Drawing & Painting   

Explore using a combination of traditional drawing techniques with that of digital imaging software to create original full-color digital work. Students will first create their illustrations using ink-on-paper, finished drawings will then be digitally scanned, and manipulated and colored utilizing Photoshop to create digital drawings. Layering drawn imagery with photography will also be explored. Prerequisites: Working knowledge of computers is essential, prior drawing experience is helpful but not required.  

Have you always wanted to draw? Get a step-by-step, hands-on guided tour of line drawing with charcoal and pencil—all supplies provided! Grasp an understanding of observational drawing, translating what the eye sees on to the page, as well as the design and composition principles that lie beneath all art: line, color, texture, and values. Let this non-judgmental introductory class be the stepping-stone to future art classes. Includes materials; please bring a bag lunch.

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop skills to render three-dimensional objects - using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Bring an 18 by 24-inch drawing pad, a selection of graphite pencils, and a eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class.

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop skills to render three-dimensional objects - using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Bring an 18 by 24-inch drawing pad, a selection of graphite pencils, and a eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class.

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop skills to render three-dimensional objects - using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Bring an 18 by 24-inch drawing pad, a selection of graphite pencils, and a eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class.

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop skills to render three-dimensional objects - using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Bring an 18 by 24-inch drawing pad, a selection of graphite pencils, and a eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class.

This workshop offers a non-traditional, fresh approach to an old traditional medium. Learn how to create vivid pastel paintings by exploring basic techniques and a variety of underpainting formulas. Students will learn the versatility of using soft pastels by pushing the medium using various art mediums, tools, and supports. Prerequisite: Some drawing experience is helpful. Includes some materials; see link below or website for a materials list.

Studio Time is for artists who want to explore a more self-directed practice—perhaps push themselves in a new direction, or work out ideas through sketching and concept development in this open studio environment. Artists will be limited to working in 2-D media—drawing, painting (watercolor, acrylic, or oil) and mixed media—but ideas for working in other media can be discussed. Instruction will be tailored to each individual student, with as much feedback as desired. The instructor will help students get from idea to completion, bridge skill and concept, (re)discover individual creative interests, or recover from artist’s block. Prerequisite: Previous art-making experience.  Bring a blank canvas, sketch-pad, a work in progress, images or a sample of finished work, and supplies you currently use to the first class; suggestions for additional materials will be discussed at that time.

This course will bring us into the inner world of plants, flowers, and seeds. All living plants share characteristic growth patterns and have exquisite designs underlying their forms. We will use a sketchbook to do botanical studies and complete drawings of a dynamic floral arrangement. Towards week 6 students will get a chance to expand their ideas and observations into a botanical series. Previous drawing experience in helpful. See website for materials list.

Cartooning, or visual storytelling, is more than just an enjoyable indulgence of the imagination; it speaks to interests such as editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, comic strips, comic books, and storyboarding. Its various forms combine caricature, figure drawing, and illustration through the medium of ink and watercolor on paper. Instruction will focus on character development, illusions of movement, sequential staging, setting management, inking, and coloring―all aimed towards the refinement of narratives and ideas. Bring a 9 by 12-inch sketchbook and a sharpened pencil to the first class.

This multi-level class is for beginners with some drawing background or for experienced student-artists who would like to refresh their drawing skills or learn about different drawing styles and materials. Students will move beyond using drawing merely to render objects accurately and will come to view drawing as a challenging vehicle for expression of both form and narrative. Bring a sketchbook or drawing pad (size 11 by 14 or 18 by 24-inches) and a selection of pencils and an eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class. Prerequisite: Basic Drawing or equivalent experience.

This oil painting class will help students find ways to express their connection to the landscape in expressive visual terms. Working with a limited pallet, students will focus on simplifying shapes, examine the importance of underpainting, and explore color relationships. The course will be studio based with students working from reference images; however, the last class will be held off site for Plein Air painting. Previous drawing or painting experience recommended but not required. Please see website for details and a list of suggested materials.

