“Watercolor Masterclass” - Understanding the 4 Pillars with Alvaro Castagnet • April 16-18, 2026
Thursday April 16th through Saturday, April 18th, 2026 • 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
3 Day Workshop:
An intense 3 days of inspiration, hard work, and productive learning.
Capture the magic of watercolors in this 3 day workshop with Alvaro Castagnet. The workshop is an opportunity to have fun learning from an energetic and colorful master of expressive watercolor.
Beginning with a philosophical introduction and then following with a simple "one go" demonstration; the demonstration will focus on bold composition with understanding of the 4 Pillars.
Alvaro will assist and advise on works-in-progress while participants paint until we break for lunch.
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are complimentary.
The afternoon session will begin with a second demonstration and participants will then start their own second painting. Alvaro will supervise participants until the end of each day.
You will learn how to make quick decisions and simplify your subject to achieve the most impact. We will discuss color relationships, tonal range, forms & shapes, and edges.
Each participant will go home not only feeling great with their achievement, but also realizing how much they have learned while having so much fun and with a clear understanding of the strength and weakness of their paintings.
About the Artist
Alvaro Castagnet is a highly respected, multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed master watercolor artist. Known worldwide as The Passionate Painter, he is celebrated for the boldness of his brushstrokes, the purity of his pigments, and his inspiring works, all painted with dynamic energy and emotional intensity.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and later becoming an Australian citizen after living in Melbourne for over 20 years, Alvaro has built a remarkable career defined by his expressive style and his ability to capture the very soul of the places he paints. His distinctive personal style has created a movement of its own, establishing him as a true maestro with artists around the world following his approach.
A distinguished member of several prestigious art societies, including the American Watercolor Society (AWS), NY, the Australian Watercolour Institute (AWI), the Accademia Internazionale dell’Acquarello, Italy, and founding member of IMWA, China, to name a few. His work has been recognized with countless awards, medals, and honors in major international art competitions, solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary watercolor art.
Beyond his paintings, Alvaro is an inspirational educator. A sought-after speaker and judge at major art events, he travels the world conducting workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions, inspiring artists everywhere with his passion, knowledge, and profound artistic insight.
Thursday April 16th through Saturday, April 18th, 2026 • 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
3 Day Workshop:
An intense 3 days of inspiration, hard work, and productive learning.
Capture the magic of watercolors in this 3 day workshop with Alvaro Castagnet. The workshop is an opportunity to have fun learning from an energetic and colorful master of expressive watercolor.
Beginning with a philosophical introduction and then following with a simple "one go" demonstration; the demonstration will focus on bold composition with understanding of the 4 Pillars.
Alvaro will assist and advise on works-in-progress while participants paint until we break for lunch.
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are complimentary.
The afternoon session will begin with a second demonstration and participants will then start their own second painting. Alvaro will supervise participants until the end of each day.
You will learn how to make quick decisions and simplify your subject to achieve the most impact. We will discuss color relationships, tonal range, forms & shapes, and edges.
Each participant will go home not only feeling great with their achievement, but also realizing how much they have learned while having so much fun and with a clear understanding of the strength and weakness of their paintings.
About the Artist
Alvaro Castagnet is a highly respected, multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed master watercolor artist. Known worldwide as The Passionate Painter, he is celebrated for the boldness of his brushstrokes, the purity of his pigments, and his inspiring works, all painted with dynamic energy and emotional intensity.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and later becoming an Australian citizen after living in Melbourne for over 20 years, Alvaro has built a remarkable career defined by his expressive style and his ability to capture the very soul of the places he paints. His distinctive personal style has created a movement of its own, establishing him as a true maestro with artists around the world following his approach.
A distinguished member of several prestigious art societies, including the American Watercolor Society (AWS), NY, the Australian Watercolour Institute (AWI), the Accademia Internazionale dell’Acquarello, Italy, and founding member of IMWA, China, to name a few. His work has been recognized with countless awards, medals, and honors in major international art competitions, solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary watercolor art.
Beyond his paintings, Alvaro is an inspirational educator. A sought-after speaker and judge at major art events, he travels the world conducting workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions, inspiring artists everywhere with his passion, knowledge, and profound artistic insight.
