Artists' Workshop of New Smyrna Beach

Workshops

Want to attend our Workshops and need a place to stay?

We are happy to suggest Anchor Inn. Conveniently located within a mile of our studios, they offer the Artists’ Workshop NSB guests a discounted price when you mention AWI.

(386) 428-3499 | anchorinnbnb.com

November 2025

Master the Art of Portrait Painting, Expert Tips and Tricks

Meet your instructor

Tom Sadler

Altamonte Springs, Fl
www.tomsadler.com

“Observing nature with the intention of creating a painting sparks a keener awareness and appreciation of the inherent beauty in all that we see. Discovering what most excites the eye and how to best communicate the essence of that to the viewer becomes a passion. At times the subject of the painting might be more about the manipulation of light than the physical subject. Other times the color or the atmosphere might become the most telling. To successfully communicate I feel that the canvas should in some sense “come to life” for myself and then hopefully the viewer.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Since moving to Orlando in 1983, Tom Sadler has dedicated his efforts toward capturing the light, color, and mood of the Central Florida landscape. The intense light, combined with the natural beauty of the many lakes, rivers and parks of the area provide a never-ending source of inspiration. His paintings come to life as a celebration of this beauty found in nature, sometimes exuberant, at other times more subtle.

Tom received his BFA at Auburn University. Sadler’s education included the study of oil painting with instructor Jack Dempsey at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which Tom considers of utmost value. He also attended the School of Visual Arts in New York. Since that time he has studied the work of a variety of artists, each having different influences on his work. Sadler feels a pressing desire and necessity to paint each day. He feels that the door is just opening to the world of revealing all that is possible for him through his artwork.

AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS

• Best of Show Crescent Beach Paint-Out 2005, 2006, 2008
• Art in Embassy Luxembourg, Luxembourg 2011-2015
• Portrait of President of the Senate State Capital, Tallahassee, FL

Instructor – Tom Sadler
  • November 15 & 16, 2025
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $325 Members
  • $375 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

In this workshop we will tackle the painting of either one or two portraits of your choice.

You will gain confidence through the use of two different approaches, one that is indirect utilizing layers and the other which is direct and painted more Alla Prima. I will demonstrate both methods describing how to achieve a likeness through the controlled use of light and shadow.

It will be fun and instructive in a class setting to see all of the various portraits taking shape and reaching a successful outcome!

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

January - May 2026

Gilded Icon: Modern Heros

Meet your instructor

Paulo Jimenez

As an artist, I draw inspiration from my diverse cultural background and personal experiences to create vibrant and captivating works of art. Born in Costa Rica and raised amidst the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert in Chile, my artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the contrasts and harmonies of these environments.

I earned my BFA at the University of Hartford, where I honed my technical skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. I had the privilege of studying under renowned artists Stephen Brown, Nelson Shanks, and Denis Nolan, whose guidance deepened my understanding of artistry and the importance of symbolism in conveying meaning.

My latest collection is characterized by wildlife set against rich backgrounds of gold and silver leaf. In this body of work, I explore the relationship between nature and the ethereal, merging the beauty of the natural world with the elegance and symbolism of precious metals. Gold, in particular, serves as a symbol of the sacred, representing not only beauty but also the reverence, elegance
and opulence.

In addition to my exploration of precious metals, I delve into religious themes and incorporate mythical creatures like mermaids, which symbolize female strength and resilience. These enchanting beings serve as powerful metaphors for empowerment and transformation, reflecting the duality of grace and ferocity in the feminine spirit. Furthermore, horses appear as central figures in my art, embodying guardianship and representing strength, loyalty, and the deep connection between humanity and nature. Through their presence, I create self-portraits that resonate with themes of protection and introspection, inviting viewers to see themselves reflected in the grace and power of these noble animals.

Now residing in Central Florida, I am surrounded by a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural diversity. The dynamic landscapes, varied wildlife, and vibrant communities of this region continue to inspire and enrich my artistic practice. Through my art, I celebrate the intricate interplay between nature, culture, and human experience, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own connections within the pieces.

Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create visually striking and emotionally resonant works that transcend boundaries and speak to the universal human experience. By capturing the essence of places, creatures, and moments, I hope to invite viewers into a world of wonder, curiosity, and contemplation. My art is a reflection of my journey and a testament to the transformative power of creativity to bridge gaps, inspire dialogue, and ignite the imagination.

Instructor – Paulo Jimenez
  • January 3 & 4, 2026
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $260 Members
  • $310 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Create a luminous tribute to your personal hero using oil paint and gold leaf.

🗓 Day 1: The Hero Takes Shape. 

🗓 Day 2: Gilded Light and Color. 

✅ Learning Objectives:

Paulo will help you throughout the two day workshop: 

  • Apply classical portrait structure to modern figures
  • Learn gold leaf techniques and integration with oils
  • Explore visual storytelling and symbolism
  • Practice compositional design using halos and icon-inspired framing.

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Four Easy Steps to Finish a Watercolor Painting

Meet your instructor

Tom Jones

Instructor – Tom Jones
  • January 10 & 11, 2026
  • Studio B, 9 am to 4 pm
  • $300 Members
  • $350 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Expertise & Approach: Tom Sadler brings over 37 years of teaching experience and a unique perspective gained from teaching internationally and at institutions like SCAD. Known for his masterful approach to light, color, and mood in the Central Florida landscape, Tom guides students to capture the essence of their subject matter. His highly-regarded teaching method is hands-on, ensuring students gain confidence and achieve success by demonstrating each phase of the painting process.

Unmatched Value & Benefits: Due to his status as a spokesperson and partner with major art manufacturers (including Arches, Canson, and Princeton Brush), Tom is able to provide exceptional materials and value:

  • All materials included: Students will be provided with watercolor paper and watercolor paints for the workshop.

  • Additional watercolor print and products available at the workshop for purchase.

  • Unique Equipment: Tom will provide his 3×7 overhead mirror for optimal viewing during demonstrations.

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Exploring Abstraction with Acrylics

Meet your instructor

Donne Bitner

Donne Bitner is a full time visual artist and maintains a studio at McRae Art Studios in Orlando.

She graduated with Honors from Pennsylvania State University and studied at the Slade School at the University of London.

Donne taught Beginning and Advanced Watercolor and Acrylic Landscapes at Crealde School of Art for twenty years

Donne is a member of the National Watercolor Society, the Florida Watercolor Society and the Watercolor USA Honor Society. She has been published in Acrylic Artist, American Artist, International Artist, Watercolor Magazine and Watercolor Magic.

She has been the recipient of many grants and fellowship awards, such as the Florida Individual Artist’s Fellowship, Development Grant from the United Arts of Central Florida and the State of Florida individual Artist Enhancement Grant.

Her work is included in the collections of Huntsville Museum of Art, Springfield Art Museum, Vero Beach Center for the Arts, Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences, Rollins College, State of Florida Capital Collection, Holmes Medical Center, A&H Museums–Maitland, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, as well as the public collections of the cities of Atlanta, and Orlando and Melbourne, Florida.

Instructor – Donne Bitner
  • January 31 & February 1, 2026
  • Studio B, 9 am to 4 pm
  • $300 Members
  • $350 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

This is an experimental acrylic workshop that explores untraditional approaches to acrylic painting. Different surfaces such as paper, glass, illustration board, and wood will enable participants to broaden their knowledge of the painting medium.

Thin washes will be enriched with a variety of mark making tools for works on paper and spackling, joint compound and gesso will build interesting textures on wood. Painting glass in Strappo technique will push the acrylic boundaries even further. Participants will take away new ideas and methods of painting with acrylic paint.

Some painting experience helpful but all levels welcome if open to new ideas.
This workshop is an immersion in new approaches, directions and techniques that will help participants develop their own voice!

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Loosen Up, in Oil

Meet your instructor

Trish Beckham

Award winning artist, Trish Beckham, has been painting professionally for over forty-five years. Having taught both watercolor and oil painting, she strives to reach each individual student to help them achieve their personal goals and to pursue an individual style.
Beckham maintains a working studio in Ormond Beach.
 
