Vada Baker leads this class where participants use watercolors in a unique loose brush technique to create their own watercolor that has great spontaneity and life. In this fun intuitive class you can learn how to accept imperfection in watercolor painting! Loose watercolor painting embraces unintentional effects that can arise from the interaction of paint and water. Vada will explain how fewer brushstrokes will allow the colors to blend and create soft atmospheric effects. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Class fees are $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. REGISTER BY DECEMBER 13.

Register by calling 563-263-8282. Fees are $20 or $17.50 for Friends Members.

I have taught art at the Muscatine Art Center for about 15 years and thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge of DIY art projects with all age groups. As an art teacher at the Muscatine Art Center, I try to bring different techniques and mediums into my classes. Watercolor is my favorite, jewelry making, acrylic painting and paper crafts are among some of the subjects I share with my students.

I have studied art all through school; two years at the Art Institute in Minnesota; Muscatine Community College, and have had the privilege of being tutored by Iowa artists Ralph Iaccarino, Carol Steinmetz, and James Edward Brotherton. Currently, YouTube has been a terrific guide in my learning new painting techniques.

Art has been a part of my life since its beginning. Surrounded by colorful pieces of hand painted furniture, wall and floor coverings created by my mother Velma Fuller, I inherited her love of color, composition and freedom of expression.

My largest art piece can be found on the aquarium wall located at the Muscatine Discovery Center. Working with Artist James Brotherton, we created a beautiful pond scene surrounding the Center’s large Aquariums. I also painted a large pond scene on canvas for the Discovery Center’s pond sign, depicting a variety of animal, plant and insect life in the area. Small signs surrounding the pond hold depictions of this piece showing various species of plant and animal life in and surrounding the pond.

Working out of my home-based studio in West Liberty, Iowa, allows me the space and time to experiment with various mediums and ideas. I continually experiment with various techniques in order to reach my goal of creating visual enthusiasm in my works of art.