Line & Wash Watercolor Batik on Kinwashi Rice Paper

AUG 16 | 12:30PM-3:30PM

Explore the luminous and textured world of Line and Wash Watercolor Batik on Kinwashi Rice Paper. This immersive, hands-on workshop teaches students how to combine bold waterproof marker linework with flowing watercolor washes and layers of wax resist to create uniquely vibrant and textured works. Participants will work directly on delicate Kinwashi rice paper, embracing its fibrous, translucent quality to produce richly layered compositions. The technique draws from traditional batik practices and watercolor traditions in a fresh, accessible way. Ideal for watercolorists, illustrators, fiber artists, and creatives looking to explore texture, translucency, and process-based painting on alternative surfaces.

Skill Level:  Beginner to Intermediate

Learning Objectives:  By the end of the course, students will:

  • – Work confidently on Kinwashi rice paper and understand its unique surface properties
  • – Create expressive line drawings using waterproof markers
  • – Layer watercolor and wax to develop texture, color, and depth
  • – Learn safe and effective wax removal using newspaper and heat
  • – Gain skills in composition, color layering, and creative experimentation

Student Supply List:

  • – Watercolor brush set
  • – Water container, apron, and paper towels
  • – Optional: Personal watercolor paints and reference images

Materials Provided:

  • Kinwashi rice paper
  • Beeswax/paraffin wax blend
  • Waterproof Sharpie markers (variety of tips)
  • Loose parchment paper (used as a working surface beneath the rice paper
  • Painters’ tape
  • Demo tools:  brushes, sponges, iron
  • Shared watercolor palettes (if needed)
  • LOCATION: Portsmouth Arts Guild
  • COST: $25
Peter sterling turner, special event, portsmouth arts guild

Peter Sterling Turner

Peter was born in Rhode Island, grew up in Newport and spent his school years in Tennessee, New Jersey and California. He attended a series of Communications and Liberal Arts programs at California State University, Community College of Rhode Island, and The University of Massachusetts. He apprenticed for 18 years in the fashion industry followed by a career in the design industry since 1985.

In 2009 he picked up a brush and started painting. He considers himself to be an Evolutionary Expressionist and says that all of his paintings are self-portraits. Peter continues to work as an Interiors and Fashion Couturier. His desire to be involved in the arts has led to serving 6 years as a Board Member for The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County, hosting and producing their television program ”Art View” and being their Event Planner. He currently spends summers in New England, and the rest of the year in the Florida Keys. He is a volunteer with Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center, President of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society, and on the Development Committee for The Cape School of Art. He is a Member of artist guilds in both regions. He is also a published poet and an avid nature photographer who has a zest for life and a passion for cooking.

We’re sorry, this workshop is waitlisted only!

Please email artistswelcome@portsmouth.org to be added to the waitlist.