Adult Classes and Workshops
If you have a credit from a Winter or Fall 2020 class, please contact Amanda Monroe at amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org to receive your discount code before registering online.
- Sunday
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- N/A
- Painting and Drawing
- Painting and drawing
The Evolution of Painting (Online): Society Portraits and the Ashcan School
Watch the recreation of a master painting from start to finish. Join artist Paul DuSold and explore how and why great paintings affect us emotionally and spiritually!
In this series, Paul will copy paintings by John Singer Sargent, Cecilia Beaux, Robert Henri and George Bellows. These artists, (all connected in some way to Philadelphia), painted during the late 19th and early 20th century. Beaux and Sargent represented the greatest of American society portrait painting. Henri and Bellows, were part of a group of artists in what came to be known as the Ashcan school, and painted portraits of the tenement dwellers of New York City. The works of these artists present a fascinating comparison in the rich evolution of oil painting!
Viewers will see how the qualities of color, shape, texture, light and space engage the imagination as a painting transitions from a blank canvas to a finished masterpiece. Paul describes every step of his experience walking in the footsteps of the artist who created the original. By seeing the painting develop, the viewer experiences the painting with much greater understanding! Context of social and aesthetic history will also be discussed.
Participants are allowed to ask questions at the end of each session.
Spring 2A | Magic in Watercolor (Online)
This watercolor class will enrich those looking for inspiration and insights into new ways of thinking and exploring watercolor. Step by step demonstrations and easy to learn methods will appeal to beginners as well as more advanced artists. Sharpen your observation skills, color and value awareness, and design principles while gaining confidence with the medium and magic of watercolor.
140 lb. watercolor block or single sheets of Fabriano paper, any size; other preferences, hot, cold, soft press
2 brushes: one large ROUND POINT #10 and #6. Can be sable synthetic or any other watercolor brush
Large jar or plastic container for water with lid.
Roll of paper towels
Tube paints of student grade (Cotman) or professional grade.
Start with primary colors:
Cobalt blue
Alizarin Crimson
Aurelian (yellow)
Add later:
Burnt Sienna
Permanent Sap Green
Violet
Palette with lid for paints and mixing colors
Erasers, pencils, and notebook
Table easel to prop paper on an angle
Spray bottle for water spritzing (optional)
Spring 3B | Drawing and Painting I and II (Hybrid; online and outside)
Enjoy painting, drawing or a combination of both. Beginners will be taught how to “see” and not just look. Questions like “where do I start?” will be answered. You will learn what makes an interesting composition, how to shade, and how to give your pictures character and depth. Beginning painters will learn color theory and mixing, how to handle paint, composition and basic techniques. More advanced students will continue to hone their skills through a combination of painting from real life as well as the classic method of artistic learning: copying from other artworks (including paintings and photography). Demonstrations and individual instruction will be given to each student. You will progress at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere.
Students may choose to participate in both the online and in-person classes, or may opt to only particpate in the in-person classes.
Disposable palette pad
Canvas pad (approximately 12 x 15”), OR two small canvases: Make sure the canvas pad says " REAL " canvas
Paper Towels (Bounty is good)
1 Can (for water or turpenoid)
1 Can turpenoid only. NOT Turpentine.
Brushes – sizes 4, 6, 8 to begin
Oil Paint Colors: White, Black, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow, French Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna.
Spring 4B | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond (Online)
This class is for students who want to learn the basics of oil painting and for those who are already familiar with the medium and want to improve their skill level. The topics covered will be composing a picture, observing color relationships, mixing color, and application of paint. There will be lots of hands-on help in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
Spring 6 | Botanical Illustration (Outside)
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers with the free flow of watercolor. Students will sharpen their observational skills, create interesting compositions, and develop ways of mixing and layering color to encourage self-expression. Demonstrations will be given with a lot of individual attention.
Drawing paper to begin: 9” x 12” drawing pad (approximate Size) is good
Watercolor paper for a longer painting, either 8x10 or 11x14 in size
Pencils for drawing: 2B, 4B, 6B, HB
Erasers: kneaded are great
Watercolor pencils and a watercolor set
Fine watercolor brushes (it is great to have a few very fine and medium brushes)
Spring 8 | Portrait Drawing and Painting (Online)
This class will guide students in a process of learning how to achieve a likeness in a portrait drawing and painting. The instructor will provide weekly demonstrations recreating Old Master portrait drawings, paintings and photographs of models. Students will spend time every week on basic exercises to develop fundamental skills and learn how likeness is created through head structure and the relationship of features. Understanding of light and shadow will be emphasized as well as achieving illusions of different textures such as hair, skin and fabrics. Time will be given during class for individual instruction to help students develop their drawings or paintings in class and as homework assignments (homework is optional).
Pencils, #’s HB, 2B, 4B and 8B
Vine Charcoal, Soft
Kneaded Eraser
Drawing Pad, 12” x 16” or 14” x 18” or equivalent size
Spring 9 | Painting Over the Line (Online)
Develop your abilities with abstraction. Explore lively brushwork, color relationships and layering, harmony and contrast, and mood. Work from imagination, pictures, or other means to find your voice and visual language. Discover how to work intuitively and how imperfections and accidents can be used as opportunities. Individual support and examples from contemporary artists will serve to broaden and inform your understanding of innovative painting.
