Tabletop Moments Worth Remembering- Tell Your Story in Gouache

April 2 - April 30, 2026

5 weeks, Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Instructor: Brenda Gilliam

Ages 18+

In this class you will become familiar with the versatility of painting with an opaque watercolor - gouache. You will create a visual image of your table setting/meal that relates to a special moment that brought you joy and warmth - using the elements of design and color to appeal to the senses. The emphasis will be on pattern/shape repetition, color, composition - to help tell the story - not so much for realism. Students will learn the adaptability/versatility of this medium - translucent, opaque, layered, etc.

Students should bring an image of a tabletop/meal that evokes a fond memory - special moments shared with people you love, a favorite meal at home or at a restaurant, a meal in solitude, a quick snack at a cafe - something familiar and comforting. This class will focus less on perfection and more on the feeling portrayed - warmth, connection, nostalgia, and the beauty of being together - by telling your story with the elements on your table.

If there is time, class can do two separate paintings, or two versions the same table top.

Source images must be a birds-eye-view over top of the setting, this adds interest and versatility to the painting - the piece can be taken in more directions, when the shapes/patterns/shadows are more obvious and can be manipulated to portray realistically or more abstract. Using all the materials, principles/elements of design, to tell their visual story.

See material list for required supplies, some will be provided by Brenda and the Guild.

Member $150 | Non-member $200

If you must cancel, please email (info@stlouisartistsguild.org) or call STLAG. A refund will be given only if cancellation occurs seven days prior to the first day of class. No exceptions. Refunds will be processed minus a $25 withdrawal fee per course registration.

St. Louis Artists Guild is committed to providing educational experiences to as many people as possible. We are pleased to offer sliding-scale scholarships to make classes and workshops more accessible to our community, adults & children. If you are interested in scholarship information please contact Kathryn Nahorski, Membership and Development Director, at knahorski@stlouisartistsguild.org