Sign up for fun, inexpensive weekend workshops led by skilled artists from liocal communities at the FLAX Art & Design Store.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., explore watercolor and gouache with Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador, Scott Stevenson at the Daniel Smith Watercolor Workshop. Learn about Quinacridone pigments, where the color Serpentine comes from, or how the color Moonglow got its name. Discover how Daniel Smith tests pigments for lightfastness. Find out what granulation is and why it is significant in painting. This lecture/demo is a great opportunity to ask questions in a conversational and relaxed atmosphere.

In this hands-on lecture, experience the colorful history of Daniel Smith manufacturing and the many aspects of developing their products. Scott demonstrates first-hand lab paint-outs, some of the minerals used to manufacture colors in the PrimaTek line, and more. The workshop also looks at a selection of Daniel Smith colors straight from the tube to highlight the Daniel Smith difference. Swatch out some of these beautiful colors and create a very useful reference guide.

Enjoy FLAX’s special day-of discount – take an extra 20-percent off already discounted prices on all Daniel Smith paints.

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Join artist Ryan Martin in a hands-on workshop using Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours. The Flower Painting workshop happens on Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Create a vibrant poppy flower, using Cadmium Red for bold, luminous petals, touches of Winsor Lemon to create a natural glow, and Sap Green and Perylene Green to build rich, natural foliage.

Along the way, Martin shares insights on pigment behavior, color mixing, and watercolour techniques that help bring clarity and vibrancy to paintings. Perfect for beginners, and anyone curious to try professional watercolor materials.

FLAX offers a special day-of discount – save an extra 20-percent off already discounted prices on all Winsor & Newton watercolour paints and sets.

In Discover The Art of Natural Paint Making & Creating A Healthy Studio, natural art supplies expert, artist, and founder of Natural Earth Paint, Leah Fanning, leads an inspiring hands-on workshop where participants create professional-quality paints that are completely non-toxic and eco-friendly.

In this class on Sunday, July 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., explore how to mix oil paints, watercolors, and gouache using natural pigments and plant-based binders. Fanning shares practical tips and techniques for eliminating harmful toxins from art practice, making it safer for artists, their families, and the environment.

Seize the opportunity to experience Natural Earth Paint’s innovative “Natural Acrylik Paint” – a plant-based alternative to conventional petroleum-based acrylics made without toxic additives or pigments.

Beyond technique, this workshop dives into the powerful benefits of natural art materials, including superior lightfastness, archival quality, durability, and the uniquely radiant, pure color that only natural pigments can provide.

This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels who want to create beautifully – and responsibly.

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For Saturday, September 26, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Pigment Stick and Drawing Oils demonstration with artist Sharon Paster offers a relaxed environment where participants can learn about and test-drive these incredibly pigmented and fun oil-based paints. R&F Oil Pigment Sticks allow artists to explore traditional and alternative methods of painting with oil by allowing them to draw or paint directly onto a surface with immediacy and fluidity. R&F Drawing Oils offer a smooth and portable drawing experience with a harder formulation using more wax. Similar to oil pastels or crayons, the Drawing Oils dry to form a permanent, protective film, with no need for fixative. 

Topics covered include: what differentiates Pigment Sticks from Drawing Oils (proportion of pigment, wax and linseed oil); transparent vs. opaque colors; drying times; health and safety when working with Pigment Sticks; appropriate supports and tools; monoprinting and mark making; and additional techniques (the use of cold wax, gel plates, etc.).