Here is a list of supplies you will need for class:
- Acrylic colors preferred but oil is ok if it is what you use.
- Colors: black, white, red, blue, yellow and any other colors you have.
- Acrylic Gel medium for fixing charcoal.
- Gloss and or Mat medium for acrylic (Turpenoid for oil).
- Brushes – various sizes, round and flat, up to 1 ½-inch depending on canvas size.
- Charcoal, pencils and any other drawing materials you have, including acrylic markers.
- Rags for cleaning and applying colors.
- 3 to 5 canvases, stretched or unstretched, larger is better. You may start 20 to 30 inches or bigger. Paper is ok too.
- Palette & palette knives.
- Jars or plastic containers for mixing and saving paints.
- A lot of enthusiasm!
Summer 1 | Studio Oil Painting (Inside)
In this class, students use photographs as source material to organize and create a painting. Designed to help students execute a painting of their own subject matter, the class focuses on composition, perspective, color mixing, and painting techniques. Students may devote the entire session to one piece or work on multiple pieces. Individual instruction is given during each session.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
Summer 2 | Magic in Watercolor (Online)
This watercolor class will enrich those looking for renewed inspiration and insights into new ways of thinking. Step by step demonstrations and easy to learn methods will appeal to beginners as well as more advanced artists. Sharpen your observation skills, color and value awareness, and design principles while gaining confidence with the medium and magic of watercolor.
140 lb. watercolor block or single sheets of Fabriano paper, any size; other preferences, hot, cold, soft press
2 brushes: one large ROUND POINT #10 and #6. Can be sable synthetic or any other watercolor brush
Large jar or plastic container for water with lid.
Roll of paper towels
Tube paints of student grade (Cotman) or professional grade.
Start with primary colors:
Cobalt blue
Alizarin Crimson
Aurelian (yellow)
Add later:
Burnt Sienna
Permanent Sap Green
Violet
Palette with lid for paints and mixing colors
Erasers, pencils, and notebook
Table easel to prop paper on an angle
Spray bottle for water spritzing (optional)
Summer 3 | Introduction to Oil Painting and Beyond (Inside)
This class is for students who want to learn the basics of oil painting and for those who are already familiar with the medium and want to improve their skill level. The topics covered will be composing a picture, observing color relationships, mixing color, and application of paint. There will be lots of hands-on help in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
Oil Colors
Yellow: cadmium yellow pale or indian yellow
Blue: cerulean blue, ultramarine
Red: cadmium red light, alizarin crimson
Green: sap green, viridian
Earth: raw umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre or transparent yellow oxide
White: titanium
Brushes: flat brushes in a variety of sizes; include a few soft, synthetic or sable, a few rounds and at least one 2" or larger soft, flat brush for glazing. Make sure these are not watercolor brushes.
Palette knife - flexible, cranked shaft at least 3in long.
Palette, wood or paper (toned gray paper is preferable)
Linseed oil
Turpenoid or odorless paint thinner - NOT TURPENOID NATURAL!
Containers for linseed oil and turpenoid
Stretched canvas/gessoed panel
Paper towels/painting rags
If using photos for source material, Students must provide their own photos.
Summer 4 | Exploring Abstraction Critiques (Online)
Supportive individual and group critiques will encourage growth and future exploration. Develop your artistic voice and learn how to create strong compositions, technical, and critical thinking skills. The choice of medium is up to each individual.
Summer 5 | Botanical Illustration (Inside)
Thursdays - Meets 2 times
Learn how to capture the variety of shapes, colors and forms of plants and flowers with the free flow of watercolor. Students will sharpen their observational skills, create interesting compositions, and develop ways of mixing and layering color to encourage self-expression. Demonstrations will be given with a lot of individual attention.
Drawing paper to begin: 9” x 12” drawing pad (approximate Size) is good
Watercolor paper for a longer painting, either 8x10 or 11x14 in size
Pencils for drawing: 2B, 4B, 6B, HB
Erasers: kneaded are great
Watercolor pencils and a watercolor set
Fine watercolor brushes (it is great to have a few very fine and medium brushes)
Summer 6 | Introduction to Landscape Painting in Woodmere's Gardens (Outside)
Discover new ways to depict the landscape. Be inspired by the gardens and beautiful grounds of Woodmere's six acres. Learn how to compose a scene and capture the colors, light, forms, and textures of summer mornings by focusing on Woodmere's pollinator garden and the birds, insects, and native plants it attracts, as well as a variety of majestic trees and plants that offer plenty of shade.
- Four canvases, 18”x24” https://www.dickblick.com/items/07140-1824/
- One set of acrylic paints: Blick set of 12 https://www.dickblick.com/items/01637-0129/
- Plastic palette knife set: https://www.michaels.com/plastic-palette-knife-set-by-artists-loft-6ct/10291166.html
- Palette tablet: https://www.michaels.com/strathmore-300-series-palette-paper-pad/M10012259.html?dwvar_M10012259_size=9%22%20x%2012%22
- Brushes: https://www.michaels.com/long-handle-gold-synthetic-paintbrush-set-by-artists-loft/10552919.html#
- Rags or paper towels, containers for water
