In this hands-on workshop, students are introduced to watercolour through observation, experimentation, and creative expression. The workshop can be connected to a theme students are already exploring in the classroom, such as animals, plants, nature, seasons, the environment, or another subject chosen by the teacher.
Students learn basic watercolour techniques while discovering how water, pigment, colour, and brushwork can create different effects. The focus is not on producing a "perfect" picture, but on learning to observe, experiment, and develop confidence in their own creative choices. Watercolour can be both calming and playful, while encouraging patience, focus, curiosity, and imagination.
Teachers can also choose drawing or pastel on black paper as an alternative medium for their session. Drawing workshops can explore observation and animal or human portraiture, while pastel workshops introduce students to creating light, colour, and contrast on black paper.
When weather permits, sessions can take place outdoors, allowing students to observe and draw directly from the natural environment. Workshops can be adapted to different ages, experience levels, and classroom themes.
| Grade Suitability | K-12 |
| Maximum Class Size | 15 students |
| Time Required | 1 1/2 hours instruction; 1/2 hour prep |
| Material Required | Artist will provide. |
| Material Cost | To be determined by project and class size. |
| Language of Instruction | English or French |
| Communities | Carcross, Carmacks, Destruction Bay, Haines Junction, Mayo, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Teslin |
| Special Notes | The teacher needs to be present for the class. A longer version of the program is available. |
Maeva Esteva is a visual artist, photographer, and educator based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Born in France and raised in Huahine, French Polynesia, she developed a deep connection with the natural world through both cultures. She works primarily in watercolour, pastel on black paper, drawing, and photography, creating detailed portraits of animals and people that combine observation, movement, and imagination.
Through her teaching, Maeva shares accessible artistic techniques while encouraging students to observe, experiment, and develop their own creative expression. Her workshops can connect watercolour projects to themes students are already exploring in the classroom, introduce pastel techniques on black paper, or explore portrait drawing through animals or people. When weather permits, sessions can also take place outdoors, allowing students to draw and observe the natural world directly.
Maeva has been working with the Artist in the Schools program since 2023 and regularly leads independent art workshops and creative sessions in Yukon.