May I suggest WINTERS SOLITUDE or WINTERS GRACE? Both have a limited palette, and while they are simpler then others, they will leave the artist pleased, having used several skills.

I think no mountain is a great idea! And so is a limited palette! Less colors means less complication, setup, cleanup, dithering around with mixing, etc…

I have a list on “standby” of some paintings that look easier to me that I could paint quickly or with a friend that happens to join me for their first time. My general preferences are:
1) no mountains
2) not too much moving water or “lay of the land” grassy hilly textured areas
3) classic evergreens are good, because even if they aren’t perfect they’re not too hard to get to an “ok” level
4) still water with simple reflections are good too
5) I also like “easier” clouds. For me the fan brush clouds took quite a few paintings to get the hang of, and of course I’m still learning. But the “tapped in” clouds with the big brushes or the “boom/spider arm” clouds with the fan brush are way easier. If the sky looks good, people will be feeling great for most of the rest of the painting!

three simple ones that I like:

Colors of Nature S15E2
Peaceful Haven S13E7
In the Stillness of Morning S26E1

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Mgiese84 Not a bad choice you are thinking about, that was painitng in my 2nd or 3rd class. (3 hours or so) Personally I was not satisfied with my creation as I did not know what I am painting till the end and why I do things this way. (totally my personal issue here). I would suggest Ocean Sunrise it is simplest and very satisfying and I think it can be done in 2 hours for beginners.

    Certainly look forward to hearing how the class goes. Would love to see some photos if you are able.

    good luck!!!

      4 days later

      Toadi absolutely if you want. Once I know more specifics I'll let you know

          7 days later

          And I think you should go with maybe “golden rays of sunlight” or maybe “gray winter” but only because it being a two hour class and I would go with the size of 16 x 20 because you can usually get those pretty affordable I don’t know how many people you’re teaching. Best of luck though.

          Matt, it would be wonderful if you could comment after the event, or even write an article about it (pics included?!). We would all want to know how such is organized and done.
          What do you say?!

            @Voy Kay#2322 I will definitely comment after the event. I think an article is a great idea! It'll definitely be interesting 😀

            Mgiese84 , so if I come to paint, can I bring my own brushes and Mom to watch too. If she comes, does it cost another $55 or is it free for her to sit and wait so we can go shopping after.,,,LOL

              Toadi you can definitely bring your own brushes if you would like. They will supply the canvas, paint, and of course myself :-)

              And your mom could just come and wait without paying no problem.

                8 days later

                Mgiese84 , well my world has gone to poopoo. My MIL is in hospice care at a nursing home and with my husband's traumatic brain injury I have to take care of everything it seems although he has a 30 year old daughter .... my life is on hold....if something happens quick I will try to sign up....if not, I sure hope you have another one sometime. I will keep you posted, thanks bunches!!

                  Toadi No problem. Take care. And if the first one goes over well we will definitely do another one. The goal is one per month.