Instructor: Bill Lewis

Bill Lewis
 Biography: Bill Lewis is a professional artist and retired art instructor with over forty years of experience in the public and community education systems in Oregon and Washington.

He teaches drawing, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, abstract, non-objective painting, design as well as craft classes in metal tooling, stained glass, mixed-media collage, print-making, leather tooling, jewelry, macramé, ceramics, and sculpture.

In addition to his classes for COCC, he also teaches at several retirement facilities in Bend and provides private instruction.

Classes by this instructor


Watercolor Simplified 1

Dive into the joy of watercolor! No stress, just color and flow! In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you'll learn simple techniques to create three small watercolor paintings, using ink to accent and define your shapes. With easy, step-by-step instruction, you'll explore how water and pigment dance together to create beautiful effects. Watercolor Simplified is part of a series that builds on each class's techniques and experience, it's best to take them in order, but you're welcome to jump in anywhere along the way!
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Saturday, January 30, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Saturday, February 27, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Watercolor Simplified 2

Discover more watercolor techniques in the second class to create texture and depth in your paintings using salt, plastic wrap, spray bottles and masking fluid. No experience is required for the two projects. Watercolor Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required. All materials are provided.
Friday, February 5, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Friday, March 5, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 1

Have fun learning how to draw, even if you think you can't! This relaxed, creative class breaks drawing down into easy steps using simple geometric shapes that you'll learn to soften, round and transform into just about anything. Discover how drawing helps you see the world differently, because it's the foundation of all fine art. You'll create a technique sheet and a finished drawing, with all materials provided. No experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a sense of play!
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 2

Building on the information in Drawing: Beginning Simplified 1, you will explore the importance of value (shading) which provides depth and perspective on a two-dimensional surface. Value is one of the main elements in drawing and painting, and adding charcoal makes it exciting. The projects include a pencil drawing and a charcoal drawing. Materials are included. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.
Friday, February 19, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Design Simplified: Tri-Tangles

Create a masterpiece by using a fun, stress-free way to create beautiful art. Using tri-tangles, dots, lines, curves, orbs and many other shapes, you personalize patterns within a specific form to create delightful, artistic surprises. First, you will experiment with a three-by-five paper tile using patterns or doodles. Your second tangle will be larger in a shape you choose provided from templates which include animals, buildings, shapes and scenery. This relaxing technique will change a simple shape into an intricate and amazing piece of unique art. No experience is required. All materials are supplied.
Saturday, March 13, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend

Watercolor: Beyond Traditional Landscapes

Take your watercolor landscapes beyond the expected and explore exciting mixed-media techniques that bring depth, texture and a touch of magic to your work. Designed for experienced watercolor artists, this class introduces innovative materials such as handmade inks and paints, crackle paste, watercolor ground and gel beads to create expressive and imaginative interpretations of nature. All materials are provided.
Friday, March 19, 2027 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Advanced Watercolor: Beyond Traditional Landscapes

Take your watercolor landscapes beyond the expected and explore exciting mixed-media techniques that bring depth, texture and a touch of magic to your work. Designed for experienced watercolor artists, this class introduces innovative materials such as handmade inks and paints, crackle paste, watercolor ground and gel beads to create expressive and imaginative interpretations of nature. All materials are provided.
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Contemporary Collage: Visual Storytelling

Explore the art of personal expression through contemporary collage and mixed-media design. In this creative, hands-on class, you'll use images, textures, found objects and meaningful materials to create artwork that reflects your unique perspective and experiences. Learn how contemporary artists use visual storytelling to communicate ideas, emotions and commentary on the world around us. Bring photographs, papers, mementos or other items that inspire your vision, and transform them into a compelling work of art. Additional materials will be provided, and all experience levels are welcome.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PST | Redmond