Workshops

Check back soon—new classes are added regularly!

Introduction to Color Pencils

3 Hours

$120

Explore the richness and subtlety of color pencil in this immersive, hands-on workshop. Through three thoughtfully designed projects—a luminous sky and mountain gradation, sculptural seashells on toned paper, and a detailed botanical study—participants will learn professional approaches to layering, pressure control, burnishing, and texture. With all materials provided, this workshop offers an engaging and accessible entry point into colored pencil, emphasizing both technique and creative confidence.

Date: Sunday, April 26th

Time: 12 noon - 3 p.m.

Location: JUKU 7019 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530

  • TOPICS COVERED

    • Wax-based colored pencil behavior

    • Pressure control and value building

    • Smooth color gradation techniques

    • Layering colors without muddying

    • Atmospheric perspective in landscapes

    • Using paper as a mid-tone

    • Seeing and building light, mid-tone, and shadow

    • Creating form through subtle color shifts

    • Intentional use of white colored pencil

    • Directional mark-making

    • Building texture in colored pencil

    • Burnishing techniques and timing

    • Selective blending vs leaving texture

    • Paper tooth and surface considerations

    • Preventing overworking and wax bloom

    • Finishing techniques and contrast control

    PROJECTS

    • Sky & Mountain: Smooth color gradation, layering, and atmospheric depth

    • Seashells: Using toned paper as a mid-tone to build form with light and shadow

    • Botanical: Texture, detail, and selective burnishing in leaves

    SUPPLIES

    • Prismacolor Premier colored pencils for all projects

    • Paper sampler (smooth Bristol, toned, and textured papers)

    • White pencil & colorless blender for highlights and burnishing

    All materials are borrowed and included in the workshop cost. Of course all drawings made with the materials are yours to take home.

Register

Introduction to Watercolor

3 Hours

$150

Discover the basics of watercolor in an encouraging, hands-on workshop made for those who have never  tried watercolor but always wanted to—no experience needed. Beginner watercolorist are welcome too and even dabblers will pick up new tips from an instructor with 25+ years of experience with the materials. We explore washes, gradients, layering, color control, different papers and pigments, and create a few small guided projects to build confidence from your very first brushstroke.

Date: Sunday May 31st

Time: 12 noon - 3 p.m.

Location: JUKU 7019 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530

  • TOPICS COVERED

      • Watercolor materials & setup

      • Essential techniques: washes, gradients, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry

      • Color mixing & water control

      • Layering, glazing & lifting

      • Edge control & timing

      • Mini projects: simple landscape and botanical studies

    PROJECTS

    • • Gradient Sky Mini Landscape
      Learn how to create smooth washes, soft horizon lines, and simple atmospheric depth using just two colors.

      • Botanical Leaf Study
      Practice glazing, layering, and edge control while painting a single leaf or stem with luminous, natural-looking detail.

      • Light & Shadow Sphere (Warm-Up)
      A quick exercise in value, soft edges, and timing that builds confidence before the final projects.

    SUPPLIES

    All you will need to bring is a pen and pencil to take notes, otherwise all materials needed for the workshop are provided.

    • Winsor & Newton professional watercolor paints are provided for in-class use

    • Shared classroom sets of brushes, palettes, pencils, erasers, rags and sealed water cups (borrowed during the workshop)

    • 100% cotton, archival watercolor paper for your individual projects

    All materials are shared and returned at the end of class to maintain a clean, sustainable workspace.

    Participants are welcome to bring their own brushes or palettes if they prefer a personal setup.

    And of course, paintings you create go home with you :)

Register

Watercolor Intensive

6 Hours

$250

Explore how pigments, binders, additives, and mediums shape texture, sheen, and transparency; learn to mask highlights, build luminous washes, and create depth through intentional layering. Discover techniques for slowing drying time, boosting gloss, introducing iridescence, and adding texture with specialty mediums. You’ll refine your water ratios, brush control, and workspace organization—all while completing five beautifully crafted postcard-sized paintings.

Date: Sunday, June 7th

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: JUKU 7019 Stockton Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530

  • TOPICS COVERED

    • Understanding the chemistry of watercolor: pigments, binders, and additives

    • How to control texture, sheen, and transparency using specialized mediums

    • Masking highlights and layering transparent washes

    • Extending drying time and enhancing gloss with gum arabic

    • Adding shimmer and reflection with iridescent medium

    • Creating natural textures with texture medium

    • Building soft, atmospheric opacity using aquapasto

    • Managing water ratios, brush control, and clean setup

    • Combining traditional and experimental watercolor techniques

    • Completing five postcard-sized projects that explore light, flow, and surface

    PROJECTS

    • “Snow and Sparkles” – Use masking fluid to preserve highlights on snowy mountains and sparkly waters.

