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Following the success of the intensive introductory workshops toFollowing the success of the intensive introductory watercolor workshops

Brushes in the Sun

in the Botanical Garden of Valencia, it returns this summer with new dates.

“A cool and creative workshop in the heart of the Botanical Garden, where it's always refreshing.”

The unique setting of the garden provides us with the perfect space to disconnect, relax and get inspired surrounded by nature, as well as providing a cooler environment on hot days.

Am Carmen Ibarra, I'm a painter and watercolor expert, and I want to invite you to share this experience with me. I'll share my passion for this technique, teaching you from scratch or helping you perfect your skills in a supportive environment. caring and close.

Small groups — maximum 4 people by workshop to offer you personalized attention.

This is a workshop on 6 hours spread over two sessions.


Available dates:

  • Brushes Workshop 2: July 14 and 15 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Brushes Workshop 3: July 18 and 19 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Brushes Workshop 4: July 25 and 26 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Brushes Workshop 5: July 29 and 30 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Reserve your spot and let yourself be carried away by the color and inspiration in a unique natural environment.

Price: €100
Includes materials and garden access.


👉 Click on the WhatsApp icon (bottom right) to reserve your place.

Or call me on: 0034 660 827 028 your place.

The beauty of watercolor is that it's a quick and easy technique. A small sketchbook, a set of watercolors, and some brushes are all you need to unleash your creativity and express yourself wherever you are.

I often encounter resistance to the watercolor technique, with people saying it's very difficult. Watercolor is a fluid technique; the color flows in the water, and the trick lies in appreciating the beauty that arises when you place a drop of color on the water, observing the alchemy of what happens on our paper, and, as if we were conducting musical notes, becoming the conductors of an orchestra and directing our precious compositions.

In this workshop we will learn:

  • The importance of paper, different types of paper, and how to prepare it for painting according to our needs
  • Colors. We will start with the three primary colors, magenta, yellow, and cyan, and learn how to mix them to create all the colors of the color spectrum. Concepts such as primary, secondary, and complementary colors, harmony, the infinite range of grays, saturation, gradients, and tones are covered in this section.
  • .We will learn to observe light in order to capture it in our work, understanding that with this technique, the white is given to us by the luminosity of the paper itself.
  • Chromatic perspective. If we want to paint landscapes, we will learn the chromatic concepts we must use to achieve the desired effects.
  • Textures and washes. Watercolor is a technique that allows us to modify it by wetting it, which offers us a wealth of pictorial resources.
  • The sensitive brushstroke. We will learn to loosen our hand to achieve an expressive brushstroke or to control it to make more delicate strokes.
  • Connecting with our creativity. Facing a blank page is a meditative act in itself that helps us sharpen our concentration. Watercolor, and art in general, has the ability to bring us to the present moment and thus oxygenate our brain, leading us to connect with our own creativity.

The groups established in this course are very small, a maximum of 4 people, this allows us to provide personalized teaching, addressing the creative concerns of each student individually.

Our watercolor workshop will take place in the heart of the garden. We'll find some benches there, and I'll also bring some stools; it will be like a painterly picnic in the shade of the leaves. If you'd like to be more comfortable, bring your own folding chair.

Here is a video summary of the Pinceles al Sol workshops from last summer 2021.

And if you'd like to explore watercolor in a less structured way, I offer ongoing workshops held on Sunday mornings at the botanical garden or on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings at Lalambik. Attendance is open to all, consecutive workshops are not required, and you can combine both. These classes are tailored to the artistic needs of each student. www.carmenibarra.com/tallerescontinuos We also offer intensive introductory watercolor workshops at Lalambik. To learn more, click here. HERE

Check out the active workshops HERE

Visit the links to some of the workshops held:

Travel Journal

Adult Spring Workshop

Spring workshop with children

Painting with children

105 Comments

  1. Sophie Sophie

    The watercolor workshop with Carmen was fantastic and a great opportunity to learn and practice a variety of techniques. Carmen is a passionate, understanding, and very pedagogical teacher – she knows how to explain things calmly and adapts to each person's needs. I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommended!

  2. Lola Lola

    A wonderful workshop, both for the setting and for Carmen herself. She explains and guides in a very engaging way, facilitating learning and making the time fly by. Always attentive and motivating, she creates a very special atmosphere in the sessions. For me, it's an ideal way to get started with watercolor painting. I hope I can repeat it soon. Thank you, Carmen.

