Discover the joy of painting and sketching with art lessons from PJ Cook. Whether you’re working in watercolor, oil, pencil, or pen and ink, these lessons are designed to help you build confidence, improve technique, and unlock your creativity.
You’ll explore the fundamentals of design, color, value, textures, and patterns while also learning sketching techniques. From quick pencil drawings in a sketchbook to expressive pen and ink sketches, practice can be done on location at scenic spots or indoors from life—just like the classes shown in Old Saybrook, CT, where students paint both outside at Bushnell Farm and in a cozy indoor setting.
Lessons include discussions, demonstrations, and constructive critiques to guide you step-by-step. PJ will show how to:
Create depth using gradations
Mix colors with a limited palette
Charge paint to add richness and energy
Use sketching as the foundation for stronger paintings
For beginners, lessons cover art materials, recommendations from PJ’s 30+ years of experience, mixing colors, and watercolor essentials such as how much water to use on paper and brush. These practical techniques are the building blocks for successful paintings and sketches.
Sketching as a Foundation for Painting
In addition to painting, lessons include sketching—both indoors and outdoors. Sketching is a valuable skill for artists at every level, helping you quickly capture shapes, values, and ideas on the spot.
We’ll explore everything from simple pencil studies in a sketchbook to pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor washes, often used in urban sketching. This popular style focuses on capturing everyday scenes—buildings, doors, street views, and landmarks—in a spontaneous, expressive way.
Shown here is a sketch of a teal door in pen and ink with watercolor. An example of how sketching can be both a finished artwork and a stepping stone for larger paintings.
Whether on location at a scenic spot or working indoors, sketching practice builds your observation skills and strengthens the foundation of your paintings.
Art lessons are offered in southeastern Florida during the winter months and along the shoreline of Connecticut and New England during the summer. Instruction is available as private one-on-one lessons or in small groups.
In addition, if you’re facing a specific challenge in your painting, PJ provides tailored demonstrations and professional tips to help you improve.
Most importantly, lessons are informative, stress-free, and fun—a welcoming way to grow your artistic skills in both painting and sketching.
For more information, simply use the form on the Contact page or send an email.
Living by the sea inspires P.J. to paint the rolling surf, shorebirds, and ever-changing skies along the coast. She paints along Connecticut’s Long Island Sound and Florida’s southeastern shore. 
