BUNDLE and SAVE: Get 2 workshops for $238, or all 3 for $297. Claim offer at checkout.
SUMMER WORKSHOP WEEK SPECIAL
June 18-22 Only • Save $50 • Never Again This Low in 2025
THE COMPLETE ART TEACHER TRANSFORMATION
Master the Most Magical and Forgiving Art Medium
Turn watercolor from messy into magical with techniques that guarantee success for every artist—making watercolor feel easy, exciting, and absolutely irresistible.
Join 1,900+ teachers discovering why watercolor is the secret medium that slows children down, builds patience, and creates the most beautiful, expressive artwork in your artroom.
Your sketchbook will become your creative roadmap as you master techniques that turn every watercolor session into discovery.
✓ Summer Special: $129 (Save $50!) ✓ Payment plan available
Does this sound familiar?
You avoid watercolor projects because they feel too messy, unpredictable, or you're not sure your students can handle the medium successfully.
Here's what we know: Watercolor becomes magical when you understand how to match technique progression with developmental stages—and when you know the secrets that make this medium forgiving instead of frustrating.
Ready to embrace the most beloved art medium? Learn our watercolor framework that helps young artists create artwork they're truly proud of while you guide them every step of the way.
I N T R O D U C I N G
Exploring the Magic of Watercolor Through Seven Progressive Modules
The Wild for Watercolor approach removes the fear and unpredictability from watercolor teaching. Instead of worrying "Will this turn into a mess?" you'll know exactly how to set up, guide, and inspire students to create beautiful watercolor artwork from their very first brushstroke.
Here's how it works: 7 comprehensive modules that progress from absolute beginner techniques through advanced watercolor mastery, with age-appropriate projects for grades K-7.
No more avoiding watercolors—just reach for your Wild for Watercolor toolkit and watch your students fall in love with painting.
"As a first year art teacher who had no formal training in art (I taught grades 3 & 5 for 7 years) this has been a lifesaver! It has given me confidence in exploring the materials in my classroom and in my own abilities to draw and create art."
Karen Roth
Art teacher, 2021 summer participant
"I feel like this course has been a hug. I am looking forward to savoring the entire course, and I want to envelop myself in the positive, upbuilding association. I wish I could just give all the presenters, especially Patty, a real hug! Thank you for lifting me up out of a heap of art supplies and confusion and giving me a map to follow!"
Lisa Oliver
2021 summer workshop participant
Take a sneak-peek preview inside the modules
Bring the Amazon Rainforest into your art room
What you'll learn in each progressive module:
Welcome Module
It’s time to get excited about our journey together!
Come inside the virtual Sparkler’s classroom and watch as our presenters demonstrate ways to engage children, and feel inspired to start exploring new techniques and projects in the art room.
A SKETCHBOOK maps your journey…
As a tangible representation of your work, Patty will guide you through a multi-part sketchbook-making process in the Welcome Module.
The sketchbook serves as your creative toolkit to record watercolor techniques and act as a visual reference throughout the upcoming school year – and beyond.
A COLOR WHEEL begins your exploration...
Create art from a child’s perspective. Our color wheel exercises allow you to play and begin experimenting with watercolors so that you understand how to teach color theory to children of varying age levels.
Apply your skills and:
- Learn about warm and cool colors
- Experiment painting with your non-dominant hand (and re-discover what it’s like holding a paintbrush as a five-year-old)
- Paint two types of color wheels to fit perfectly inside your sketchbook
- Test various watercolor paints
Module 1: Beginner Basics
Every watercolor journey begins with understanding the fundamentals. This module eliminates the guesswork and gives you rock-solid techniques that work for students of all ages.
Essential Techniques:
- Brush control and water management
- Basic wet-on-dry techniques
- Creating clean, controlled washes
- Understanding paper types and their impact
- Setting up watercolor stations for success
- Painting "walls" and boundaries
- Wet-on-Wet Technique on Watercolor Paper
- Salting + Blooms
- Crayon on Sulphite Paper + Texture Plates
- Liquid Watercolor
What's Included:
- Art supply list with video walkthrough
- 3 Foundation Technique Videos
- Project video: Amazon Caiman
- Project video Sweet Sloth
- 2 Drawing guides
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
"Thank you so much for the great module! The tip about adding a drop of water to the paint before starting was super helpful."