  3. mónica Monica

    I'd love to sign up, but I can't until June. If you're doing any workshops in June, I'd definitely join.

  4. Virginia Virginia

    Taking this course was a great decision. Carmen is a wonderful communicator, kind, detail-oriented, and patient. I learned and enjoyed myself immensely. The atmosphere was excellent, the botanical garden setting unbeatable, and the classes engaging and very informative. I'm very happy, thank you for everything, Carmen.

  5. Hanna Hanna

    I was very lucky because I was able to participate in a workshop by Carmen during my trip, when I passed through Valencia for a week in November 2022.

    It was an exceptional experience for me – on every level. I loved the technique and all the knowledge about watercolor that Carmen shared with us. I enjoyed the relaxation I felt in the botanical garden, the creative process, and the colors. I really enjoyed sharing this experience in a small group and having good company.

    And above all, I found in Carmen a wonderful person, attentive and open and full of good energy, who became a friend in a very short time.

    Thanks for everything, Carmen!

  6. Carmen Galiana Carmen Galiana

    With Carmen and her Intensive Workshop “Brushes in the Sun” I have been able to fulfill a long-held wish: to get started in the watercolor technique.
    Her classes are enjoyable, educational, fun, and full of sensitivity and patience. She gives us constructive feedback and builds our confidence.
    Thank you Carmen for choosing the Botanical Garden as a “classroom”, in that environment a wonderful combination of art, creativity, nature, serenity, joy and laughter is achieved, truly healing.
    Thank you Carmen for everything you have generously shared.
    I'm painting at home and thinking about coming back to your classes. Hugs.

  7. Susana López Agulló Susana López Agulló

    I took the workshop last week and I found it…wonderful. Carmen has endless patience and serenity, and she encourages you to let go and express yourself, something that was essential for me, someone who has never painted before. She is very effective at teaching and introduces you to the technique almost without you realizing it, making you enjoy the process. She dedicates time and care to all her students, respecting the individuality of each one.
    The setting, the Botanical Garden, is unbeatable, full of peace and beauty.
    Thanks Carmen, for taking away my "I don't know how to paint" attitude... I'll definitely keep going.

  8. Nathalie Fontan Nathalie Fontan

    I was on holiday in Valencia. I had the opportunity to enjoy a watercolor workshop with Carmen for three afternoons in the magnificent botanical garden.
    It was a real pleasure learning how to paint with you.
    I really enjoyed creating, disconnecting from everyday life, and sharing very pleasant moments.
    Thank you so much for your generosity, your patience, and for sharing your knowledge.

  9. Maria Maria

    Carmen is a wonderful teacher and person. I learned so much in the intensive watercolor course from her techniques and exercises. It's also worth mentioning that being able to take the course in the botanical garden is a huge advantage, thanks to the scenery, the tranquility, and the cool weather in August. Thank you so much, Carmen, and see you soon!

  10. Mamen Mamen

    It has been a very interesting experience, getting started with watercolor in such a beautiful setting and with an artist who conveys her love for painting. Thank you, Carmen.

  11. Paula Santana Paula Santana

    This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of enjoying the "Brushes in the Sun" workshop at the Botanical Garden with Carmen. It was two intense and wonderful days. I learned so much and have completely fallen in love with watercolor. Carmen is an exceptional artist and teacher who inspires confidence and security from the very first minute. It was a truly enriching experience in every way. The teacher, the setting, and the group were all wonderful. A fantastic watercolor baptism, and now… on to the next colorful adventure! I'm already looking forward to the next workshop with Carmen! 💖🎨🖌

  12. Margot Margot

    It has been a true pleasure to share these three days in the garden, discovering and learning, like a little girl, the art of watercolor. Thank you so much, Carmen! It turned out to be therapeutic and restorative. I hope to continue. See you soon!

