The Bermuda Society of Arts will host two workshops this week with art educator William (Bill) Rogers.

The first, 'Light in the Watercolour Landscape' starts at 10 a.m. this morning, while the second 'Introduction to Watercolour Portraiture' takes place on Thursday from 5.30 p.m. at the City Hall Gallery.

Mr. Rogers and students will meet at the gallery to paint from photos that have been taken with the appropriate light direction and shadow necessary to achieve a dynamic painting. Some of the topics covered will include composition/design, colour and the transparent application of watercolour.

The effect of light is the most defining part of a landscape painting that gives it authenticity; this is mainly achieved with correct values and colour temperature.

'Introduction to Watercolour Portraiture' is a stand-alone watercolour workshop, which will focus on the simplification of the landscape into a paintable subject, with an emphasis on light.

Mr. Rogers will begin with a demonstration followed by students working on their own paintings with one on one instruction and help where required. Emphasis will be on achieving convincing light and shadow effects, lively colour mixing and developing a convincing portrait painting.

At the end of both workshops there will be a constructive critique of the students work. Mr. Rogers is an Elected Member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and is currently Atlantic Regional Director. He is also a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and the Société Canadienne de l'Aquarelle.

He has extensive teaching experience and now teaches art part time at St Francis Xavier University, in addition to teaching many workshops in Canada and the US.

He paints the model from life at least once a week as well as landscapes and other subjects.

His work is featured in books and can be found in many public and private collections including the Nova Scotia Art Bank, St Francis Xavier University, and Cape Breton University.

He currently exhibits his work at a number of galleries in Nova Scotia and Maine.

To see more of his work go to www.gapacc.ns.ca/williamrogers.

For more information and cost ring 292-3824.