Merryl Cronrod
Workshop participant
Module 2: Merging Drawings with Watercolor Techniques
You’ll learn how to teach the foundational watercolor techniques with more detailed and nuanced drawings so that young artists will avoid the frustration they often experience when adding watercolors to their artwork.
Essential Techniques:
- Watercolor + Sharpie
- Combining Sharpie with Crayons
- Color Wheel Mastery for Children
- Wet-on-Dry Watercolor Technique
- Age-appropriate drawing-to-painting transitions
What's Included:
- 4 Technique Videos
- 2 Step-by-Step Project Guides
- Project Video: Rainforest Macaw
- Project Video: Amazon Beetle
- 2 Drawing guides
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
"Thank you so much Patty! This was wonderful. I have been teaching for a long time and never thought to use white crayon over sharpie! It's genius!! I love how it turns out and will give the kids another choice when using watercolors!"
Erin Barton
Workshop participant
Module 3: Paint without Paint
Creative Alternatives and Watercolor Substitutions
No sink? Limited supplies? Traveling art cart? This module shows you how to create stunning watercolor effects using alternative materials and setups.
Essential Techniques:
- Watercolor Crayon Techniques on Various Papers
- “Silky” Crayon Techniques on Various Papers
- Gel Sticks Techniques on Various Papers
- Prints Using Gel Sticks & Foam
What's Included:
- 3 Technique Videos
- 2 Step-by-Step Project Guides
- Project Video: Tropical Toucan
- Project Video: Fiery Flamingo
- 2 Drawing guides
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
"This course has enriched me beyond all that I learned throughout my years of teaching. If only I knew then what I know now! Thank you for your expert instruction and encouragement, and breaking down all the steps to these gorgeous art pieces into doable segments, even to those of us who don't think we are particularly "artistically inclined." Just like a kid, I feel so very proud of all the art I have produced!"
Sheryl W.
Workshop participant
Module 4: Experimental Textures
Turn everyday household kitchen supplies into a tool for ultimate engagement in the art room. You’ll learn five ways to use common materials to create experimental textures.
Essential Techniques:
- Plastic wrap techniques
- Foil Techniques
- Sponge and bubble wrap printing
- Splatter Painting
- Alcohol effects (safe classroom methods)
- Combining multiple texture techniques
What's Included:
- Texture Materials List
- 5 Technique Videos
- 4 Step-by-Step Project Guides
- Project Video: Textured Frog
- Project Video: Verdant Leaf
- Project Video: Printed Butterfly
- Project Video: Colorful Chameleon
- 3 Drawing guides
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
Perfect for: Teachers who want to add the "wow factor" to watercolor projects and engage students who typically struggle with traditional painting.
"I have loved EVERY module of this course! I learned something new from each one or saw a new way of doing something that I hadn't tried before. Thank you so much for sharing your workspace with us and leading these courses."
Samantha N.
Workshop participant
Module 5: Glazing & Layering with Watercolors
Advanced Color and Depth Techniques
What You'll Learn:
Take your watercolor teaching to the next level with sophisticated techniques that create professional-looking results while building advanced color theory understanding.
Essential Techniques:
- Transparent layering methods
- Glazing for depth and richness
- Dry Brushing for interesting textures
- Bubble Wrap
- Using Gouache for detailing
What's Included:
- Materials List
- 4 Technique Videos
- 1 Step-by-Step Project Guide
- Project Video: Advanced Jaguar Painting
- 1 Drawing guide
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
Perfect for: Building sophisticated watercolor skills that will amaze parents and administrators while developing students' understanding of color relationships.
"I really enjoyed this course. This is my second Deep Space Sparkle class and as always it was a great experience. Thanks so much! "
Andi B.
