Intermediate Watercolor Instructor

duCret Center of art is seeking a passionate and practicing professional artist to teach an Intermediate Watercolor class to adult students of fine arts & illustration in our Spring Semester.

About duCret Center of Art:

Located in the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District of Plainfield, NJ, duCret Center of Art has been a vibrant creative institution since its founding in 1926 by artist Marjorie Van Emburgh. For nearly a century, duCret has provided a space where creativity, collaboration, and exploration thrive. As an inclusive community arts resource center, we welcome artists of all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals, and offer a dynamic, studio-based environment that nurtures expression, technical skill, and artistic growth. Our instructors are working professional artists who are passionate about teaching and mentoring. At duCret, we champion meaningful dialogue around creativity, culture, and the arts, and serve as a central hub for creatives to learn, develop, innovate, and showcase their work. We are deeply committed to preserving traditional artistic practices while inspiring contemporary approaches, making duCret a cornerstone for artistic excellence and community connection.

About the role:

This is an instructional position ideal for a working, exhibiting artist with a strong studio practice and a commitment to mentorship and skill-based instruction. Our students are seeking artistic growth and look to instructors who can provide structured technical guidance, thoughtful critique, and insight into professional art practice.

Classes at duCret are studio-based and focused on building strong observational skills, technical control, and conceptual understanding. While expression and personal style are encouraged, instruction, especially at the intermediate level, should remain rooted in strong representational foundations, including value, color, composition, and accurate observation.

This course is designed for students who already have foundational watercolor experience and are seeking more advanced technical training, deeper observational skills, and guided development of their personal voice within representational and expressive frameworks using watercolor as their medium.

This class would start during our Spring Semester in April

Class Structure & Schedule:

• Classes run 6, 8, or occasionally 10 weeks, depending on curriculum and enrollment.
• Classes have a duration of up to 2.5 hours per class meeting, once a week.
• Classes run based on sufficient student enrollment
• Evening availability is required (typically between 6:30–9:00 PM)
• Weekend availability is strongly preferred (typically 10:00 AM–12:30 PM)
• Our small class sizes create an environment where students receive consistent, personalized guidance and the opportunity for deeper technical development.
• Our adult students bring a wide range of goals, ranging from taking up a new hobby to deepening personal practice to building the skills and portfolios needed for professional art careers.

• ResponsibilitiesTeach intermediate-level watercolor techniques and concepts grounded in strong observational and representational skills
• Develop structured lesson plans that build technical proficiency in the medium, visual understanding, and confidence
• Provide critical, supportive feedback and individualized guidance
• Foster a studio culture of professionalism, curiosity, and artistic rigor
• Encourage both technical development and thoughtful personal exploration
• Support students in building sustainable artistic practices and visual problem-solving skills
• Collaborate with duCret staff to align courses with broader curricular goals

• QualificationsActive professional art practice with a strong portfolio of watercolor work
• Demonstrated exhibition history (solo and/or group exhibitions, juried shows, galleries, museums, or comparable venues)
• Commitment to teaching, mentorship, and skill-based instruction
• Prior teaching experience is encouraged, especially in art centers, or studio-based programs, but extensive teaching experience is not required
• Reliable, communicative, and collaborative
• Ability to teach students with varying levels of experience within an intermediate framework

Applicants must submit:

• Resume
• Portfolio (website or PDF)
• Artist CV highlighting exhibitions, publications, residencies, or relevant professional experience

Compensation

• $30 per hour

Additional Opportunities

Artists with proposals for specialized watercolor classes, thematic workshops, or technique-focused courses are encouraged to submit course ideas for consideration.

To request a class or workshop proposal form and to apply for the above mentioned position, please send all required information to joe.coccia@ducretarts.org

Learn more about us at ducretarts.org