Students of Eric Wiegardt

On the Normandy France beach, site of the World War 2 memorial. A group of watercolor artists standing on the sandy beach around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Its a cloudy and brisk day. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun. His jacket is blue matching his pants.
Eric Wiegardt AWS-DF, NWS teaching a watercolor workshop #1
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.
TestimonialsPage-Hawaii-white-web2
On the Normandy France beach, site of the World War 2 memorial. A group of watercolor artists standing on the sandy beach around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Its a cloudy and brisk day. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun. His jacket is blue matching his pants.
Sedona-AZ-504x379
On the Normandy France beach, site of the World War 2 memorial. A group of watercolor artists standing on the sandy beach around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Its a cloudy and brisk day. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun. His jacket is blue matching his pants.
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.
TestimonialsPage-Hawaii-white-web

annual Student ArtShow

Each year, Eric holds an online Art Show for his students to showcase their incredible talent. He reviews all entries and awards students in unique categories. This show is not about competition between students, but to celebrate all the wonderful expression and creativity in this community!

2024 Student Art Show

Eric has announced the award winners! Click to view all the paintings and see his annoucement video!

One the Edge, original watercolor painting of a bay with poles sticking out of the water. There is tideland and tidal grasses in the foreground and a blue landmass in the distance. The sky is cloudy with birds flying.

2023 Student Art Show

Switzerland Glacier, original watercolor painting of a white glacier covered mountain with a green tree covered hill and a tan hill in the foreground

Breaking Free with Watercolor

For over four decades, Eric Wiegardt has championed the expressive, loose style of watercolor painting, liberating artists from rigid techniques and helping them discover the medium’s natural fluidity. His students learn to embrace spontaneity, finding joy in the unpredictable nature of watercolor while developing the confidence to let the medium work its magic.

Watercolor artist standing in front of an easel which is distantly placed in front of an old ship in the yard for repair.
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.

Freedom Through Expertise

Students benefit from Eric’s revolutionary approach through techniques that encourage loose, expressive brushwork.

Using methods for breaking free from tight, controlled painting habits. 

Understanding how to let water and pigment interact naturally.

Mastery of the “controlled accident” that makes watercolor unique.

A Liberating Learning Environment

Eric’s teaching style mirrors his approach to painting:

  • Encouragement to break free from perfectionism
  • Guidance in finding your own expressive voice
  • Focus on the joy of spontaneous creation
  • Support in developing confident, bold brushstrokes
  • Permission to experiment and embrace happy accidents
2023-08 Student Questions Mentoring Technique by Eric Wiegardt AWS-DF, NWS
On a cobblestone walkway near the harbor in Honfluer France, a group of watercolor artists standing around a painter with an easel holding his paint brush. Painter is wearing a large brim hat to protect from the weather and sun.

Dynamic Artist Community

Beyond the classroom, students join a community that celebrates artistic freedom:

  • Access to an exclusive Facebook group where members share their journey toward looser painting
  • Supportive peer feedback that encourages experimentation
  • Regular sharing of bold, expressive works
  • Inspiration from fellow artists discovering their own path to artistic freedom
  • Lasting friendships formed through shared artistic exploration

Workshops

What to Expect at Workshops

Click here to review information on the many workshops available from Eric! 

Each Plein Air Workshop has its own detailed cancellation policy available on the Sign-up / Deposit page, please ensure you carefully review these policies before placing your deposit order. Cancellation and Refund information is also listed in each brochure for reference. Eric Wiegardt reserves the right to cancel for any reason. All payments will be reimbursed to the participants immediately upon cancellation.