October 5-8 (4 days) in Welches, Oregon
Instructor: Ron Stocke
Location: Hood River Resort
Cost: $450
Theme: The Four Fundamentals of Watercolor
In this four-day workshop, Ron will focus on what he calls the four fundamentals of watercolor—Contrast, Connection, Creativity, and Chaos. These core principles apply across all styles and subjects, and developing a deeper understanding of them will help students feel more confident and at ease with the medium.
His hands-on teaching approach is tailored to each individual, helping students work through their specific challenges while guiding them toward discovering their own unique style. No matter your experience level, you can expect to leave with a fresh perspective, practical techniques, and clear goals to continue growing as a painter.
Each day will begin and end with a painting demonstration, including the drawing phase, setting the stage for a looser approach while addressing the core watercolor challenges that reinforce the four fundamentals.
- Create – Planning ahead helps you establish a strong focal point (now stick with it).
- Chaos – Be spontaneous, let watercolor be watercolor and embrace the chaos.
- Contrast – No more wishy washy watercolors. Learn to achieve proper value range.
- Connection – Addressing our edges properly so the painting feels connected.
The supply list for the Ron Stocke workshop is a PDF document, which can be downloaded and printed. The document is available here .
About the Artist
Ron Stocke is an American Impressionist watercolorist and author, born in Chico, California in 1966—though he’d probably argue the real story started when he picked up a brush and stopped worrying about staying inside the lines. Raised in Washington State, he developed an early and lasting obsession with making art and the art industry.
He trained at the J.M. Perry Technical Institute, where design was the focus, but architecture quietly stole the spotlight. That influence still shows up in his work today—though these days, it’s less about drafting-table precision and more about capturing the character, mood and energy of his subject.
After graduation, Ron worked as an architectural illustrator, a profession that rewards accuracy, patience, and a tolerance for tiny details. He eventually traded that in for watercolor—a medium better suited to his preference for spontaneous and direct results. The shift marked a move away from rigid control toward a looser, more expressive style that defines his work now.
Ron has since become a regular contributor and cover artist for art magazines around the world. He holds signature memberships with the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, and Northwest Watercolor Society, and is also a member of the American Impressionist Society.
A longtime advocate for artists, Ron has served as an ambassador for the M. Graham paint company for nearly three decades. His work and current schedule can be found through Cole Gallery in Edmonds, WA or at RonStocke.com — assuming he isn’t off somewhere chasing better light.
Registration
Registration will open for WSO Active and Lifetime Members on May 1, 2026. Register via the link in the E-mail version of the May Watermark.
Registration will open for Subscriber Members and the public on June 16, 2026. A link for registration will be posted here on that date. Non-members must join WSO as at least Subscriber members at the time of workshop registration..