Workshop participant
Module 6: Advanced Watercolor Techniques
Advanced Methods Made Kid-Friendly
Once you have the basic understanding of watercolor techniques, it’s fun to introduce children to a few special nuances and tricks that make painting with watercolor even more interesting.
You’ll learn how to use masking fluid or frisket, how to use color to create value in a piece of art, how to layer paints to create details and how to lift paints to reveal the paper underneath.
Essential Techniques:
- Brush Control Exercises
- Using Pencils to Sketch Ideas
- How to Paint Clouds
- How to Use Masking Fluid to Create Details
- Drawing from Observation
- Building Color with Layers
What's Included:
- Materials List
- 4 Technique Videos
- 1 Step-by-Step Project Guide
- Project Video: Lichen & Mushroom Art
- 1 Drawing guide
- Illustrated Sketchbook Layout Ideas
"Such a great refresher for some techniques and enjoyed learning some new ones!"
Emily T.
Workshop participant
BONUS MODULE 7: CREATING & ASSEMBLING THE RAINFOREST MURAL
Collaborative Masterpiece Project
Put everything together in a stunning collaborative project that showcases every technique your students have learned while creating a multi-student mural installment for your school.
Essential Techniques:
- Large-scale project planning
- Individual contribution coordination
- Mural assembly strategies
- Showcasing student work effectively
- Documentation and reflection methods
What's Included:
- Complete Mural Planning Guide
- Assembly Instructions
- Templates and 3 Mural Theme Ideas
Perfect for: Teachers who want to create a show-stopping collaborative project that celebrates student growth and showcases your watercolor program.
The Challenge Every Art Teacher Knows Too Well...
Finding quality professional development training feels nearly impossible:
❌ Generic Art Workshops
- Focus on adult techniques that don't translate to children
- No guidance on developmental appropriateness
- Leave you more confused about classroom application
❌ YouTube Tutorials
- Scattered techniques with no systematic progression
- No classroom management or setup guidance
- Overwhelm instead of clarity
❌ "Wing It" Approach
- Messy disasters that make you avoid watercolor
- Frustrated students who "can't do it right"
- Missing the magic that makes watercolor special
The Unfortunate Reality: Most art teachers either avoid watercolor entirely or struggle through chaotic sessions that leave everyone frustrated.
✅ Finally—Watercolor Training Built for Teachers
- 7 progressive modules with 50+ techniques
- Created by practicing art teachers who've solved every watercolor challenge
- Developmental progression that works for every grade level
- Community of inspiring educators who share your passion
Instead of avoiding watercolor, let's make it your favorite medium.
15 Relevant and Inspiring Professional Development Hours await you...
Wild for Watercolor Course
(Value: $179)
- 40 Professional Video Tutorials Progressive lessons that share how to teach basic to advance watercolor to your students
- Individual Module Project Guides with Sketchbook Templates
Complete art project guides, supply lists, setup instructions, student handouts, and illustrated ideas to record your notes in a sketchbook - Technique Toolkit Workbook with illustrated examples and instructions for 30 watercolor Techniques.
- 15 Accredited PD Hours Meaningful professional development that transforms your teaching
- Private Teacher Community Supportive community of watercolor-loving educators ready to inspire and support you
- Sketchbook Creation Component Learn to document techniques, create your reference tool, and inspire artistic growth
- Lifetime Access Return to techniques and videos whenever you need inspiration or refreshers
EXTRA TECHNIQUES BONUSES
(Value: $60)
🎁 Bonus #1: Create Skin Tones with Watercolor
🎁 Bonus #2: How to Use Coffee Filters to Create Cool Watercolor Projects
🎁 Bonus #3: Create Instant Joy with Bubble Art & Texture Blowing
🎁 Bonus #4: Experiment with Watercolor Materials and Start Your Sketchbook
🎁 Bonus #5: Practice Painting “like a child” to gain Perspective on Teaching Children
🎁 Bonus #6: Play with Formal and Not-So-Formal Color Wheels
TOTAL VALUE: $179 + BONUSES = $239
BEST VALUE
$129
1 TIME PAYMENT
$239 Pay in Full & SAVE $110
✓ 1 Bonus Module
✓ Sketchbook Creation Templates
✓ Creator Community
✓ 15 Hours Professional Development
✓ Lifetime access to the Course
TWO PAYMENTS OF
$69
2 TIME PAYMENT
$239 VALUE
✓ 1 Bonus Module
✓ Sketchbook Creation Templates
✓ Creator Community
✓ 15 Hours Professional Development
✓ Lifetime access to the Course
7-Day Love-It Guarantee
We're so confident Wild for Watercolor will transform your teaching that we offer a full week to explore the content. If you don't feel completely confident bringing watercolor magic to your classroom, we'll refund every penny. No questions asked.