  13. Begoña Cutillas Begoña Cutillas

    Today we finished the intensive course “Brushes in the sun” in the unique setting of the Botanical Garden, led by Carmen Ibarra.
    My daughter came back thrilled, eager to return, which she undoubtedly will. It was a wonderful experience for her, and Carmen, with her characteristic patience and empathy, not only helped awaken the artist within my little girl but also made her the happiest child in the world for those three days.
    She's eager to pick up her paintbrush again and practice everything her "art teacher" has taught her. Thank you, Carmen, from the bottom of my heart. I'm so lucky to have met you: you make life more beautiful. See you soon 😘

  14. Elena Elena

    Painting under Carmen's guidance in the oasis that is the Botanical Garden has been an unparalleled experience. Furthermore, thanks to Carmen, I've overcome my fear of watercolor techniques and I will definitely be back.
    Thank you very much, Carmen, and see you soon.

  15. Esperanza Hope

    Thank you so much, Carmen, for these wonderful days: learning, playing, and enjoying ourselves. I love your teaching style: the calm, the generosity, and the simplicity with which you share a glimpse of your vast knowledge.
    I am left with a strong desire to continue with the brushes, with a different perspective and curiosity (how could I put this on paper?) and with enormous gratitude.
    I'll definitely be back.

  16. Henar Hayfield

    Carmen, you have been a wonderful teacher, attentive to every detail to ensure the class flowed smoothly, eager to share your knowledge, and patient in guiding us through our learning process.

    Thank you for helping me pick up the brushes and watercolors again, which I have been able to enjoy so much during these afternoons of the course.

    Happy summer, artist!!

  17. Nuria Nuria

    The introductory watercolor workshop with Carmen was wonderful. She conveys the technique so well, explains things so clearly, makes it seem easy, and lets your creativity soar, allowing the artist within you to emerge. Plus, it was in such a beautiful place as the Botanical Garden, which I rediscovered thanks to her. And we had an engaging conversation about color, light, and the interplay of colors.

  18. Teresa Teresa

    Carmen, this workshop has been a very pleasant experience for the teacher and the companies.
    Thank you for sharing the times with us and for transmitting the passion to the aquarel.la.
    It is very exciting to explore new capabilities and hope that the one you started with has a long journey.

  19. Sara Toledo Sara Toledo

    It's been a wonderful course, highly recommended, and I've thoroughly enjoyed these three days. I feel like I've learned to work with watercolors in a short time, and now I hope to continue learning on my own.

  20. Maria Cañas Maria Cañas

    Just finished the introductory watercolor workshop:
    A rewarding experience thanks to its simplicity and the way she communicates. A learning experience, where Carmen explains the different types of materials for practicing various watercolor techniques. A creative experience, where her passion for what she does and teaches, combined with the botanical garden setting, inspires you to unleash your imagination.
    …and the group with whom I shared the experience was magnificent.
    Thank you so much, Carmen. 🥰

  21. Chary Chary

    My motivation for doing this workshop was to disconnect from the everyday, from stress, from demanding work, and to connect with inner beauty. And Carmen has achieved that and much more in these three days.
    Motivating and generous, she makes us feel like artists.
    It has been a real pleasure having her as a teacher and inspiration.
    Thank you so, so much ☺️

  22. Mariví Mariví

    The workshop name alone captivated me! “Brushes in the Sun at the Botanical Garden” – an introduction to watercolor painting. It's a thought-provoking way to disconnect your mind and, at the same time, connect with the moment of painting.
    Carmen has helped me discover the magic of watercolor painting. She knows how to motivate and encourage, and in just a couple of mornings, she can give you some very important basic principles so you can continue on your path…
    I loved it. Thank you so much, Carmen.

  23. Rafa Rafa

    I highly recommend Carmen's workshops; they're very educational and enjoyable. Carmen is always attentive. I took the "Brushes in the Sun" workshop and loved it. I ended up acquiring incredible watercolor techniques, as well as learning to work with colors, light, shadows, and textures. A perfect ten!.

  24. Ludwina Odijk Medrano Ludwina Odijk Medrano

    It was a wonderful experience in a very relaxing setting. I learned so much about watercolor techniques and also about composition, observing the environment, and using colors. I highly recommend it. Thank you so much for the experience, Carmen!

  25. Teresa Teresa

    I attended Carmen's intensive weekend watercolor course, and the experience was incredibly enriching. The workshop is suitable for all levels, as she adapts to each student's needs and strives to bring out their best. Highly recommended! Thank you, Carmen!

  26. Rosa Canet Rosa Canet

    Despite the short duration of the course, it was very well structured. You taught us the basic principles of watercolor technique without ever losing sight of creativity. You instilled confidence in us, encouraging us to continue working and exploring. I hope we meet again. Thank you.

