The joy of painting abstract art begins with the process of exploring, “playing” and freeing your mind from representational tendencies. With a few easy techniques using shapes, contrast, color, texture and more, you will discover an array of possibilities to design and intuitively create artworks with structure and a voice of their own. If you like the works of Robert Motherwell, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, this class is for you. In addition, we will also consider and learn why even to this day artists like these are still very important and relevant in the art world. Min. 3 / Max. 8 students. Download materials list here.

Art lovers, explore your creative side in this contemporary beginner acrylic painting class. Learn a few easy painting techniques, composition and color and how to use them effectively. Very different from “Traditional painting” this class is very loose and geared to learn to create works that are not intended for accuracy but for an emotional punch. We will discuss artists like Richard Diebenkorn (see image), Frank Auerbach, Leon Gottlieb and their works. Please be advised, this class might discuss paintings that contain imagery of the nude body. Download materials list here.

Learn the fundamentals of exploring and playing with watercolors. Students will watch informative demonstrations, learn how to set up a painting from start to finish, and work from still life. Mo will also walk students through drawing challenges and show you how to check for accuracy before turning your work into a watercolor. Download materials list here.

Learn how to dispel the myths and mysteries of pastel. This course will teach you how to design and plan your painting, visualizing shapes of light and shadow. Learn a variety of block-in techniques including watercolor, charcoal and the direct use of pastel. We will also learn how to vary strokes, render texture and reflections, and how to maintain freshness and vibrancy throughout the painting. Color and form interpretation from photographs will also be taught. The instructor’s demonstration and specific individual instruction will provide the student the understanding to become a confident pastelist. Download materials list here.

Students wishing to work in Acrylic, Watercolor or Pastel are welcome. The basics of painting including: color mixing, paint application, drawing, and composition, will be addressed in this course. Subject matter will include landscape, still life, and portraiture. Students are encouraged to express creativity and personal vision. Min. 3 / Max. 9 students. Download material list here.

This class will introduce students to some of the basics of creating handmade architectural drawings. Students will learn about the principles and elements of design, perspective, how to work with the tools and the importance of observation. Download materials list here.

Learn to draw the human figure using a variety of media including charcoal, pastels, ink, and pencil. Hone or find your ability to "see" through an artist's eye working with a new live model each week. Personal growth and self-expression are developed through this beginner-friendly series of classes focused on lessons such as gesture, contour, and proportion. Please be advised: live nude art models are the focus of this drawing class. Download materials list here.

Experience an awareness of the necessary components needed to draw a successful three-dimensional, representational drawing using graphite, pen and ink, charcoal and/or pastels. Generate confidence in your drawing by having exciting interactive creative exercises each week. Working from still life, exploring the landscape, the human figure and capturing intriguing composition at all levels of experience. Empower your abilities to create by working alongside others encountering the same discoveries. Bring a sketchbook and draw with us! Min. 3 / Max. 10 students. Download materials list here.

The intent of this class is to give the student a sound understanding of how creating lifelike and hyperrealistic drawings is done by using basic methods and theory. We will learn about the difference between Photorealism and Hyperrealism, the different processes of transferring images from photographs, how to use and apply the materials, techniques to render realistic forms, and how to create textures like hair and skin with a layering approach. We will cover tonal value relationship, drawing details and different kinds of contrast to achieve a balanced visual interest. Download materials list here.

This class is about learning the importance of knowing and understanding the difference between looking and observing to create and draw with great accuracy. Students will learn some techniques absolutely necessary to observe and draw with almost perfect accuracy. Students will learn about the importance of understanding their subject and how to perceive it; how to make the fundamental mental shift vital to unleash their creative side; how to stay in creative mode, connected and fully engaged with their subject. Students will also learn about the importance of measuring and how to do it. Download materials list here.

A Mid-Century inspired dynamic 4 week collage and assemblage Boot Camp which combines modern design with natural elements, neutral palettes and at times assigned color schemes. Each week students (beginner to advanced) will be challenged to create mixed media projects which incorporate natural materials, fibers, textiles, paint, inks and dry media. A perfect Mini series for students who like variety and like to experiment with organic materials and quirky applications of art products. Group critiques will be included in each class. Students will receive an email before the class series begins indicating which supplies will be needed for the session. Students can bring their lunch to class. Download materials list here.

Instructor: C. Dianne Zweig
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Tuition: $145 Non-Members / $130.50 Members

4 Tuesdays, January 8 - January 29, 2019, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Class FULL / join waiting list

Learn how to use your iPhone camera to take high quality photos and how to edit them with some of the best photo apps into stunning works of art! The instructor will teach you how to control your exposure by learning about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. You will also discover fun filters, textures, and apps that will help bring out your creativity. Students are required to have an iPhone 5/5S or later or an iPad. Photo apps will cost between $2 and $4.99 to download.

Do you have a camera (DSLR, Point & Shoot &/or Mirrorless) that is still in the box or you tried using it a few times and it ended up in the closet? Well, it’s time to blow off the dust! You will learn tips on photo composition and what the buttons do on your camera. You will get better quality images by learning about shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Discover simple editing techniques for the best exposure and how to pick out the most successful photos in your collection.

We live in a technological age. In order for seniors to stay connected with their children and grandchildren, they need to be able to use social media, smartphones, and iPads to keep up. In this fun and easy beginner class taught by professional photographer Andy Mars, you will learn how to use iPad/iPhone cameras to take high-quality photos and learn how to edit them with some of the best photo apps to turn your photos into stunning works of art! You will then learn how to share your photos via email, text, and social media. You will discover how to control your exposure using shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Experiment with fun filters and textures that will wow your friends and family! Mini iPads will be available for use in class or you can use your own iPhone 5/5S or later and/or iPad. Small class setting (max. 6 students) with individual attention to each student.

In this one day workshop, participants will explore the fascinating technique of needle felting and create a miniature look-alike of their four legged animal friend. First, students will learn how to construct a proportional wire "skeleton". Then, using a special barbed needle they will apply wool and sculpt a firm felted figure in the desired pose. Bring a picture of your pet as a reference.

Instructor: Elena Gibson
Tuition: $45 Non-Members / $40.50 Members
Materials fee: $20 payable to instructor

Sunday, March 31, 2019, 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM

Learn the design principles used by professional decorators! This interactive class discusses space planning, furniture placement, color selection, furniture style and construction, lighting and accessories.

Session 1: Acquire the skill to measure and draw a floor plan to scale. Learn about ideal dimensions for furniture placement.
Session 2: We'll discuss walls, trim, floors and window treatments and how to consider them in your color scheme. What is your style? Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Industrial, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Traditional, Transitional...
Session 3: Donna explains the importance of lighting, patterns and textures and how to choose fabrics and fibers, leather, woods, veneers, and other materials. Be a designer and put together a room with examples of textiles and color samples.
Session 4: Tips and tricks on adding personality to your living space with accessories.

Instructor: Donna Miller
Level: All
Tuition: $120 Non-Members / $108 Members
Materials Fee: An optional step by step workbook to create successful, individual and beautiful rooms is available to participants for $20 (payable to instructor).

Thursdays, April 4-25, 2019, 9:30 AM -11:30 PM