✅ Proven Results: 1800+ teachers have fallen in love with Wild for Watercolor
✅ Immediate Application: Start creating your watercolor sketchbook tomorrow
✅ Continuous Support: Community that celebrates every watercolor victory
Your investment is protected. Your watercolor confidence is guaranteed.
YOU ALSO RECEIVE 15 PD HOURS FOR COMPLETING THIS COURSE
Fill Your Creative Well This Summer and Start the School Year With Watercolor Confidence
Imagine walking into your art room this fall:
- Completely excited to introduce watercolor to even your youngest students
- Armed with techniques that create success, not chaos
- Confident in your ability to guide students through techniques that meet their skill level
- Ready with progressive projects that build skills while creating beautiful artwork
Use your summer break to practice watercolor at your own pace, then bring this magical medium to your students with complete confidence. No more avoiding this art room staple—you'll have everything you need to make watercolor the highlight of your art program.
Summer Workshop Week ends June 23rd. After that, Wild for Watercolor returns to $179 and won't be discounted again until 2026.
Spend your summer learning so you can spend your school year creating magic.
Join 1,800+ teachers using summer break to transform their watercolor teaching
"Team Sparkle, this is a fantastic course format - all the info is so easy to access (even for a tech dinosaur like me) and how awesome we have continued access. There are so many great lessons in this process - about intuition, experimenting, risk-taking, letting go...it's wonderful. Follow the process and see where you will end up!"
Nancy Smith
Art teacher, 2021 summer participant.
Hi, I'm Patty Palmer, founder of Deep Space Sparkle and watercolor enthusiast who believes this magical medium belongs in every art room.
Here's what we know: Watercolor has the unique ability to slow children down, build patience, and create the most expressive, beautiful artwork. But only when taught with the right progression and techniques.
Too often, we see teachers avoid watercolor because of past chaotic experiences or jump into projects without understanding the foundational techniques that make watercolor forgiving instead of frustrating.
We've spent years perfecting the Wild for Watercolor approach based on one simple principle: watercolor success comes from understanding the medium's unique properties and matching techniques to developmental stages.
Our promise: When you finish Wild for Watercolor, you'll never again think "I can't teach watercolor." Instead, you'll be excited to share this magical medium with students and watch them create artwork that takes their breath away.
We can't wait to see the watercolor magic you and your students create together.
"I love that it can be self-paced. The fact that you’re never really behind when life throws us curveballs. You can go through the course at our own pace without feeling stressed. That's so very valuable. It keeps the joy in every step."
Anna Haglund
2021 summer workshop participant
"Thank you so much for creating this course. I needed it so much. It has really invigorated me and my excitement is spilling into my lessons with students. We are having such a good time exploring and creating! It is exactly what we all needed. I am so grateful. ❤️"
Heather Paquette
Art teacher, 2021 summer workshop participant.
"I am impressed how Patty is always calming fears and encouraging people to do their own thing. The course has been really exciting and inspiring. I have enjoyed every lesson and presenter. This format is great. I have especially loved the sketchbook portion."
Ann Smith
Retired Art Teacher/Volunteer, 2021 summer workshop participant
"Thank you Patty for this. It was exactly what my heart needed! I found it very soothing and healing."
Jamie Lloyd
2021 summer workshop participant.
"Patty has given me the confidence to create my own art lessons and my own art program."