  27. Elvira S Elvira S

    The "Brushes in the Sun" intensive course has been one of the best things I've ever done. We learned a ton of techniques. I started with absolutely no idea what I was doing and I thoroughly enjoyed learning every day under Carmen's attentive and kind guidance. Her patience and enthusiasm helped me gain confidence and gradually increase my interest, improving my technique. It was a truly wonderful experience. And what can I say about the location Carmen chose for the course... the Botanical Garden. It couldn't have been better. Thank you so much, Carmen. I learned a lot and I enjoyed myself immensely.

  28. Yuli Yuli

    I was delighted to participate in this intensive course! Thank you so much, Carmen, for your patience and for teaching us those little tricks and techniques that ultimately allow us to relax with watercolors and unleash our imagination. All in such a beautiful setting as the botanical garden. I loved it!

  29. Verónica Veronica

    Thanks to Carmen for teaching me the basics of watercolor, and a whole range of possibilities to enjoy. The garden setting allows you to merge with the technique, with your creativity… wonderful! ☺️

  30. Victoria Azpiazu Victoria Azpiazu

    It's been a real treat these past few days learning with such a fantastic group. I've experimented with new types of watercolors and brushes, and thanks to Carmen, I've learned a ton of new techniques. Thank you, Carmen!

  31. Amparo Suria Amparo Suria

    A fantastic course with hands-on practice using all types of watercolors you can find on the market, their advantages and disadvantages, and which application techniques are best suited to each format. Nothing is left out. The course is incredibly comprehensive and held in the best location in Valencia, the Botanical Garden, which is not only beautiful but also cool even in summer. Hugs, Carmen, I'll be back next year; I had a wonderful time.

  32. Amparo Suárez Amparo Suárez

    A very interesting course to delve into the watercolor technique, with simple and clear explanations; three afternoons that will become a great experience.
    Thank you very much, Carmen.

  33. María Teresa Maria Teresa

    Excellent and highly recommended workshop. We learned and practiced different techniques in a concise way. For me, it was a reunion with watercolor after more than 25 years. I thoroughly enjoyed it in the fascinating and evocative setting of the botanical garden. The other participants were wonderful and shared the same positive energy. And Carmen was incredibly effective and always motivated us. A perfect 10 workshop. I will definitely participate in other workshops. Thank you for giving us so much in such a short time, Carmen!

  34. Amparo Protection

    The intensive watercolor course is excellent; I highly recommend it for both beginners and those with some experience in painting. Carmen's rigorous teaching style, order, and organization are particularly noteworthy, ensuring that time is used to its fullest potential. The teacher's passion for art makes this a unique and contagious course, inspiring you to feel like a painter. While the focus is on watercolor technique, the primary aim is to teach you how to truly see and paint. Highly recommended.

  35. Julia Julia

    It has been a wonderful experience. I've rediscovered my love for color thanks to Carmen, her clear explanations on achieving harmony, and the ease with which she demonstrates watercolor techniques. The atmosphere with all the other students has also been fantastic. Thank you, Carmen, for this course.

  36. It's been a very rewarding weekend, painting with Carmen and learning from her, and enjoying the wonderful company of my fellow painters. Even though I paint quite often, I still have so much to learn, and with Carmen and her subtle, abstract style, I've learned a great deal. Thank you so much, Carmen, for your wonderful personality and your willingness to share your magic with us.
    See you.

  37. Ester Ester

    I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Carmen is a fantastic teacher, incredibly patient, and explains things brilliantly. She's also super organized, bringing all the materials in her cart: handcrafted supports, others that are very sturdy and high-quality, different types of brushes, watercolors in various formats—in short, everything necessary for a great class. Plus, having the Botanical Garden as a backdrop for the exercises was priceless. And if you're as lucky as I was and get good classmates, the experience becomes everything you hoped for.
    Thank you very much, Carmen.

  38. Merche Merche

    A wonderful experience. Three very educational and fun mornings. Carmen is a great teacher and painter who inspires a love of conversation. The course is well worth it.

  39. Magaly Aguilera Magaly Aguilera

    Carmen, this workshop has been a great discovery, and above all, you are a wonderful person. The way and passion with which you explained each of the techniques has motivated me to keep going and not be afraid to experiment and express myself. I hope to continue doing more workshops in the future, and hopefully with your colleagues, who are also excellent people.