Tbeckhamoils@yahoo.com 
(352) 441-0691
Instructor – Trish Beckham
  • February 7 & 8, 2026
  • Studio B, 9 am to 4 pm
  • $300 Members
  • $350 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Learn tools and techniques to paint in a more suggestive style. Gain confidence, learn to leave more to the imagination, and find a more personal style in the process!

For intermediate to advanced painters.

Students can paint from their own images or use images provided by Trish. 

Trish will demonstrate her own approach to painting on Saturday morning. Students will paint the second half of the day with Trish’s guidance. On Sunday, Trish will add a second layer to the demo painting and go over techniques to add texture and detail.

Students will then continue to work on their own paintings.

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

For the Love of Watercolor

Meet your instructor

Laura Robinson

From her first watercolor painted in Rome, Italy in 1971, American artist Laura Robinson knew it was her medium. The vast selection of fine watercolor papers in art stores there, the uniquely warm light in Rome and the opportunity to study and live in the culture for a year gave her insights she would not get anywhere else in a junior year abroad. She graduated Magna cum Laude from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia.

In recent years, after experimenting in many other painting mediums, she is back to watercolor. Laura has been a Signature Member of Florida Watercolor Society since 2015. Highlights of her awards are First Place in the Florida Watercolor Member Exhibition in 2021, the John Salchak Award in the National Watercolor Society Member Exhibition in 2021, Best of Show in the Artists’ Workshop Member Exhibitions in 2011, 2022, and 2024 , First Place and People’s
Choice at Artists’ Workshop in 2025, and the Paulette Beakley Award in the National Watercolor Society Member Exhibition in 2023. As a Board Member of the Volusia County Cultural Alliance, she is also active in supporting the artists and art patronage in her community.

Her inspiration comes from adventures traveling from the Dry Tortugas near Key West to the wild rocky coastline in Maine in a 38 foot sailboat and a 34 foot Mainship trawler. She uses color, value, edges, texture and interesting shapes to express the effects of light on water and the people seen in her travels.


Website: laurarobinsonartist.com
Email: lrobinson1045@cfl.rr.com

Instructor – Laura Robinson
  • February 14 & 15, 2026
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $275 Members
  • $325 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Expand your toolbox with a variety of watercolor techniques. Wet on wet, dry brush, pouring, printing, spattering and the use of frisket. We will also discuss the importance of composition and tips for finishing a painting.

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Color Makes Me Happy

Meet your instructor

Sally Evans

Sally has a BFA in Graphic Design and Fine Art from the University of South Carolina and began her career as a graphic artist. She transitioned into becoming a full-time painter in the early 90’s.  Expressive use of color and bold designs are the hallmarks of her style. Her subject matters range from plein air painting to figurative works of dogs and animals. She works with pastels, acrylics and mixed media.

Currently US Airways features her paintings in the US Airways Club at Tampa International Airport.  Her paintings were also on display in the American Embassy in Rome, through the Art and Embassies Program in 2001. Sally’s work has been selected as the featured art for several art festivals in Florida over the past ten years.  “Santa Fe Poppies” graced the cover of Tampa Bay Magazine in their September-October of 2002 issue. In Spring 2011 Sally was the featured artist of The New Barker magazine with her painting of “Bella and Bentley”.

Recently, Sally’s work has been exhibited in these prestigious exhibitions – Elements Of Expression 2013 NY. NY., National Society of Casein and Acrylic Painters 2016 NY. NY., International Society of Acrylic Painters Florida 2017 (honorable mention), Pastel Society of America 2017 NY. NY. and Acrylic Painters USA 2018.

Sally’s work has been featured in many art festivals around Florida including the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in 2014. Her work is collected by celebrities and her lithographs have been showcased in the television show Nip/Tuck and the movies American Dreamz. and Rob Reiner’s 2017 film Shock and Awe. Sally is a signature member of The International Society of Acrylic Painters, Acrylic Painters USA, Associate member of Pastel Society of America and The National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic.