Thursday April 16th through Saturday, April 18th, 2026 • 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
3 Day Workshop:
An intense 3 days of inspiration, hard work, and productive learning.
Capture the magic of watercolors in this 3 day workshop with Alvaro Castagnet. The workshop is an opportunity to have fun learning from an energetic and colorful master of expressive watercolor.
Beginning with a philosophical introduction and then following with a simple "one go" demonstration; the demonstration will focus on bold composition with understanding of the 4 Pillars.
Alvaro will assist and advise on works-in-progress while participants paint until we break for lunch.
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are complimentary.
The afternoon session will begin with a second demonstration and participants will then start their own second painting. Alvaro will supervise participants until the end of each day.
You will learn how to make quick decisions and simplify your subject to achieve the most impact. We will discuss color relationships, tonal range, forms & shapes, and edges.
Each participant will go home not only feeling great with their achievement, but also realizing how much they have learned while having so much fun and with a clear understanding of the strength and weakness of their paintings.
About the Artist
Alvaro Castagnet is a highly respected, multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed master watercolor artist. Known worldwide as The Passionate Painter, he is celebrated for the boldness of his brushstrokes, the purity of his pigments, and his inspiring works, all painted with dynamic energy and emotional intensity.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and later becoming an Australian citizen after living in Melbourne for over 20 years, Alvaro has built a remarkable career defined by his expressive style and his ability to capture the very soul of the places he paints. His distinctive personal style has created a movement of its own, establishing him as a true maestro with artists around the world following his approach.
A distinguished member of several prestigious art societies, including the American Watercolor Society (AWS), NY, the Australian Watercolour Institute (AWI), the Accademia Internazionale dell’Acquarello, Italy, and founding member of IMWA, China, to name a few. His work has been recognized with countless awards, medals, and honors in major international art competitions, solidifying his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary watercolor art.
Beyond his paintings, Alvaro is an inspirational educator. A sought-after speaker and judge at major art events, he travels the world conducting workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions, inspiring artists everywhere with his passion, knowledge, and profound artistic insight.
LIST OF MATERIALS:
Available at David Art Center with a special discount for workshop participants.
PAINTS:
Lunar Black
Cobalt Blue
Sepia
Hansa Yellow Deep
Burnt Sienna Light
Yellow Ochre
Pyrrol Red
Neutral Tint
Viridian
Lavender (DS or Holbein)
Alvaro’s Caliente Grey (DS)*
Alvaro’s Fresco Grey (DS)*
*Daniel Smith
SUGGESTED PAINTS:
(not indispensable)
Titanium White (Daniel Smith)
Jaune Brilliant #1 (Holbein)
Pyrrol Orange (Daniel Smith)
Cobalt Teal Blue or Green Turquoise Light
· Lunar Blue
BRUSHES:
Please bring the best you can afford.
Preferable, round big, MOP shape and pointed brushes sable or squirrel
o (Suggested: Alvaro’s Signature Brushes made of Premier Squirrel hair, soft and very absorbent
o #10, 6, 4, 2, 0, 00, 000, 5/00 and 10/00) – 1 Flat brush at least 2 ” wide
1 rigger or needle point for fine details and lines (like Alvaro’s #8, #10, #6 or #4)
Small synthetic brushes # 4, 5, 6 (for fine detail work) or 8,10 & 12 (Alvaro’s Escoda Set)
PAPER:
For workshops, it is best to use from 1/4 to 1/2 sheet size, but of course, you can paint, in any size you feel comfortable. Alvaro will mostly demonstrate in 1/2 sheets.
Baohong, Arches, Saunders Waterford or alike, 300 grams Rough Texture, off white
Paper sizes Alvaro uses: 1/2 Sheets = 56x38cms (22x14in). 1/4 Sheets = 38x28cms (14x11in)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS: Sponges, towel, tissues, water container, masking tape, 2b –6b pencil, water spray bottle, hair dryer, painting boards & lightweight easel for outdoor painting workshops (weather permitted). And a good sense of humor!
ACCOMMODATIONS:
We have a special rate at the Comfort Inn & Suites at Copeland Tower. Call them directly at (504) 667-6097 to make reservations, and be sure to mention the Group Code “David Art Center” to receive a discount. The discount cannot be used for online reservations - you must call to get the discounted rate.
The hotel is only 3 blocks from David Art Center