Yong Hong Zhong: "The Fundamentals of Watercolor Painting" 2027

"Watercolor is much more than a collection of techniques—it is a way of seeing."

This four-day workshop is designed for intermediate watercolor painters who are looking to strengthen their understanding of visual design, refine their technique, and paint with greater confidence and intention. Through a combination of studio instruction, demonstrations, individual coaching, and plein air painting, we'll focus on the decision-making process that leads to stronger, more compelling paintings.

Throughout the workshop, artists will explore how to move beyond simply reproducing a scene to interpreting it by simplifying complexity, organizing visual information, and making thoughtful choices that communicate light, atmosphere, and mood. Yong Hong Zhong will guide you in developing the confidence to paint what you see, but more importantly, what you want others to experience.

What You’ll Explore

Days 1 & 2 – Studio: Design & Visual Structure

The first two days will be devoted to the fundamental principles that underpin successful watercolor painting. While technique plays an important role, our primary emphasis will be on learning to see, simplify, and design rather than merely record.

Topics will include:

• Simplification and editing

• Shape design and composition

• Value relationships

• Color harmony and temperature

• Edge control

• Light and shadow

• Visual structure and focal point development

• The language of watercolor, including wet-into-wet, wet-on-dry, drybrush, glazing, lifting, lost-and-found edges, and expressive brushwork

Each day begins with a comprehensive demonstration in the morning and another in the afternoon, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. These demonstrations will focus not only on watercolor technique, but also on the thought process behind each painting—why certain decisions are made, how to choose the appropriate technique for each passage, and how those choices contribute to a stronger visual statement.

Students will spend approximately 1½ hours painting during both the morning and afternoon sessions, working from carefully selected reference photographs. Throughout these sessions, students receive individualized instruction, helping each participant refine both their technical execution and their artistic decision-making. Each day concludes with a brief group critique, reinforcing the day's concepts while encouraging thoughtful discussion about design, execution, and artistic intent.

Days 3 & 4 – Plein Air: Interpreting the Landscape

The final two days will take us outdoors to paint the beautiful surroundings of The Landgrove Inn. Working directly from nature presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges, requiring artists to simplify, edit, and make decisive compositional choices in constantly changing light.

Each morning begins with a short lecture before we head out to our painting locations. Yong will present a 30 to 40-minute plein air demonstration, discussing not only his painting process but also how he approaches composition, value organization, and the simplification of the landscape.

The remainder of each day will be devoted to painting on location, with ample time for individual guidance. As he circulates among the group, Yong will work one-on-one with each student, offering personalized feedback tailored to their experience, artistic vision, and painting objectives.

On the final afternoon, we'll conclude with an extended group critique. Participants are encouraged to bring as many of their workshop paintings as possible. Together we'll review the work produced over the four days, discuss artistic growth, and identify strategies for continued development beyond the workshop.

This workshop is designed for painters who already have a working knowledge of watercolor and are ready to move beyond technique alone. Through a thoughtful balance of demonstration, guided practice, individual instruction, and constructive critique, participants will develop stronger design skills, greater confidence in their artistic decisions, and a deeper understanding of how watercolor can be used to express light, atmosphere, and a personal response to the landscape.

MATERIALS LIST

Meet the Artist

Yong Hong Zhong was born in Canton, China, and immigrated to the United States at the age of twelve. He developed a keen interest in drawing early in life, and his determination to pursue a career as an artist led him to attend LaGuardia High School, the prestigious High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. He continued his education at Pratt Institute in New York, where he majored in Illustration and minored in Art History.

Upon graduation, Yong joined Disney Animation Studios, where he worked for fourteen years on more than a dozen theatrical feature films. After completing Disney's The Princess and the Frog, he chose to pursue his passion for traditional painting full time. The knowledge and experience he gained in the animation industry continue to have a profound influence on his work as a fine artist.

