Art and Literature   

This beginner level course will cover painting various subjects and themes in acrylics such as still life, landscape, floral, seascape, and many more. Students will learn skills such as loose brushstrokes, underpainting, layering, composition basics and mixing a strong color palette — all skills which they will be able to add to their own painting practice. Students will also learn to understand color values and temperature and to create depth and dimension in their acrylic paintings. Lessons on color mixing, compositional fundamentals and brush techniques will be covered.

 

Online courses require an internet connection and the ability to interact both through audio and video using either a web cam/microphone, speakers/headset using a computer or via a mobile phone connection. Depending upon the class, students will need to download either Zoom or Microsoft Teams apps to attend and participate in class sessions. There is no additional cost for these appl

Advanced photography builds on the basic understanding of how to create a satisfactory image, both digital and film. Expanding beyond simple camera functions like light and exposure, the advanced course will dive into more complex concepts and creative methods. While there are many areas to explore in the quest for high-quality images, the course will include subjects like aspect ratios, high dynamic range images, tonal range, visual "weight", self-critique of images, silhouette imaging, panning, B&W landscapes, advanced composition concept, the use of histograms...and many more. The course will include ungraded "assignments", results of which will be shared with the class and critiqued.

Students will explore the essays in David McCullough's "Brave Companions: Portraits in History." This book is a collection of essays with biographical sketches of fascinating men and women whose purpose and determination had a profound impact. Following weekly reading assignments, students will discuss the essays and explore the influence of these historical figures. Students will need to bring a copy of the book to class; hardcover, paperback or eBook are all acceptable.

Did you know that when you are completely immersed in your current action, you are meditating? Creating art is an example of an activity that teaches you how to focus on, and live in, the moment. Join us to experience the joy of creating amazing art with the humble but versatile medium of colored pencils. Learn simple tips, tricks and techniques for creating rich and vibrant artwork, which can be applied to all subjects including florals, still-life, landscapes, portraits, abstracts and more. No drawing experience or expertise necessary. Instruction will be tailored to suit each individual's skill level.

Draw with confidence. Learn to see differently and gain skills quickly while developing your line, form and perspective techniques. Exercises include contour drawing, value studies and creating depth. We will be working with pencil and using the season as our inspiration. All levels welcome!

Try your hand at a spontaneous medium. Develop basic watercolor painting skills in a relaxed environment. Study composition, color mixing and color relationships. Through demonstrations and experimentation, you will create a variety of artwork from abstract to landscape. We will be using the seasons as our inspiration. All levels welcome!

In this beginner-friendly class, students will learn how to simplify floral and botanical shapes, apply color theory concepts and create floral and garden paintings that look vibrant, fresh and joyful. Students will paint several floral compositions and garden scenes and may include pollinators such as bees, butterflies, etc. Students will learn skills to paint with acrylics using blood-loose brushstrokes, underpainting and layering, composition basics and mixing a strong color palette. These tips, techniques and art skills will add to a student's painting practice. Additionally, students will understand color values and temperatures and to create depth and dimension in their floral garden paintings.

 

For many, the world of black and white photography is another world. The rarified world of masters like Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange and Imogen Cunningham. A time past, a time of film, not digital capture. Yes, another world, but not one out of reach for any photographer using any camera. Come explore the potential of black and white for your own photography. Gain inspiration by discussing the work of different masters in each class. Photograph weekly assignments in color, converting to black and white, and posting on Flickr.com for feedback. This class is hybrid, meeting on Zoom with one session in person on location for a photography shoot. For all skill levels using phones to mirrorless cameras.

This course introduces students to basic photographic principles and the use of cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. There will also be a brief overview of the history of photography and the development of cameras and lenses over the last century. To better understand how cameras turn light into images there will be simple explanations and comparisons of how film cameras and digital cameras work. Discussions will include basic composition concepts to enhance images. The course will conclude with information on image file handle and simple image manipulation with basic photo editing tools. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in a fun weekly photo assignment involving shooting a common theme and critiquing the results.

Increasingly arranging what is in front of your lens, whether man-made or natural objects, makes the best, most memorable photographs. Doing so takes your photography into a whole new and very current realm. Yet ironically arranging, like photography itself, is an art. It takes great imagination and is very challenging. There are professional photostylists, even specialized food photostylists. Explore the principles of styling, learn the tricks and techniques, part of photography almost never taught. Practice with weekly assignments. Class sessions will be live on Zoom; assignments will be posted on Flickr.com for asynchronous sharing and feedback plus sharing live.