This class is open to both beginner students and experienced portrait artists who want to develop a more nuanced facial awareness. Working 3/4 to full scale in water-based clay from a live model, participants will gain an understanding of the structure that evokes feelings and emotions. The course will explore the syntax and notes, including the push and pull of forms, beauty, youth, age, contours, and line, which will be incorporated and studied. The history of the face in artistic and sculptural contexts will also be discussed.

The finished and dried works can be kiln-fired at an added cost.

Open to all Levels

Exploring Pastels

n this class students will learn to use pastels and explore this versatile and exciting medium. General formal artistic qualities such as composition, color theory and tonal values will be addressed, as well properties specific to pastel such as blending, layering, mark making and texture. We will have a model to work from every other week, and on non- model class days students will investigate subjects and themes such as still-life, landscape, portraiture and abstraction while learning the fundamentals of working with pastels. All levels of experience are welcome.

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

Watercolor Techniques

This course is suited for the beginner to moderate level watercolorists. The first part of the course will focus on learning watercolor techniques. These techniques will be learned through instructor demonstrations and exercises. In the following sessions, the instructor will lead students in creating watercolor paintings in a variety of subject matter. With the use of reference photos and imagination, the subject matter will include landscape, portrait, animal, figure, and cityscape paintings. Students may also work on their own projects if they choose to. The goal of this course is for the student to gain a greater understanding of the characteristics of this wonderful medium.

Watercolor Painting

This class is designed to give students the freedom to choose their preferred subject matter, whether it's florals, portraits, landscapes, or any other theme. The instructor will work closely with each student to determine the best approach and strategy to start and complete their paintings. Throughout the creative process, the instructor will provide guidance and demonstrate techniques to help students achieve their desired results. Students will work from their own reference photos. Beginners students will learn fundamental techniques to enhance their watercolor skills.

All skill levels are welcome.

Contemporary Watercolor

In this class students will explore the range of possibilities that watercolor offers for expressive, contemporary painting. Formal qualities such as scale, composition, paint application, contrasting translucency with opacity, and color will be addressed. Content will also be discussed. What makes a painting evocative? Why are we drawn to certain works? Why do we make art? Experimentation will be encouraged by pushing the boundaries of conventional watercolor technique in unexpected directions. An emphasis will be placed on individual artistic growth.

All levels of experience are welcome.