News

Storm Warning I by Barbara Benda ©2022, Watercolor, 15″x22″

Spring Sale and Open House April 29-30th, 2022

You are invited to my upcoming Spring Sale/Open House at Double Trouble Gallery. There will be a large inventory of new watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media collage by twin sister Beverly and me. Our work is sold at all price points.  Our gallery is located at 809 20th Street North, Moorhead, MN and we will be open for this event from 12-6pm. Bring the whole family and neighbors, too!

Designing  Watercolors for Success Workshop June 14-16th, 2022

This workshop is a Level 2 workshop available to all students who have previously taken my Beginning Drawing and Watercolor Workshop. Please download a flyer here:  Designing Watercolors for Success .The first 12 paid registrants will reserve a spot in the workshop. Bring your supplies from the first workshop and you are set!

Beginning Drawing and Watercolor Workshop July 18-22nd, 2022

This comprehensive 5-Day workshop covers the essentials of watercolors for all levels of learners. Every exercise and activity starts at the beginning. If you new to painting in watercolors, or if you have been painting for some time, but lack direction in your work, this workshop is ideal. With over 36 years’ teaching experience, I have identified key concepts that are essential to success in your painting journey. Please download a flyer here: Beginning Drawing and Watercolor     This workshop requires professional grade supplies to ensure optimal results. Please download the Supply List: Supply List 

All workshops are limited to 12 participants and you are encouraged to sign up early to reserve your spot. Checks will not be cashed until the minimum number of participants is reached.

Save these dates and sign up early for workshops! We look forward to seeing you soon!- Barbara and Beverly

State of Grace, Watercolor by Barbara Benda

My Beginning Drawing and Watercolor 5 Day Workshop in Fargo will be held on March 14-18th,2022. The Level II workshop titled, Designing Your Watercolors for Success will be offered at another time when classrooms become available. The Beginning Drawing and Watercolor Workshop is a prerequisite to the Level II workshop.

In the Beginning Drawing and Watercolor workshop, you will learn: 

• How to execute a variety of drawing and watercolor techniques 
• How to make sense of the color wheel and use it to your advantage
• How to use “value” (lights and darks) to make paintings dramatic
• How to become more comfortable with the properties of watercolor
• How to be more intentional with color scheme and composition

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily (with lunch on your own from 11:30-12:30).

Location: NDSCS Fargo campus- 1305 19th Avenue North, Fargo, ND (across the street from the Fargo Dome). Parking available in front of building.

Participant profile: All levels of learners, ages 15 and up.

Class size: Limited to the first 12 paid registrants.

Masks are optional. All students will have their own tables placed several feet apart.

Registration:  Download a workshop flyer here:Beginning Drawing and Watercolor

The fee of $395 will cover instruction and handouts for 5 days.Supplies are extra.Click to download: Supply List  or you may order a Professional Supply Kit (includes everything on the required list) on your registration form (cost: $225.) Please contact me to order a supply kit as soon as possible to assure availability.

Check policy: Checks are not cashed until the workshop is filled. If the workshop is cancelled for any reason, your check will be returned to you, marked, “Void”. No credit cards ,please.

If you need special accommodations, please contact Beverly, Workshop Assistant, at 701-610-9529.

Pretty Boy by Barbara Benda, Acrylic on canvas, 30″x30″, ©2021

You are invited to the 2021 Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists Studio Crawl event, a free event open to the public. This first weekend in October gives you an opportunity to visit almost 40 artist studios in our area in two days. Please download your Studio Crawl brochure here to choose your destinations.  I am #1 on the map, so that’s a great place to start!

 I will be doing demonstrations of my process both days at Mourning Dove Studio located at 809 20th Street North Moorhead, MN. Beverly, my twin sister, and I welcome you to our Double Trouble Art Gallery, which showcases hundreds of original artworks by both of us. We feature affordable art at all price points. We look forward to seeing you this coming Saturday and Sunday for our biggest art event of the year. 

Barbara tackling another Birches painting- this time in violet.

Beverly with gluey fingers, working on a mixed media poetry collage