Direct Portrait Painting: Simplifying with a Limited Palette

This class explores the fundamentals of alla prima portrait painting using a limited palette. Working from a live model, students will learn to simplify color relationships, control value, and develop form directly and efficiently. Emphasis will be placed on brushwork, edge control, and capturing the character of the sitter in one or two sessions. Ideal for painters looking to strengthen their observational skills and achieve a more confident, expressive approach.

Open to all Levels

Color Theory in Oil Painting

This course is an examination of color theory through the practical application of mixing paint on the artist palette. The structure of this course is designed to present the theory of color while helping artists build specific color relationships in the foundational stage of the painting process. Students will negotiate the contradictions between color as theory and its physical realities by working directly with the material of oil paint.

The course will help students to develop their comprehension and control of color wheel organization, made of the three primary subtractive color contrasts- Tone, Hue and Saturation. Study will also include complementary pairs as both opposites and gradients. Mixing scales of color transitions, harmonies and discords. Properties of oil paint; painting mediums, including variations in viscosity, extending or reducing drying time.

We will also study how palette organization translates into pictorial elements of painting through study and analysis of master paintings. How conditions of light, atmosphere, mood, location, time, content and meaning are all extensions of color relationships worked out in the mixing on the palette before the painter applies color to canvas.



Open to students of all skill levels, although prior painting experience is highly recommended.

Open to all Levels

Studio Art Essentials: Painting & Drawing

This class will impart fundamental techniques of both drawing and painting the human figure. Using a model, students will practice essential techniques of drawing, and those looking to to focus on painting techniques will receive individualized guidance from the instructor throughout the class.

Figure Painting/ Saturdays

Explore the rich variety of figure painting methods by looking at the underlying structure of the human form and means of achieving a vivid, varied surface that truly brings the form to life. Explore a rich variety of methods, including brushwork, knife techniques, glazing, and anatomy. Develop a critical eye by deemphasizing distracting details to construct a compelling image.

All levels welcome.

Advanced Abstract Painting

Participants will gain a deeper understanding about abstract painting and be able to develop their own visual vocabulary and concept. Throughout the course, we will discuss abstract art within different artistic movements and experiment with different media. Students will get insightful technical demonstrations and individual feedback as they develop their body of work. Participants will be able to selected their own media ( acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media)

Basic notion about abstract painting required.

World Building in Portrait Painting

In this course, students will work from their individual source material to create a portrait. This course is tailored to the individual regarding materials and personal sensibilities: students are encouraged to make work in whatever style they choose. Through slide presentations, discussions, work periods, group and individual critiques, we will develop the ability to describe the visual world in multiple modes.

All levels are welcome.