Website: www.sallyevans.com                                                             

E-mail: sally@sallyevans.com

Facebook: Contemporary Art and Pet Portraits by Sally Evans

Instagram: @sallyevansfineart

Instructor – Sally Evans
  • February 28 & March 1, 2026
  • Studio B, 9 am to 4 pm
  • $260 Members
  • $310 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

  • Class Highlights:
    • Color Theory: Dive into the principles of color theory to enhance your artistic skills.
    • Design & Self-Expression: Learn to express yourself and design your paintings with confidence.
    • Acrylic Demonstrations: Sally will demonstrate techniques using acrylics, though you may choose to paint with oil if preferred.
  • Day 1:
    • Color Mixing Exercises: Engage in various exercises to master color mixing and selection.
    • Harmonizing Colors: Discover how to use colors to harmonize your paintings.
    • Understanding Values: Gain a deeper understanding of values,
      complementary colors, tints, tones, and grays through fun and insightful exercises.
  • Day 2 :
    • Option 1: students will practice color theory on a step by step painting with Sally
    • Option 2: Sally can help students with their own work.

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Exploring Acrylics For Encaustic

Meet your instructor

Robin Popp

Born in South Florida, Robin has always had a love for sunshine and palm trees. Encouraged by a creative family, her love of art started as soon as she could hold a brush. She spent a short time at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL, and earned a certificate as a cabinetmaker from Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater, FL. She began painting “en Plein air” in the early 2000s and loves meeting new collectors and bringing the essence of the natural world onto the canvas for them. Her studio and woodworking shop are located on thirteen hidden acres in north Florida near Gainesville where she resides with her husband and an assortment of animals. 

Artists Statement

A Naturalist at heart, I am ever inspired by creation. When I am painting outside, the slow, steady pulse of nature causes me to quiet myself and patiently pay attention. I choose oil paint because of its slow drying time, as well as the luminosity and depth that can be achieved. 

In this hectic world, it’s my goal to encourage the viewer to slow down and find the quiet in the moment.

Instructor – Robin Popp
  • March 7 & 8, 2026
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $300 Members
  • $350 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Using acrylic is the safest way to get the look of encaustic without the health concerns!

Layers of papers, textures, objects and words all combine with acrylic paint and mediums to give the softness of depth and storytelling that everyone loves with encaustic art.

We have so many acrylic mediums to choose from. By combining these mediums, beautiful encaustic-like effects can be achieved without worrying about dangerous fumes. 

No drawing experience necessary. We will be working on several small canvases at the same time. Come join me for a fun class!

Purchase Online

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Painting Contemporary Realism Seascapes

Meet your instructor

Jon Bandish

Jon Bandish (b. 1982, Philadelphia, PA) is an oil painter who lives and works in Dagsboro, Delaware, USA. He graduated with a BFA in Drawing and Painting from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in 2006.

His work is held within private collections in the USA and in the UK, as well as the Einstein Hospital Collection in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is a member of many organizations including Signature Status with The American Artist Professional League where he is a former board member.

Instructor – Jon Bandish
  • April 11 & 12, 2026
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $275 Members
  • $325 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

In this two day workshop, students will learn classical methods of drawing and underpainting, as well as contemporary methods of paint application and color theory. In this three stage approach to making a painting, students will first work a highly detailed drawing, then complete an underpainting, and finally layer the local colors.

A brief overview of the workshop:

Day 1:
Students will learn from direct instruction as well as a series of actual paintings depicting a classical approach to making a painting. These steps include why starting a painting with a detailed drawing allows a freedom of painting in later steps. Performing an under-painting at the beginning is a secret step to greater color relationships. The end of the first day is the start of local color layering.

Day 2:
Students will continue their first day’s painting with a focus on specific paint applications from thin layers to thicker layers and why it is so important, along with several other secrets. Students will also benefit from color mixing and theory tips regarding light, tone, temperature, and effect. This part of the workshop will further students’ understanding and abilities to portray realistic sensibilities of various aspects of seascapes including how to convey light reflections, shadows and highlights, and movement of water. 
 
By the end of the second day students will have a completed painting showcasing all three steps of how to work a classical approach to contemporary seascapes.

Purchase Online

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Color and Courage: The Freedom of Acrylics

Meet your instructor

Instructor – Jane Slivka
  • May 9 & 10, 2026
  • Studio B, 10 am to 4 pm
  • $350 Members
  • $400 Non-Members
Materials List
Registration Form

Workshop Description

Jane Slivka Acrylic Workshops offer not just painting instruction; they also inspire, motivate, amuse and entertain as she demonstrates her unique and energetic free-form technique; combining fast, bold, loose strokes and a signature tropical-colored palette into a valuable learning experience – “The Freedom of Acrylics.”