This drawing course offers a combination of traditional and alternative approaches to the body in art. Students will explore how to draw the gesture clearly and breaking down forms that make up the human body into basic volumes and will explore various interpretations of the human form, from representation to abstraction. To develop their personal style, students will work from live models and personal images, using a variety of drawing materials. Bring an 18 by 24-inch newsprint pad, a selection of pencils and an eraser to the first class; additional materials will be discussed at that time. Prerequisite: Previous drawing experience. Model fees are included; see website for a materials list.

Designed for beginners or for those that have minimal painting experience. Oil paints—known for their flexibility, slower drying and working time, opacity as well as transparency, and depth of color—offer the painter a variety of application methods from thin glazes to thick impasto painting. Students will learn the basics of working in the medium while exploring a variety of techniques (glazing, layering, alla prima, and others) and foundations as they acquaint themselves with oil painting. Prior drawing and painting experience helpful but not required. A supply list will be handed out and discussed at the first class; students are welcome to bring any oil painting supplies they have on-hand (paints, brushes, etc.) to review with the instructor.

Designed for beginners or for those that have minimal painting experience. Oil paints—known for their flexibility, slower drying and working time, opacity as well as transparency, and depth of color—offer the painter a variety of application methods from thin glazes to thick impasto painting. Students will learn the basics of working in the medium while exploring a variety of techniques (glazing, layering, alla prima, and others) and foundations as they acquaint themselves with oil painting. Prior drawing and painting experience helpful but not required. A supply list will be handed out and discussed at the first class; students are welcome to bring any oil painting supplies they have on-hand (paints, brushes, etc.) to review with the instructor.

An ideal class for the beginning student who wants a structured approach to painting with acrylic paints. The all-levels class will cover color mixing, paint application, selection and use of brushes, and other painting tools, as well as painting composition for the beginning student. Students with prior experience can work independently with guidance from the instructor. A limited color palette is encouraged to learn how to mix a variety of colors. See link below or website for materials list.  There are no prerequisites; however, Basic Drawing is recommended. 

An ideal class for the beginning student who wants a structured approach to painting with acrylic paints. The all-levels class will cover color mixing, paint application, selection and use of brushes, and other painting tools, as well as painting composition for the beginning student. Students with prior experience can work independently with guidance from the instructor. A limited color palette is encouraged to learn how to mix a variety of colors. See link below or website for materials list.  There are no prerequisites; however, Basic Drawing is recommended. 

An ideal class for the beginning student who wants a structured approach to painting with acrylic paints. The all-levels class will cover color mixing, paint application, selection and use of brushes, and other painting tools, as well as painting composition for the beginning student. Students with prior experience can work independently with guidance from the instructor. A limited color palette is encouraged to learn how to mix a variety of colors. See link below or website for materials list.  There are no prerequisites; however, Basic Drawing is recommended. 

In this non-traditional contemporary approach to watercolor painting, students will create work that reflects feelings, experiences, and heavily abstracted symbols drawn from their own personal lives. Traditional and nontraditional watercolor techniques will be covered and use of other materials with an emphasis on compositions, color theory, and supportive creative exploration. Students should be comfortable with the unique nature of watercolor and be willing to let that guide them through visual experiences of self-discovery and self-expression. Jungian concepts regarding symbolism and creativity will be introduced. Some watercolor or visual experience is preferred, but not required. Please see link below for materials list.

This class is for both the first-time painters, as well as the student who would like to learn more about the various approaches to painting in this very direct waterbased medium. Demonstrations will be given on how to paint wet-on-wet washes, dry-on-wet washes, and with a dry brush. Color theory as it relates to watercolor will be discussed. Intermediate level students, while developing an independent vision, will learn ways to improve their painting skills through advanced demonstration, practice, and critique. See link below or website for materials list.

This class is for both the first-time painters, as well as the student who would like to learn more about the various approaches to painting in this very direct waterbased medium. Demonstrations will be given on how to paint wet-on-wet washes, dry-on-wet washes, and with a dry brush. Color theory as it relates to watercolor will be discussed. Intermediate level students, while developing an independent vision, will learn ways to improve their painting skills through advanced demonstration, practice, and critique. See link below or website for materials list.