Since 2009, Yong has been a full-time fine artist. He participates in plein air painting competitions and teaches workshops throughout the United States. His work has received numerous awards, been featured in leading art publications, and is included in the permanent collection of the Maryhill Museum.

Visit Yong's website   ·   Instagram @yonghongzhong.9

Starting Price — All-Inclusive

Workshop Tuition: $700

All Inclusive with Tuition, Room, Meals: From $2,260 per person

Single occupancy · all-inclusive · 5 nights · best prepaid rate

•      Includes workshop instruction, lodging at The Landgrove Inn, three meals daily, the welcome reception, and gratuity (taxes additional)

•      5 nights lodging + full board at $312/night (single, prepaid) = $1,560

•      Workshop fee = $700

•      Bringing a companion? Add just $114/night for their lodging, meals and gratuity. Also taking the workshop? Just add another workshop fee.

Prefer to spend a little less time away? You can check out on the final workshop day for 4 nights instead of 5 — subtract $312/night (single occupancy). See the FAQ.

What’s Included

A simple “show up and paint” package — full room and board, with everything handled:

•      Four days of instruction and programming

•      Lodging at The Landgrove

•      Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners

•      Welcome reception on the first night

•      Gratuity included (taxes additional)

All meals are shared together as a group — a big part of the Landgrove experience and what makes these retreats feel like a true creative community.

A Day at Landgrove

Arrival day

•      Check-in from 3 PM

•      Welcome reception (wine/beer + hors d’oeuvres) 5–6 PM

•      Introductory 3-course dinner 6–8 PM

Workshop days

•      Breakfast (communal) 8–9 AM

•      Morning drawing session

•      Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM

•      Afternoon drawing session

•      3-course dinner (communal) 6–8 PM

Departure day

•      Breakfast 8–9 AM

•      Check-out by 11 AM

The Landgrove Setting

You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work. When you want to explore beyond the studio, you’re close to classic Vermont: Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore), Weston (Weston Theater Company, the Vermont Country Store), plus scenic drives and mountain towns nearby.

Mini-FAQ

Can I check out earlier?

Yes. The package runs through the morning after the final workshop day, but you’re welcome to check out one day earlier—on the final workshop day, and thereby subtract $312 for the last night. Check-out of your room is by 9 AM if doing so, before the morning workshop session. When inputting your dates to book, just change your check-out date to one day earlier.

Can my partner or a friend come along?

Absolutely — companions are welcome and very much part of the experience. The second guest in your room is booked as a companion, with lodging, all meals and gratuity included, for $114/night more than going solo. Many spouses and friends join just for the stay — exploring the forest, nearby towns, the pool, or a book by the tavern fire — while still sharing every meal.

Can my partner or friend also take the workshop?

If your companion also wants to paint, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout, or contact us.

What about dietary needs?

Add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field at checkout and we’ll prepare accordingly. All meals are shared together as a group.

How do I get there?

The nearest airports are Albany, Hartford, Boston, and Rutland VT. Train stations are in Albany NY and Brattleboro VT (recommend Albany if travelling from NYC). For transit from an airport or train station we recommend Mountain Drivers (802.772.5223, mtndrivers.com).

What should I bring?

The supply list is included will be provided ahead of the workshop and covers everything you’ll need to bring. Tables and studio space are provided.

How many students?

Workshops are intentionally small — this one is capped at 15 — for real personal attention and a close-knit group.

Can Vermont locals attend without staying at the inn?

If you're a local and would want to commute to the workshop daily, we will take bookings for up to two workshop participants until 60 days before the workshop (within 60 days we open all available workshop spots for locals). The cost for local attendees is the workshop fee, plus one of the following meal plan options (including gratuity):

• Workshop Lunches ($27.50/day)

• Workshop Lunches & 3-Course Dinners ($81.00/day)

Ready to Book?

Book This Workshop, use the booking widget on this page, or give us a ring at 802.824.6674.