I met Dorrie Rifkin a few years ago through CAA – Community Arts Association in Bergen County, NJ. I was in awe of her watercolor painting of sunbathers with umbrellas that was on display at one of our monthly meetings. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Dorrie and took a painting workshop and painted beer bottles – what else! Dorrie has a unique style of painting; her command of colors of loose approach make her a standout. She is a wonderful instructor and a friendly person! Thanks Dorrie.
A few years ago I observed and admired Dorrie’s watercolor paintings online and I was so excited to learn that she was teaching at Paramus Community School. Why wouldn’t I welcome the opportunity to learn from one of the best watercolorists around! Her demonstrations include many subjects and techniques and I have learned so much from them. I have been attending her classes for almost two years now and I look forward to each and every class!
I thought it was a great workshop, and I learned a lot.
Here’s what I especially learned:
1. Using masses of shapes
2. Mixing basic three colors to get other colors for color unity rather than relying on 10 different watercolor tubes
3. the grid
4. using hats and sunglasses
5. not drawing necks!
Thank you and all the best!
I never miss attending Dorrie’s workshops when she’s in New Jersey. She’s experienced, knowledgeable in her field, and her easy-going manner, makes it easy for participants to enjoy a fun learning experience.
Hi Dorrie,
Your instruction was extremely helpful. Never would I have thought of starting with the figures in the foreground, but I now understand that they set the tone and feeling for the rest of the painting.
I realize my touch was on the light side but wasn’t sure where I was being led to in the painting. Layers of glazes do make a lot of sense for city and landscapes.
Thank you again for being so free in giving advice and instruction. I know I’ll being able to put it all to good use.
Dear Dorrie,
I just wanted to thank you for providing me with an opportunity to express myself through watercolor! I have never painted before, and was welcome into the class with open arms!
It’s a fun, relaxing class that I look forward to. I have learned so much, while enjoying myself immensely.
Thank you!
Dorrie’s has a friendly and informal approach to teaching which takes the pressure off, allowing her workshop attendees the freedom to fearlessly explore new and exciting techniques in design and creativity.
I had been looking a long time for a good instructor in watercolor painting. My wife Jane was also interested and she discovered Dorrie Rifkin’s watercolor classes. We immediately signed up. Before working with Dorrie we had not put brush to paper in several decades and we were very apprehensive to start. Dorrie gave us encouragement which helped get us right down to business. We learned about composition, color mixing and the application of light and dark values and many other intangible things. There was never a boring moment in any of her classes and we were always disappointed when it was time to leave. On a more personal note, Dorrie made me a better artist for having met her.
I was lucky to discover Dorrie Rifkin’s website and find paintings that touched my heart. I am an amateur painter and my dream is to meet Dorrie and take one of her classes if she comes to the West coast. I love her style, a mix of architectural detail with free brush strokes and a color palette that reminds me of Monet. I have bought several paintings for my family and have a special place in my new home for one of her watercolors. I believe we buy art that we can live with like a part of our heart, something that speaks to us.
Dorrie’s art work is a treasure.
Dorrie’s work is sensitive and intimate. Her artwork is like an old friend that you cherish and are always happy to see time and again. That’s how we feel about her work that is gracing our home. Always happy to see it.