Stephanie Cox
Studio owner, 2021 summer participant
"I knew this course was going to be great but oh wow it was even better than I could have imagined. I have learned so much and two of the most impactful things have been, learning how students might feel when I am teaching them something unfamiliar and how incredible it can be trying new techniques and types of art."
Saji Fazal-Chagpar
2021 summer workshop participant.
"Teaching art is something I do for fun; I am not formally trained...participating in this course not only provided a plethora of resources for me to have at the ready, but at this crazy, scary, stressful time we have all faced, it has provided me the much needed distraction of simply enjoying getting lost in creating each week at my kitchen table."
Delayna Goins
2021 summer workshop participant.
"Our school had its open house last weekend. I used the rainforest murals inspired by the Wild for Watercolor Workshop. Because of that workshop, I am now comfortable with this medium. Thank you DSS! "
Martha C.
"Thank you Patty Palmer and team for this amazing workshop! I loved sharing some of the projects with my students. My intermediate student’s projects blew me away!!"
Becky W.
"I’ve really been enjoying myself working through these modules. This has 100% been some of the best parts of my day!"
Samantha N.
"This was by far one of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. You guys ROCK!"
Susan H.
"I can't thank you enough for creating this class! The lessons are so informative and fun, and for the first time in years, I have been eager to get home and create. Thank you!"
Janet H.
"I finally finished my Peek-a-Boo page! This course has been the inspiration I needed for the new school year. Special shout out to the teachers in the community for sharing your sketchbooks. It really gave me motivation!"
Laura A.
"I have never in my life done a sketchbook. It’s organizing my creative mind so much! This course is priceless!!! Thank you so much for providing such rich material."
Michaeline G.
"Thank you Patty Palmer and the whole Sparkle creative team for another fantastic course! And thank you to an amazingly talented, creative and supportive community of course participants, a community like no other. So much inspiration!"
Daniel F.
" I finally finished the course! I want to thank all of the instructors, you were all fantastic! I have learned so much. I also want to thank everyone who posted pictures and comments. I learned a great deal from all of you."
Merryl C.
We've got answers for your FAQs
When does Wild for Watercolor begin and how does it work?
When you purchase the workshop, you'll have access to the course website straight away. Begin by watching the WELCOME module, preparing your supplies, getting started on your sketchbook, and start experimenting with watercolor techniques.
Can I share this course with other teachers or my friends?
No. Thank you for asking. Your registration offers a single user license to participate in the course, an invitation to the private Facebook group, and the license to use the materials. Our copyright content is only available for paid registrants.
How do I know if my State accepts PD hours from this course?
Deep Space Sparkle is accepted for professional development hours by most school districts in the United States. Please contact your school official for confirmation.
I'm a studio owner. Can I use these techniques in my business?
Wild for Watercolor is an online workshop designed to help YOU, the art teacher, studio owner, or parent to learn watercolor techniques and teaching strategies for your art program.
This workshop focuses on watercolor techniques to teach children ages 5-15. The course is not designed to be watched or consumed by students.
How do I know if my State accepts PD hours from this course?
Absolutely! This workshop is designed to help you explore ways to teach watercolor techniques to your students. By working through the process of each project you'll gain insight into how watercolor techniques can be applied to multiple projects and age groups.
In the end, the work you do during this workshop will help you identify your watercolor teaching philosophy and what techniques work best for your students.
Will this work with my limited art budget? What supplies do I absolutely need?
The courses are flexible - you can use basic art supplies and work in a sketchbook, or even just watch and take notes without doing the activities if your budget is tight. It’s all about what works best for you and what will fill your creative well. Each course will have its own supply list available in your Welcome Module.
How much time do I need to dedicate each week to complete the course? Do I need to complete the modules in order, or can I skip around based on what I need first?
All Deep Space Sparkle courses are completely self-paced. You can do one module weekly, monthly, or whatever schedule works for you! You can also jump around between modules rather than going in order.
Are there live sessions, or is everything pre-recorded?
Each course features pre-recorded modules that you can work through at your own pace. No need to worry about scheduling around live sessions!