/9-11/13           2-4pm

Sign up here

Colored Pencil Techniques

Ages: 18 Yrs. and over

Fees:
- Fee $59.00

Description: 
6 weeks | Ages 18+ | Dian Zahner Coloring books for adults are all the craze these days, but what if you want to practice the techniques of layering many colors to produce richer values, texture and depth. The Instructor will provide drawing for you to color and help you with adding shadows and leaving highlights. These colored pencil pieces of art will be so vibrant and 3-dimensional looking that you will want to frame and display proudly. Supply list included with registration confirmation. Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue. $59 

Th         10/12-11/16         12-2pm
Sign up here

A Creative Habit: Every Day Art

2 weeks | Ages 16+ | Megan Perkins Life is filled with beauty, but often we are too busy to slow down to appreciate it.  Sketching and painting bits of your life like; the view out of your window, your morning coffee mug, or part of your summer vacation.  These are all ways to memorialize little moments in time and bring some creativity and art into your life.  Get tips on drawing and painting parts of your life in a low pressure encouraging environment by making objects and scene sketches part of your day.  Supply list included with registration confirmation.    Class held at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W 7th Avenue.  $39

 W            10/25-11/1           6-8 PM

Sign up here

See my Art in Person!

October is Spokane Art Month and there is a ton of amazing exhibits and events going on! I can't wait to go explore all the amazing things going on in the creative community in Spokane! I am extra pleased to have this painting on display at Terrain October 5-7th at the Jensen-Byrd building! See you all out there!