    • “Glass & Glow” – Experiment with gum arabic to create luminous, transparent glazes.

    • “Celestial Shimmers” – Add iridescent medium for subtle shimmer and reflection across rippling water.

    • “Stone & Sand” – Mix texture medium into your paint to create natural, tactile surfaces like rock or bark.

    • “Surface Memory” – Create a textured abstract using aquapasto and scraping tools to reveal underlying color layers.

    SUPPLIES

    All you will need to bring is a pen and pencil to take notes, otherwise all materials needed for the workshop are provided.

    • Winsor & Newton professional watercolor paints and mediums are provided for in-class use

    • Shared classroom sets of brushes, palettes, pencils, erasers, rags and sealed water cups (borrowed during the workshop)

    • Five sheets of 100% cotton, archival watercolor paper (9'“×12”) for your individual projects

    All materials are shared and returned at the end of class to maintain a clean, sustainable workspace.

    Participants are welcome to bring their own brushes or palettes if they prefer a personal setup.

    And of course, paintings you create go home with you :)

Register

Ryan Martin is a Bay Area artist whose paintings have been shown throughout California and across the country. He is an educator with over 25 years of experience working across watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media. Known for his deep material knowledge and clear, engaging teaching style, Ryan has guided 1000’s of students through the fundamentals and subtleties of drawing and painting.

As an educator and product tester for Winsor & Newton and Liquitex, Ryan works directly with the creators of the paints themselves, testing new materials, refining formulas, and bringing that behind-the-scenes knowledge into the classroom.

His workshops blend artistic intuition with material science, helping students understand not just how to paint, but why materials behave the way they do. Ryan’s approach emphasizes process, experimentation, and the poetic relationship between water, pigment, and light.

When not teaching, Ryan continues his own studio practice and leads materials workshops and guest lectures at various art centers and institutions including the California College of the Arts where he shares his expertise on pigment behavior, binders, and professional studio practice. His teaching celebrates craftsmanship, curiosity, and the quiet magic found in understanding your materials.

Meet the Instructor

Contact

About the Location

JUKU

7019 Stockton Ave El Cerrito, CA 94530

JUKU is a cozy, family-owned workspace tucked into one of El Cerrito’s most charming little neighborhoods. The studio is filled with natural light and has a calm, relaxed energy that makes it ideal for focused creative work. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease—quiet, inspiring, and thoughtfully designed—making it a perfect setting for Ryan Martin’s workshops.

 

JUKU Parking

Street parking is available on Stockton Ave., in the neighborhood on Norvell St or other surrounding streets.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT park in the Dentist Office lot

Food & Beverages Near JUKU

There is Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar which has food, snacks and drinks. Its just just a few buildings down Stockton Ave.

Seven Eleven is also directly across the street.

FAQ

  • Nope, but feel free to bring your own snacks, tea or coffee. There will be a 30 min. lunch break, so don’t forget to bring a lunch or look into nearby quick bites.Description text goes here

  • No — all materials are provided for in-class use, including Winsor & Newton paints, mediums, brushes, palettes, and watercolor paper.
    You’re welcome to bring your own brushes or palette if you prefer a personal setup.

  • Not if used properly. Watercolor is a clean, low-impact medium, and everything is contained at your workspace. There are no solvents or sprays involved. Some pigments may be staining, so just be sure to wear studio clothing, not your favorite white shirt!

  • Maximum participants is 20 people, to ensure plenty of clear instruction, 1 on 1 demonstrations as needed and workspace comfort. In-person workshops may run with as few as 4-5 attendees, (at the discretion of the instructor).

  • Cancellations made 3 days before the workshop are eligible for a full refund.
    Within 72 hours, you’ll receive a 50% credit toward a future session.
    Note: You can also transfer your spot to a friend—just email to confirm.

  • Yes, photos are welcome! Short clips of the process are fine too, as long as they don’t disturb other participants. Please tag @ryanmartinart if you share on social media.

  • Yes — each workshop includes one pay-what-you-can Community Access Seat for anyone who needs financial support. To apply, email the Instructor what workshop and date you would like to attend and the amount you are able to pay (no documents required). You choose the amount you can pay, from $0, $50, or whatever amount feels manageable , and all applications are completely confidential. You’re also welcome to apply again for future workshop dates.

“I came in curious and left excited about painting again. Ryan’s demo reminded me why I fell in love with art in the first place.”

— Ava (Retail Customer & Workshop Attendee)

“He manages to make even technical material feel exciting. You walk away feeling smarter and more confident with your tools.”

— Marcus (Workshop Attendee)

“Ryan’s deep knowledge of pigments and oil painting techniques blew me away. You can tell he’s spent decades refining his craft”

— Lena (College Student)