In a casual, charismatic, and user-friendly fashion, Jane challenges her students to complete two different paintings daily – from a whole host of subject matter – while teaching how to capture that same freedom, energy, and spirit seen in her own lively and acclaimed unique painterly style!

Purchase Online

If paying by mail, please click the Registration Form button, and send completed with your check.

Studio & Gallery

​540 Barracuda Blvd
New Smyrna Beach
FL 32169

​(386) 424-9254

Gallery on Canal St.

115 Canal St
New Smyrna Beach
FL 32168

(386) 424-9254

Send Post

PO Box 1194
New Smyrna Beach
FL 32170

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Environmental Considerations

Disposal of Paint Waste Water

 

Download printable PDF: Environmental Considerations Disposal of Paint Waste Water

Artists’ Workshop has instituted two paint waste water disposal processes at our studio facility.

  • These processes apply to the dirty water that is created when painting with watercolor, gouache and acrylic or when using glue in a mixed media project.
  • Oil painters will not pour pigments or solvents into the sink and will dispose of their waste by removing it from the site.

Why are we doing this?

As artists, we want to help in keeping our groundwater as unpolluted as possible. Additionally, our lease requires it. The Wildlife Foundation of Florida is our landlord and the following statement is in our lease: “Sub-sublessee shall not use, generate, store, produce, place, treat, release, or discharge any contaminants, pollutants, or pollution, including, but not limited to, hazardous or toxic substances, chemicals, or other agents (except those used, stored, generated, and disposed of by sub-lessee in the operation of its allowed use of the sub-subleased premises) on, into, or from the sub-subleased premises or any adjacent lands or waters. Sub-sublessee shall only use, store, generate, and dispose of such hazardous substances in strict accordance with the law.”

The EPA holds a non-household facility, like Artists’ Workshop, to tighter disposal restrictions than it would for a household.

What does this mean to us?

We have consulted Jennifer Stirk, an environmentalist at the Tomoka Landfill about proper disposal of our waste water. She told us that

  1. We cannot dump waste water onto the ground.
  2. She also said that any waste water containing toxic substances cannot be poured down the sinks or disposed of in the Tomoka landfill. The list of EPA toxic substances is: arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, mercury and selenium. Cobalt is not on this list and “hues” of these are usually okay, such as “Cadmium Yellow Hue” as they are made of other yellows, not using cadmium.
  3. It is best to discard a solid instead of washing everything down a drain. Allow unneeded paint to dry on the palette or in the jar and discard it in the trash.
  4. Acrylic pigments cannot be poured down the sinks.

What are we doing to address this?

We will be using 2 processes, the pigment disposal process and the sand disposal method. The first method is described on the “Just Paint” newsletter March 1996 from Golden Paint. The second process has been recommended by Kevin Tobin, a Golden Paint representative. Watercolor, gouache and glue waste water can be emptied into our sinks as long as no toxic substances are present. (If using glue with an acrylic project, it is recommended that the artist keep the glue water separate and pour it down the drain. It doesn’t pour well through the filter system in the pigment disposal process.) The pigment disposal process can be used for acrylic waste water as long as no toxic chemicals are present. The sand method can be used for both watercolor waste and acrylic waste either with or without toxic substances.

In both instances, artists need to wipe their brushes and palettes on paper towels and rags before rinsing in the water to reduce the amount of water used. These paper towels and rags will be put in the Tomoka Landfill garbage for proper disposal in the landfill. Once wiped off, rinse out the brushes in no more than two inches of water in your waste water container.

Pigment Disposal Process

This process uses a chemical reaction called flocculation to separate the water and the pigment. Once the clear water is skimmed off the top, the pigment is filtered and the filter is disposed of in the trash. This process cannot be used with toxic paints.
It uses common garden chemicals which are hazardous so read label precautions. Gloves are provided.

