Portait Painting

In this class, we will develop rendering skills to depict the human head and figure, caricature and expression, and the ability to elaborate, expand, and fictionalize sitters. The workshop will introduce practical information about the fundamentals of painting: shape, tone, edge, composition, color, line perspective, and substance. Through slide presentations, discussions, work periods, group and individual critiques, we will develop the ability to describe the visual world in multiple modes.

This workshop is tailored to the individual regarding materials and personal sensibilities: students are encouraged to make work in whatever style they choose.

Open to all levels.

Direct Portrait Painting: Simplifying with a Limited Palette

Dive into studio landscape painting and learn how to transform photo references and sketches into fully realized paintings. Rather than copying the image, students learn to interpret and restructure the landscape using clear value relationships, simplified shapes, and strong compositional decisions.

Each class includes live demonstration and individual feedback as students develop their work over the course of the semester. Both new and returning students are welcome.

All levels welcome, some drawing experience preferred.

From Figures to Abstraction

This class will look at and analyze how to go from the real world of observation into abstraction using some simple exercises.

Starting with basic drawing and working into painting ( acrylics preferred) we will also explore materials and their unique possibilities to add to the project.

Taking into account color and composition we will work to produce original works while maintaining a solid conceptual basis for the work.

Drawing and Painting the Portrait With an Element of Composition

This course offers a clear and supportive approach to drawing and painting the portrait. Students will learn to construct the head using a strong structural foundation, beginning with large shapes and gradually developing smaller forms and details. Key concepts include proportion, comparative measurement, and approaches such as the Loomis method to improve accuracy and achieve a convincing likeness. As the course progresses, we will focus on individual facial features and how they work together as a whole. Special emphasis will be placed on light and shadow, helping students understand form, volume, and subtle transitions. Students may choose to draw or paint, working from a live model in a sustained pose held over four weeks, allowing for a deeper and more rewarding study.

All levels are welcome. A variety of materials may be used, including pencil, charcoal, oil, watercolor, and pastel.

All levels are welcome.

Painting: The Essential Elements

Explore your potential as you handle the material of oil paint. Learn to stretch canvases, prepare surfaces, and clean brushes correctly. Become acquainted with the language of painting through different approaches to working from life. Historical examples will be presented. It is often said that painting is drawing with color. But this is not the same thing as drawing and color. Color will be presented as a way of drawing, of putting together a visual statement in paint.

Open to all Levels

Drawing the Nude

Working from a live model, students will create images based on observation, intuition and artistic vision. Anatomy, structure and use of materials will be discussed to help and guide students through the process of creating their own work.

Any levels and materials are welcome.