For those who enjoy both nature and painting, we have combined the two in our newest plein air watercolor class. Students will enjoy painting from the beautiful landscape surrounding the Farmington Valley Arts Center. Our final class will be held at the rose gardens in Elizabeth Park. Mo, an experienced watercolor plein air painter, will walk students through a painting from start to finish. We will discuss the importance of observing from life, learn about setting up a composition, watercolor application, paint mixing and finally painting critiques. Download materials list here.

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. Download materials list here.

From still lives to photography, learn how to use the world around you to compose a beautiful painting. With the traditional medium of oil paint, this class will begin with still life observation. The first 3 classes will be dedicated to producing a completed painting (or two) from the provided still life. We will focus on dynamic compositions, color and application of paints. The last 3 weeks will be left up to the artist if they are interested in working from photographs or continuing from life. Either way, artists will meet their paintings with vigor and excitement. There is lots to discover about the rhythm of painting!
With a mixture of one-on-one time, class discussions, and readings, everyone will leave with a renewed sense of what motivates them to be an artist. This painting class welcomes all levels interested in expanding their painting practice or looking for new inspiration. 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.

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. 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.

Learn about the power of observation and how to draw. In this class, you will learn a fundamental technique to draw accurately as well as how to observe and recognize the world around in a creative way using your right side of the brain. If you are a beginner but serious about learning how to draw, this class is for you. Additionally, you will also learn the process and technique to develop quick sketches from life. Download materials list here.

Come experience the rewarding process of working with clay and creating unique pieces! Beginner students will learn the fundamentals like handbuilding techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. Advanced students explore more complex forms, both functional and sculptural. Applied textures, colored slips, and glazing applications will be demonstrated as well.

Looking for something new and fun to do on a Friday night with friends or a significant other? Always wanted to try your hand at clay, but without the commitment of an 8-week class? Then our Friday night clay session is for you. Come play with clay for two hours, learning basic handbuilding techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Bring a bottle of wine, some snacks, and get creative!

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.

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.