The instructions are as follows:

  1. Dump your waste water into the 5 gallon container in the studio filling it to either the one or 2.5 gallon level. 2.5 gallons is the maximum that can be processed in the 5 gallon container.
  2. Using the glass jar, mix the proper amount of aluminum sulfate into the jar, add a few ounces of clean water and mix thoroughly. For one gallon, use a well-rounded half Tablespoon. For 2.5 gallons of water, measure 1.5 Tablespoons. Pour into the waste water and stir vigorously with a wood paint stick.
  3. Add the proper amount of powdered lime and stir vigorously. For one gallon, this is a scant ¾ Tablespoon. For 2.5 gallons of water, measure 1 ¾ Tablespoon lime. Within a few minutes, flocculation of the solids should begin to occur. You should start to see a clear layer of water forming very quickly as the solids settle to the bottom. If, after several minutes, flocculation has not occurred, repeat steps 2 and 3.
  4. After the solids have settled, scoop off as much of the clear water as you can, using the pitcher, and pour it down the drain or outside.
  5. Assemble the filtering equipment as follows: Place TWO filters in the metal funnel and put them over another empty 5 gallon container. Pour the remaining dirty water onto the filters after flocculation has occurred. After the dirty water has been poured through the filters, the water in the 5 gallon container should be clear. If it is not, pour less into the filters in steps and let it filter through before adding more dirty water.
  6. Place the used filters into the garbage can with the other waste going to the Tomoka Landfill. The clean water in the 5 gallon container can now be poured outside on the ground or down the sinks.

Sand Disposal Method:

This process uses evaporation of the water out of the sand in a bucket.

Instructions are as follows:

An alternative method is available for disposing of waste water resulting from washing off brushes used for acrylic paints. There is an orange 5-gallon container in the large (north) studio filled 3/4rds of the way up with playground sand. During classes and open studio sessions, the bucket will be kept outside in the full sun. It is important that the bucket receive 5-6 hours of sunlight and that the lid be kept open (assuming it’s not raining). In the event of rain, the bucket will be kept indoors and, when not in use, a lid has been provided only if it must be kept outdoors. A ‘dent’ was first made in the top middle of the sand. After each day’s session, monitors or instructors are asked to simply turn over the sand lightly and restore the depression in the top surface of the sand.

As acrylic artists paint and need to clean off their brushes, they should first wipe them off on rags, paper towels or old phone books. We will attempt to keep some old phone books in the studios for our use. Once wiped off, rinse out brushes in NO MORE THAN TWO INCHES of water in your waste water container. No more water than this is needed to rinse off brushes and it is critical to the success of this process that acrylic artists don’t use too much water. It doesn’t matter if you use Cadmium-, Cobalt- or lead-based paints, or mix your colors with medium. The waste water is then poured into the sand bucket, which is, ideally, going to be kept outdoors during studio hours. The bucket should be kept in a sunny location, one which gets between 5-6 hours of sun per day, and in the event of rain, under an eave or awning to protect it.

The bucket has been placed on a luggage cart with wheels so that it can be moved easily in rainy season/weather to a shielded area. The sand bucket should be kept uncovered, and at the end of the day, brought indoors to one of our studios. Thanks to the sun, the waste water evaporates, leaving only the pigmented sand behind. Periodically (as mentioned above), the sand should be turned over with the trowel. This method is advocated as an alternative by Golden paint and by one of its artist representatives, Kevin Tobin. Kevin has used his sand bucket without ever recycling the sand for twenty years. In fact, he brought it here from CA! If the AWI ever needed to get rid of the sand (but it would never need to do that), Kevin has advised that it would need to cover the bucket and take it to a hazardous waste dump site. Golden alternatively suggested using the pigmented sand to create a sculpture from concrete. Kevin developed this method after consulting the local DEP and federal EPA.

The trick is to ensure that folks don’t use a lot of water in their buckets (no more than 2″) and that they first wipe off brushes of excess acrylic paint/medium before dunking them in rinse water. If artists use too much water or don’t wipe off excess paint, the sand method will not work.

Assuming our 5-gallon bucket works out, we will purchase another one or two containers for the sand method. Everyone’s cooperation in introducing this alternative method is requested.

Environmental Considerations: Disposal of Paint Waste Water
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