  40. María Isabel Díaz María Isabel Díaz

    Thank you so much, Carmen!

    Taking this intense, enriching and enthusiastic introductory watercolor course, together with you and my colleagues, in a beautiful natural environment like the Botanical Garden, has been a connection with the soul.

    It was wonderful to see the color born, free itself, and create itself transparently or vividly on the paper starting from a palette of three colors and water.

    It has been by applying the techniques and tricks you have taught us, very motivating, inspiring, and revealing, so much so that in my daily walks through the city, I see the landscapes and the skies and feel that they can be painted with watercolors at any moment.

    See you soon! Happy Summer!

    Hugs and kisses 🎨🖌️🐱🐻

  41. Vicente S. Vicente S.

    A highly recommended course where we were able to learn and practice this unique technique with so many possibilities. We were in a beautiful and pleasant setting, the Botanical Garden, where I was very surprised by both the location and the pleasant temperature for a July weekend.

  42. Julia Julia

    A course I'd definitely repeat, thanks to the pleasant atmosphere, the friendly classmates, and the teacher who guides you through everything you need. It was a different, beautiful, and relaxing weekend enjoying painting. Thank you, Carmen.

  43. Pilar Segarra Pilar Segarra

    This Botanic painting course is useful to start painting aquarel.la.
    The teacher is good and teaches the most basic techniques step by step as she encourages the student.
    to practice sense by.
    Face that three dies do not do much, it is a first step to let go and not begin to make many mistakes.
    Entering the Botanic relaxes and the lloc on ferem la class voltant d'un xicotet estany, encara mes, ja que es puede escort con cau el'agua y verure las carpes de Colors para passetjar entre els nenufars.
    Erem tres alumnes solament i
    The experience has been very pleasant

  44. Carmen Casado Carmen Casado

    Thanks Carmen!
    A very interesting introduction to watercolor painting, thanks to your knowledge and empathy. And in a magnificent and motivating setting.

  45. Amparo esturi Amparo esturi

    Hello! I would like to be added to your mailing list to receive information about upcoming courses. My email address is: cukaes@gmail.com
    Thank you so much
    Amparo Esturi

  46. Maria Antonia Hervas Rico Maria Antonia Hervas Rico

    Thank you so much, Carmen Ibarra. I really enjoyed the watercolor workshop. The garden is a dream; everything is in harmony. I learned to create magical colors and shapes. When you hold new workshops, I'd love to continue. Thank you for everything. Hugs.
    .M. Antonia

  47. Magaly Aguilera Magaly Aguilera

    Carmen, I'd love to sign up for this wonderful workshop, but I don't know how to paint. Is that a problem? I've seen what you've posted and I've loved everything. Best regards.

  48. Angeles Valero Angeles Valero

    I took a course with Carnen Ibarra, it was wonderful, because of her teaching style and generosity in teaching techniques, tricks, and visions of nature applied to watercolor that were unknown to me.
    I hope to take new courses soon to continue learning alongside Carmen, a great artist and a great person who encourages you to fully immerse yourself in the world of watercolor.

  49. Carmen Tormo Carmen Tormo

    I just finished the workshop and I can tell you that it was worth it. .
    Carmen, teacher, your recommendations are very helpful, both for learning, continuing, or refreshing concepts.
    The garden is an oasis for disconnecting, and the companions are lovely.
    It has motivated me to continue down the path of watercolor painting.
    Thank you so much .

    • I was able to attend and enjoy the three-morning workshop in the wonderful setting of the Botanical Garden. It was incredibly creative, therapeutic, and social. Carmen explains things with such simplicity and warmth. Thank you for sharing your expertise! ❣️

    • Begoña Begoña

      I'd like my 10-year-old daughter (who loves to paint and has been attending art school for a year now) to take several workshops with Carmen this year. I'd like to know if you plan to offer any during the week, as we're not all in Valencia on weekends because we have family living elsewhere. Would that be possible? Thank you.

      • Esther Esther

        I just finished the workshop and I'm amazed. I couldn't have imagined I could learn so much in such a short time. It was a very enriching experience that motivates me to continue exploring and discovering watercolor. Thank you, Carmen, for teaching me patiently and giving me the opportunity to be surprised by the magic that watercolor holds. Until next time!

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